The Butter End Shares Its Approach to Artistic Wedding Cake Design
A slice of artistry takes shape from inspiration to reality with this conversation with Kimberly Bailey.
December 19, 2023
Kimberly Bailey, artist and owner of the renowned cake studio The Butter End in Los Angeles, opened her business 13 years ago and has been a regular on Food Network as both a judge and featured talent. She and her small team of artisans specialize in bespoke confections that range from chic two-tiered buttercream beauties to grand works of art. No matter the design, the main ingredient in every cake is the client. “For me, the design process is about finding out who they are as a couple and what is the vibe of the event,” says Bailey. Consequently, a tasting with The Butter End is also a collaborative session during which Bailey discovers what makes each person unique. “Any decent cake decorator can replicate a cake from a photo on Instagram or Pinterest,” explains Bailey. “At The Butter End, you have the opportunity to design a custom work of art.” And inspiration can come in any form: art, architecture, bridal dress lace, wedding mood boards, the invitation and more. Says Bailey, “I want to learn your style, your humor, your vision.”
The great thing about a wedding cake is that it can be a moment in and of itself, a commissioned work of art.
— Kimberly Bailey, The Butter End
Movement and nature are the tours de force behind this design, with hundreds of individual sugar leaves strewn together and swirled around this spectacular cake. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Bailey.
This tasty piece of contemporary art is textured with wafer and rice paper, and balanced asymmetrically on a custom (real) rock plateau. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Bailey.
