• There are many ingredients that make a wedding day special – and as the type-A personality planner knows, each one has been thought, jotted down and researched to the nine. The metaphorical cherry of a gorgeous day, of course, goes on top of the cake. The wedding cake might seem to the onlooker as a minor detail, but it is the creme-de-la-creme part of the loving celebration that says ‘I can have my cake and eat it too.’

    In 2022, the world of wedding cakes considers itself as part of the more imaginative eras of love.

    The pandemic played its tune of course, as lockdown encouraged many to tap into more creative styles and baking wonders.

    Here are 9 wedding cake trends we can’t wait to take a bite of in 2022:

    Pearl Wedding Cakes 

    Pinterest

    Pearls can truly dress up any aesthetic – from veils to icing finishes. Glistening white sugar pearls are set to grace many weddings in 2022, and the best part is that they go with any icing colour. Whether they are dotted along the various tiers, crisscrossed or used to dote the centre of a pressed or frosted flower bud, sugar pearls are a luxurious finish to play up or epitomise your wedding.

    Bas Relief Detailing 

    Pinterest

    Upon hearing the term ‘Bas Relief’ you’d be forgiven for wondering if your cake will have anything to do with the art of sculpting – as this artistic technique is where the term is borrowed from. As it is in the world of sculpting, bas relief refers to a pattern raised or projected from its surface. The technique makes for fabulous intricate designs and is the perfect ode to Roman art in centuries gone by. If you have a flair for ancient art styles and want to bring that same artistic energy to your wedding, this is the perfect cake trend to get excited about. Pro tip: The technique is most effective when the detailing and the icing are the same colour.

    Geode Wedding Cakes 

    Pinterest

    If you are someone who carries crystals around at any given time, you’ll definitely be on the right path with Geode Wedding Cakes. Create the illusion of rock formations with hidden gems inside – namely candy crystals that you can eat. Geode wedding cakes are one of the more unique cake trends to try, but the effort of such intricacy on a special day is always worth it. Not sure which gemstone to mimic? Rose Quartz are the gemstones most linked to love, and the baby pink hues will certainly be a show stopper.

    Small Wedding Cakes 

    Pinterest

    Sometimes less is far more lovely than more. The small wedding cake trend hopped onto the scene last year when many people opted not to postpone grand ceremonies, but to turn them into micro-weddings. It’s all the glamour, just on a smaller scale. Singl or double-tier wedding cakes are an ideal choice for the happy couple looking to actually finish their wedding cake – making it a top-tier choice for smaller weddings. The best part about small wedding cakes is that more effort can go into the design.

    Pressed Florals 

    Pinterest

    Fairytale wedding dreamers or those wishing for a garden wedding will love the pressed florals trend that has continued to remain popular throughout time. Simple and gorgeous, pressed flower wedding cakes can give either bohemian or luxurious energy, depending on the flower choices. For a bohemian feel, try pressed daisies, while if you want something a little more suave, try lavender assortments.

    Translucent Isomalt Designs 

    Pinterest

    They say that transparency is fundamental for any relationship, and so it comes as little surprise that translucent isomalt designs are on the rise in the era focused on communication in relationships. Isomalt is a medium that is often used to create clear art for cakes in a divine, sugary way. The cakes are art themselves, and the pale colour choices make for gorgeous colour blocking if you really want your wedding to be an extension of your bright personalities.

    Individual mini-cakes 

    Pinterest

    What about a wedding where everyone can have their own individual wedding cake? The mini-cakes trend is one of the most creative ways to limit contact and truly share the love. Whether you opt for individual cakes per table or for a cupcake assortment, this is the perfect way to ‘let them eat cake.’

    Impressionist Detailing 

    Cynzcakes

    The impressionst artistic era is easily one of the most bespoke in art. And now, the era of monet can feature on your special day. What does art taste like? Well, you’ll surely find out. The abstract-esque nature of these wedding cake creations is all-too delicious for a non-traditional wedding where creativity reigns.

    Drip Wedding Cakes

    Pinterest

    Drip cakes have been on the rise in popularity and endorsed by the likes of Martha Steward. Dressed in fun, its the perfect design that can be coupled with most others – from pearls to flower arrangements. These are some of the sweetest wedding cake designs hot in the wedding world right now and are well suited for the fun-loving couple who believe that cake should look like a dessert and not a sculpture.

    Feature Image: Pinterest

     

    Ryan Reynolds may be married to Blake Lively, but he’s the internet’s husband now. The Marvel actor has left women around the internet swooning after his adorable reaction to Blake’s colour-changing Versace dress.

