By Shelby Clark Petkus
Plan your perfect day at the Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo, April 12 at the Southfield Civic Pavilion.
One of the most talked about things after a wedding is the cake. Was it good? Bad? Was it a sheet cake from a grocery store? Was there even cake?
There a few ways to make sure your cake is remembered fondly: bring a little gay to it.
1. Rainbow
Though it may seem like an obvious move, incorporating the all-inclusive coloring of the LGBT rainbow can be a "tasteful" nod to LGBT rights and culture. Many bakers are familiar with the concept of "layering" different colored batter on top of each other to form the multi-color layers. If you're making the cake yourself, look into the many tutorials online for "patterned" cakes. Brightly colored cake a bit too much? Opt for the subtleness of multicolored blossoms to accent a traditionally white or ivory cake.
2. Use an Openly LGBT or LGBT-Friendly Baker
It seems like there's yet another case of a wedding vendor refusing to serve an LGBT couple in the news every week. Support accepting bakers and keep money away from intolerant businesses. BTL offers their Pride Source Yellow Pages to help you track down an accepting baker who works in the metro-Detroit, Ann Arbor and Windsor, ON areas.
3. Invest in Same-Sex Wedding Toppers
Don't get turned off from the heteronormative offerings from many mainstream wedding vendors. Multiple options exist online. Check out Etsy for independent artists who can make toppers that look like you and your partner. TwoBrides.com and TwoGrooms.com are also good resources for same-sex wedding toppers.
4. Nix the Groom's Cake
The groom's cake originated in Victorian England and made it's way to the American South before taking over the whole US wedding market in recent years. The groom cake essentially served as the cake to be cut for groomsmen and bridesmaids. If you bristle at the term "groom," plan on going without attendants, or see no reason to keep up this tradition, stick with the main wedding cake. Or alter the tradition even further–include two groom's cakes or two bride's cakes. Afterall, who doesn't want more cake?
5. Nix the Cake Completely
Many LGBT couples choose to go the non-traditional route after years of the term "traditional marriage" being used to take away LGBT rights. In light of more offbeat ventures, such as different clothing, food, and more, bring it to the cake, as well! Opt for more individual items, such as cupcakes or cake pops for guests, or break away from cake altogether. Pies, donuts and donut holes are some of the many different dessert choices landing on LGBT wedding dessert tables.
