Summer's best treats and tips from Trophy Cupcakes and Party

• NEXT PHOTO

It's July, and we're in the midst of wedding season -- what better time to get the inside scoop on the hottest wedding dessert around? We talked with Jennifer Shea, founder of Trophy Cupcakes and Party. Here are her tips for the perfect summer cupcake party:

SB: What should brides keep in mind when picking cupcake flavors and looking to please more than one guest's palate preference?  

JS: Stick to simple flavor combinations, and the ones you and your groom love most. One of the best things about serving cupcakes is that guests have options. When serving regular wedding cake, attendees don't usually get to pick their flavor. Instead, everyone is served the same dessert, a sure way for cake to be wasted if a guest tries a bite and ends up not liking it. We recommend not picking more than three or four flavors total for serving: One or two that are more on the 'safe' side -- or that most guests will like -- and one or two that guests won't expect. This way, attendees won't feel overwhelmed with choices, but still get to indulge in their flavor(s) of choice.

SB: What are your favorite flavors for weddings during summer months? 

JS: We love incorporating fresh berries and fruit like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries, making for the perfect seasonal dessert that's refreshing on top of delicious.

SB: How does Trophy recommend displaying the little masterpieces?  

JS: Cakes are often the most exciting thing in a reception space or room, and a cupcake display should have that same impact. Cupcakes should look as yummy as they taste, and frostings that are too bright often take away from the edible appeal of these little morsels. Let your cupcakes speak for themselves. Add pops of color in unexpected, less-pronounced places, using garnishes, ribbon and other creative trimmings (including pages from classic novels, which the team at Trophy used to decorate one three-tiered cake stand  for a recent "book-lover" theme wedding).

SB: Any tips for keeping treats at their best for outdoor, summer events?  

JS: Always place cupcakes and desserts in a shaded spot, out of direct sunlight. Look for areas under trees (where debris won't blow) or beneath a tent.

For more information, call or email Trophy's Wedding and Special Events team at 206.390.0900 or weddings@trophycupcakes.com.