By Morgan Johnston
Photos by Iain Bagwell
Cake designs by Angel Cakes and Confections

Once upon a time there was an unspoken rule that dictated all wedding cakes must be three tiers of bleach-white purity inside and out, his and hers replicas atop, flowers and columns optional. Personal tastes, flavor preferences and color palettes were locked away like Cinderella in an attic of forbidden expression with no key in sight. Well keep an eye on the clock, look out for magical pumpkins and slip on your glass Manolos, ladies, because your fairy godmother has arrived.

Whatever your wedding-cake fantasy, now more than ever is the time to break free from the traditional conventions of matrimonial baked goods and let your individuality burst through every bite. Of course this newfound freedom may be overwhelming to some, so here are a few ideas to help inspire the cake of your dreams.

Option number one: excite your taste-buds. Even though the cake is one of the most anticipated aspects of the reception, wedding cakes are often a let-down in the flavor department. But with previously unheard of choices, today's bride can ensure a cake that will delight the tummy as well as the eye. Start by selecting a batter. Not a fan of white cake? Opt for amaretto pound, red velvet, chocolate fudge, banana nut, spice, carrot or your favorite family recipe. One of the hottest trends right now is to have a different flavor in each tier. This is a great way to please multiple people's tastes or to satisfy a case of your own indecision--which, by the way is your right as a woman, and certainly as a bride.

The next step is to find the right filling. Fruit, cream and mousse fillings can be layered or used separately in between layers to create a unique taste sensation. Choose from standards such as custard, apricot, white chocolate and mocha, or try newly popular varieties like maple, pomegranate or passion fruit. One trend right now is to add unexpected extras to fillings. For instance, if you drool over cookies and cream, have your baker add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to a vanilla cream, white chocolate or fudgey ganache. Refined pallets might request dried blueberries or pear pieces in creamy custard. Liquors such as Frangelico, amaretto and Kahlua have long been favorite additions to fillings. Consider using your favorite cocktail as a flavor inspiration. Keep in mind that the inner-beauty of your cake can be cleverly concealed by an elegant white exterior, if you prefer.

For the even more open-minded, however, there is option number two: show your style. Shape, texture, color, pattern and size are all variables open to manipulation. One trend is all about asymmetry. Layers can be slanting, sloping and uneven, incorporating rectangles, squares, circles--you name it. Try a different color on every tier with patterns in contrasting colors, or for a classy display of individuality, create your own pattern for each tier and use colors of minimal contrast such as off-white and beige or white and a faint cloud-blue. Monogramming, matching cake colors to bridesmaids' dresses and basing patterns and color schemes on trends in fabrics and interior design are all the rave right now. As seen on countless wedding and cooking shows on television, the use of fondant, a rolled covering, rather than spread-able icing, makes elaborate decorating infinitely easier. However, while fondant's seamless, smooth appearance and ease are indeed appealing, some find it less palatable than traditional whipped or buttercream icings.

Still not convinced to stray from tradition? If you desire the classic white wedding cake, let your husband-to-be go crazy with the groom's cake. Believe it or not, the infamous Bleeding Armadillo cake from Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias, is a popular request 17 years after the movie's release, while John Deere tractors, college mascots, beloved pets and adult beverage bottles all have quite a demand as well. Bakers are used to some strange requests these days.

The final word: this is your day. Whether you are a hardcore traditionalist or a matrimonial maverick, create the cake that expresses you best. And while we know the magic of your cake won't run out at midnight, the most important thing is that you live happily ever after--or at least until the last bite!

Send your emails to: editor@idoforbrides.com.