I am doing my first show in June this year and I don't have a single dummy yet. I just booked it 2 weeks ago, the day I found out about it. They have about 2000 people, and had about 500 brides last year.

I was wondering if some of you folks who do a lot of wedding cakes could share some of the most popular cakes you are doing this year, specifically the cakes later in the year? Or just the style, I guess! I have read every thread on here regarding shows that I can find. I just don't want to spend time doing a bunch of out dated dummies.

So far, I think I need to do something with the Billowing technique and some with bling. And I see more piping coming back "in". I want to do some bright and some monochromatic and a pure white... I want to try to do at least 8 to have people come in and check them out.

Also, for my buttercream should I spend the money on the fake stuff made for the job or would unflavored criscocream work well enough?

Thanks so much, in advance![/u]

Anna, here are a couple of predictions of what is going to be hot this year (looks like vintage looks are going to be especially popular):

Vintage, sequins, ombre color palettes, and peonies:
http://www.bellethemagazine.com/2011/12/wedding-trends-2012-part-1.html

Tangerine color palettes: http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/22028.html

Cake trends predictions from J'Adore Cakes: http://jadorecakesco.blogspot.com/2011/03/2012-wedding-cake-trends.html

Fancy, simple, fruity, and cake buffets:
http://www.austintaylorevents.com/weddingplannerblog/guest-post/2012-wedding-cake-trends/

Personally, the trend I've seen for the last couple of years now is smaller weddings with more than one cake, which aren't decorated as much as a traditional wedding cake. When I got married two years ago, we opted for a "cake buffet" with about five different types of cake so that people could have a choice and even have more than once slice if they wanted. People seemed to really like it and to my surprise, the white cake was the least favorite, while vintage flavors--German chocolate and brown sugar oatmeal--were the overwhelming favorites!

Good luck with your bridal show--let us know how it goes!

Thank you pinkfluffy! Tangerine... My most popular cake I do often was originally done in tangerine!

I am old, I call ombré monochromatic. Lol. I suppose I need to practice calling it ombré so I can sound a little more "hip" with the trendy young brides

I already have a couple orders for lace cakes and was really inspired by the lace dresses. Just gorgeous!

But do brides follow what the trendy people say the will? Are there any bakers that are seeing anything different?