INTERVIEW WITH WEDDING CAKE GURU SYLVIA WEINSTOCK

Cake Legend

BIIG recently spoke with legendary cake designer, Sylvia Weinstock; a woman whose masterpieces have graced the tables of numerous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Charlie Sheen, and Eddie Murphy. Not only did Sylvia offer tips on choosing your wedding cake and cake designer, she also had words of infinite wisdom to offer surrounding the cake ceremony – and in our opinion, it is a refreshing shift in the way we schedule the wedding dinner. Here’s what transpired in a most enlightening conversation...

At Left: Yes, that is a wedding cake made to look like a wine crate.

BIIG: How do grooms generally react when meeting you and discussing cake design?

SYLVIA: This is the part of the wedding that they most look forward to. When they come to the store they are fully interested! They are most active in this part of the wedding because they love food, they love to eat, and they know what they like. What’s more is that they go beyond the typical chocolate-chocolate combination. One groom chose a combination of key lime, blood orange and coconut.

BIIG: When choosing a cake designer, what should clients be able to expect or look for?

SYLVIA: First off they should be approved by the Board of Health. The couple should view the facility where the cake is being made and ensure that the designer is reputable. I know of a time where a cake designer bailed on a couple because she said “I’m leaving on holiday.” The designer should have a proven track record. Also, the couple should taste and see the quality ingredients being used. In my opinion, the wedding cake is the main dessert at the wedding. The wedding cake ceremony should be the main event as well!

BIIG: I really like the idea of the cake ceremony as the main event. Could you speak more about it?

SYLVIA: The cake ceremony should really be the big event. It should come even before the guests sit down to dinner because you have their full attention. It’s a chance for you to say your thank you’s and it can be cut and plated while you are eating the main course. You can share the “sweetness” with them. As you are toasting and thanking, you are saying “you are the first guests with whom we share the sweetness of our marriage.” And the cake should be served right after the main course because it’s the main dessert!

BIIG: How do you design a cake for a couple?

SYLVIA: Well the couple tells me what kinds of patterns they prefer – do they want a more minimal look or modern design or do they prefer a more traditional round style with flowers? It’s all very individualized really. I ask the couple to tell me about themselves and I take that into consideration. It also depends on the number of people. We do offer mini cakes that can be served individually but that seems to work better for second marriages or luncheons. The cakes are made no more than 48 hours before the wedding.

About Sylvia Weinstock’s cakes

All of Sylvia’s cakes are custom designed and created based on the specifications made with clients while in consultation. Each masterpiece is made with only the best ingredients. There are even 18 types of filling and icing to choose from! The cakes are adorned with hand crafted flowers, modern lines, and much, much more. They need to be seen to be appreciated so log onto www.SylviaWeinstock.com to get a glimpse of Sylvia’s remarkable designs – all done with the stroke of butter cream! Fantastic!

email a friend