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Destination Weddings
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Around the World in 13 Cakes
A global baker's dozen of tasty travel-inspired wedding day desserts
Forget traveler’s checks—these days it's all about traveler's treats, with brides choosing fanciful cakes inspired by the local customs and traditions of their destination wedding locations. From a confection topped off with an edible Indian elephant to a Hawaiian cake decorated with "bamboo" made from sugar, these cakes are sure to add a sweet touch to your faraway celebration. Not breaking out your passport until after the big day? A cake that takes a cue from a favorite trip with your groom (or even hints at your honeymoon destination) is still a great way to add an exotic element to a hometown wedding. —Kathryn Papanek
This vibrant cake is topped off with keepsake ceramic Asian toppers provided by the bride and groom. The chocolate gauche cake's orange- and pink-hues were specially designed to match the couple's wedding colors. Jacques Fine European Pastries, jacquespastries.com.
Pachyderm Perfection
Jewel-like tones of saffron, burgundy and purple provide a rich background for the intricately piped and gilded traditional Indian patterns on this pistachio spice cake. A menagerie of hand-sculpted sugar animals includes an Indian elephant, monkey and crane. Elizabeth Hodes Custom Cakes & Sugar Art, elizabethhodes.com.
Cubist Confection
This homage to Picasso is made-to-order for a modern Spanish wedding. The three-tier cake recreates the artist’s “Seated Woman with a Wrist Watch” in hand painted edible colors. Chocolaz Artisan Cakes, chocolaz.com.
Sweet Safari
Take a walk on the wild side with this African-themed cake. The five-tier square confection features an umbrella thorn tree (commonly pictured in African landscapes), painted sunset background and blown sugar sun. Cake Alchemy, cakealchemy.com.
Having a Ball
Recall the majesty and romance of a bygone era with this fantastical four-tier cake. Inspired by the theatrical costume balls of 16th century Venice, the cake is adorned with gum paste figures (crafted from photographs of the couple in their wedding attire), gold-trimmed peonies and orchids and shimmering crystal beads. Cake Opera Co., cakeoperaco.com.
Island Ingredients
Featuring Samoan and Filipino tribal designs, this cake marries the bride and groom’s heritages in a fresh, contemporary style, Cakelava, cakelava.com.
French Connection
Why not choose a cake that’s inspired by the place where you said “I will”? This chic lemon cake was designed for a couple who became engaged at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Jacques Fine European Pastries, jacquespastries.com.
Divine Desserts
Opulent Old World colors reflect the beauty of Greece on this black, gold and silver fondant cake. Sugar gemstones and a “pillow” topper complete the elegant design. Sedona Cake Couture, sedonacakes.com.
A Labor of Love
If you’re marrying in Hawaii, be sure to integrate local touches into your wedding—like this creative bamboo wedding cake. Bamboo, which is grows throughout the islands, inspired the handcrafted decorations on this intricate design—the cake took over 24 hours to create. Cakelave, cakelava.com.
A Drummer’s Dessert
Marrying in the Caribbean? This vanilla fondant cake will make a harmonious addition to the festivities. Two fondant drums constitute the cake portion of the confection, while gum paste maracas and hibiscus flowers complete the stylish island theme—even the “straw” hat is edible. Austin Sweet Treats, austinsweettreats.com.
In Good Spirits
Perfect for a bride who is marrying at a vineyard, this fresh, light-hearted fondant cake is decorated with sugar daffodils, tulips, lily of the valley, strawberries and wine grapes. Natashas Mulberry and Mott, natashasmulberryandmott.com.
Natural Selection
A handcrafted Hawaiian monstera leaf cascade acts as the focal point on this green fondant wedding cake. Cakelava, cakelava.com.
Paradise Found
Chocolate draping and gold sugar gems take a cue from the dramatic shades of the island on this Jamaican-themed cake. The smaller individual cakes make sweet send-offs for your guests. Sedona Cake Couture, sedonacakes.com.
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Off you go!
Everything you need to know, do and pack for your destination wedding
Set the tone with a fabulous wedding dress
Create your pre-destination to-do list
Your A to Z guide to destination weddings
Find last-minute travel deals
Real Away Weddings
Alessandra and Jason in Italy
Megan and Ben in Jamaica
Suelyn and Julien in France
Jodi and Aaron in Mexico
Ulrica and Craig in Sweden
Your Wedding Style
Stylish save-the-dates
Inspired invitations
Destination-themed details
Welcome gifts for your guests
Etiquette Tips
Covering costs for your guests
How much info goes on the invitation?
Transporting your dress
Do we have to hang with our guests post-wedding?
What about the people we didn't invite?
Say "I Do" by the Sea
The Caribbean
Barbados
Turks & Caicos
Mexico
Your Travel Checklist
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