A Piece of Cake: Meet The UAE’s Wedding Cake Couturier
Brides with a sweet tooth can rest assured – your wedding cake dreams are in the best hands with the UAE’s cake couturier, Lori Hutchinson
Lori Hutchinson’s wedding cakes are the equivalent of confectionery couture. So detailed, delicious and divinely designed each masterpiece looks make believe, but in reality they’re works of edible art in handcrafted form. The Canadian cake artiste launched The Caketress (@thecaketress) in 2008 in Toronto, and now whips up tiered, multicoloured extravaganzas from her base in Dubai, that are “tailored as carefully as a bride’s custom gown.” For brides-to-be daunted by the wedding cake process and unsure of where to start, Lori has some wise words of advice – from flavours and themes to cutting the cake etiquette.
Design, Theme & Style
When choosing your wedding cake, think beyond just the design – consider how it fi ts in the space. Size, scale and colour matter a lot. I believe your cake should catch eyes from across the room, while its beautiful details draw guests in for a closer look. Th e cake table is like a stage that gives your cake the perfect spotlight and that extra wow factor. Great lighting can make all the difference, highlighting those delicate touches. And don’t forget – using secondary colours can help your cake pop against the venue’s décor. At the end of the day, your cake should be a stunning centrepiece that feels totally you.
Ingredients, Flavours & Fillings
This is where you can truly make a sentimental statement. I love creating custom cake flavours for each couple – almost any sweet flavour can be artfully incorporated into fillings or Swiss meringue. Many couples worry about playing it safe with basic flavours to please everyone, but I encourage them to have fun and make it personal. Your wedding cake is a celebration, so why not bring your favourite dessert fl avours to life in a unique and delicious way? It’s all about creating a cake that tastes as special as it looks.
Siza, Servings & Structure
Timing is key. If the cake is served as a plated dessert to complete the meal, you’ll want enough to serve your full guest count. But if the cake is brought out later in the evening – say, during dancing or cocktail hour – you can usually plan for about half your guests to enjoy a slice. This helps ensure the cake is perfectly sized and nothing goes to waste.
Customisation & Personalisation
Customisation is how your cake becomes a true reflection of your love story. I encourage couples to infuse their personalities and meaningful details – whether it’s colours, textures or special motifs. A cake should never feel like a trend; it’s a unique centrepiece that tells your story. By collaborating closely, I ensure every detail is authentic and personal, creating something both beautiful and meaningful.
Cutting the Cake Etiquette
The cake-cutting moment is truly special but can be challenging to capture perfectly amid the flashes and excitement. I often suggest arranging a brief, staged cut with your photographer beforehand – this allows for timeless, editorial-style images without the pressure of the moment. Additionally, consider selecting a beautiful cake knife set – perhaps an heirloom or a classic piece from renowned houses like Tiff any&Co. or Christofle. Th is not only adds a touch of sophistication to your celebration but also becomes a cherished keepsake to mark anniversaries for years to come.
Saving The Cake
I don’t recommend freezing the top tier, as that tradition stems from fruitcakes with high alcohol content, which preserve well over time. For sponge cakes, freezing often aff ects texture and fl avour. Instead, I suggest ordering a small cake each year to celebrate your anniversaries – a fresh, delicious way to keep the celebration going without compromising quality.
Logistics & Timings
Couture cake design is a detailed, handcrafted process and an art form that requires thoughtful planning. I recommend securing your cake booking once your venue and wedding planner are confirmed. The design process typically begins three to four months before the wedding, followed by a tasting about one month out to finalise flavours. Th e tailored designs I specialise in often take weeks to a month to create, with intricate sugar flowers and bespoke edible details. Every step is curated to ensure a seamless and luxurious experience from start to finish.
Budgeting
When budgeting for your wedding cake, it’s important to remember you’re investing in a piece of edible art. Th e cost reflects not only the ingredients but the time, craftsmanship and bespoke details that make each cake unique. I encourage couples to be clear about their budget early on – this helps guide the design process and ensures we create something stunning within your means. Prioritising quality over quantity, and focusing on meaningful customisation, often leads to the most memorable and beautiful cakes.
Wedding Cake Trends for 2025
There’s a beautiful resurgence of intricate, historical techniques like Lambeth-style piping, often combined with fresh, modern designs to create rich texture and detail. Alongside this, we’re seeing bold new approaches like long, single-tier centrepiece cakes or multiple cakes designed together instead of a traditional tiered cake. Th at said, a classic white wedding cake done in a timeless, sentimental way remains an enduring favourite. Ultimately, the most timeless cake is one that truly reflects the couple’s style – it’s the only trend that truly lasts.
Lead Image Supplied by Daniella Bapista
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Bride Autumn/Winter 2025 Issue.