    And deservedly so. The dress is a beautiful ode to the Statue of Liberty and the theme for the Gala titled: “Guilded Glamour.”

    The dress is perfect, mesmerising, beautiful, and a shiny example of glamour:

    The pictures of the dress “changing colour” is equally as beautiful, it’s hard not to see why anyone would have an awe-inspiring reaction:

    While it would’ve been incredible to see a dress changing colour before our  eyes, it was actually a top layer that was expertly removed by a crew of handy individuals half way up the stairs.

    Here’s a peek at the stunning reveal:

    And here’s a peek at Ryan’s adorable reaction:

    Talk about a fashion moment. We love a husband that supports his wife in all things!

    Feature Image: Met Gala 2022 Twitter

    If you’re planning to propose to your partner in Cape Town, you are in luck thanks to the beautiful scenery that Cape Town is blessed with. If you want to propose out in nature there is no shortage of beautiful locations for you to do so. Whether you take a drive out to the winelands or stay within the city, you will be spoiled for choice.

    Have a look at these 5 proposal spots that make use of nature to set the scene:

    Cape Point

    Take a drive out to Cape Point National Park to see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, and become one with your partner.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Bernadine Jeffrey (@berniejeffrey) on

    Lion’s Head

    Hike up lion’s head and take in the magical views from the top. You will certainly feel like you are on cloud 9 up there.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lions Head (@lionsheadct) on

    Kirstenbosch Gardens

    Plan a picnic in these lush gardens and take a walk on the Boomslang tree canopy walkway for panoramic views of the gardens and mountains.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jarat Tours (@jarattours) on

    Boulders Beach

    While there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Cape Town, Boulders beach, with its colony of African penguins, offers something a little extra to make the proposal that much more special.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by عبدالله الجمعة Abdullah (@aaljumah) on

    Vineyards

    The abundance of beautiful vineyards and accompanying restaurants makes it easy to choose just one to propose. Enjoy the delicious local wines and views of the vineyards.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Carol Byrne (@cannalletto) on

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Also read: Things to do in Cape Town

    I recently found myself planning my cousin’s bachelorette party. Let me tell you something, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure that the bride and her guests are happy. It’s definitely not as stressful as planning a whole wedding, but I found myself obsessively scrolling through social media in search of the biggest and best bachelorette ideas out there.

    Anything that would live up to all those Hollywood bachelorette tropes. Stripper – check. Dildos – check. You know the list. This got me thinking, are there any bachelorette party ideas that will have tongues wagging while stepping outside of the box?

    There sure are! If you’re looking to throw an unforgettable bachelorette that doesn’t include a stripper bumping and grinding on the bride-to-be, here are a few ideas that may get the inspiration flowing.

    Bubbles and Brushes

    If you’re searching for something that screams: This is a sophisticated bachelorette, then look no further than a day filled with painting and bubbles. There are a ton of spots across South Africa, including Paint and Sip which offers online classes too. This is a great way to unleash everyone’s inner creative!

    Picture: Pinterest

    Sail off into the sunset

    You don’t have to put on your clubbing shoes to have a good time, the open sea is all you need! If you live close to the ocean, you’ll find countless sunset cruises that are perfect for an early evening spent sipping on champagne and enjoying good food and music. Take it a step further and rent a yacht for a few hours. This will allow you to soak up the sun and get down in your swimsuits like nobody’s watching!

    Picture: Pinterest

    A pampering weekend

    It’s always about getting tipsy and downing as many shots as you can. If you’re looking to avoid a booze-filled weekend, opt for something a little more relaxing like a wellness weekend away to your favourite spot. There are some incredible wellness hotels around the country, including the Mount Grace Hotel and Spa in Magaliesberg which offers gorgeous views and wonderful spa treatments.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Tea Party anyone?

    Fancy dresses and fine china, if the bride-to-be can’t seem to get enough of either of these things, then opt for a sophisticated tea party. Grab the bride squad, adorable teacups, and delectable scones, and get the party started! There are plenty of hotels that offer a tea party experience, including the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. However, you can opt to re-create something of your own.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Splurge on a luxurious Airbnb

    Head to the mountains or the sea, but just make sure that you make it fancy! There’s nothing like enjoying the company of friends while sipping champagne and enjoying the views from your mansion. The best part is that you’ll be able to split the costs, ensuring that the bride has a relaxing and cost-free time! Don’t forget the games!

    Picture: Pinterest

    Feature Image: Pinterest