How to Order (or Bake) a Greener Wedding Cake

How green is the average wedding cake? If you've cut into a traditional multi-tiered confection, or a novelty handbag cake, then you know what's holding it together. Hint: the answer isn't chocolate ganache. It's plastic tubes, metal wires, plastic disks, and other surprises without which the delicate structure would probably fall apart. See, wedding cakes are impossible things—the beautiful span bridges of the pastry kitchen?edible architectures made possible by a system of inedible supporting cables that stretch from one end to another.

If you're dreaming of a faux-toppling Alice in Wonderland cake, few pastry chefs will be able to make it without the use of a hidden disposable frame. If you want to make do without, just ask your baker what sort of cake they could build for you sans Wolverine style skeleton. Tell them you want a cake that's entirely edible? No wire, no hot glue, no nothing. Just keep in mind that an unsupported cake means fewer dramatic tiers and less elaborate decorations unless you're ordering a French wedding cake - a structurally sound cream puff tower, glued together with dabs of caramel.

Keep reading to learn three other ways to green your dream wedding cake!