Royal Wedding Cakes

The big day had two cakes one chosen by Prince William and one chosen by the bride Catherine Middleton. Prince William's choice was made by the biscuit company McVities and Catherine's was made by Fiona Cairns

Prince William's Choice:

Guests at the royal reception indulged in a multi-tiered chocolate biscuit cake at the request of Prince William, who is said to have developed a soft spot for the treat. The newlyweds commissioned biscuit maker McVities to craft the chocolate creation after the Duke of Cambridge enjoyed eating the sweet treat as a child.

Guests were given a taste of nostalgia as the confectionery delight was offered as an alternative to the official wedding cake by Fiona Cairns.

Detailed with white chocolate water lilies, milk chocolate leaves and a mixture of white and milk chocolate feathers, the cake looked fit for the grand occasion. The flowers, which had white Malteser-shaped centres, were placed at the corner of each square and several were arranged aesthetically on top.

A smooth, crisp chocolate exterior encased the unbaked delight which was made from dark chocolate for added flavour, crushed rich tea biscuits and some undisclosed secret ingredients. McVities crafted the cake at one of its UK plants from a recipe received from Buckingham Palace kitchen chefs.

The company, now part of the United Biscuits Group, has made many of the wedding and christening cakes for members of the Royal Family since the marriage of George V to Queen Mary in 1893.

Catherine Middleton's Choice:

a traditional multitiered fruitcake with cream and white piping designed by prestigious British baker Fiona Cairns. Beginning in February, Cairns worked closely with the couple in secret on the concoction.

"Catherine wanted a traditional wedding cake with a modern twist," Cairns said.  To that end, Cairns and her team used "scroll work, lattice work, intricate piping techniques, sugar flowers" to decorate the treat.

"We've used Catherine's list of the 'language of flowers," Cairns added. "The 'language of flowers' is something that was used in Victorian times to express, in a coded way, emotions that couldn't easily or openly be expressed in words but [could be] conveyed in flowers. So all the flowers have meanings."

For example, the bridal rose symbolizes happiness, ivy leaves marriage, and "Sweet William" flowers, which represent gallantry.

Like any engaged couple, William and Kate tested several different flavors.

"We sent over samples of different fruitcake types and they picked their favorites and commented," she said.

Adds an insider, Catherine loved the design. "When Catherine saw the first sketches, she clapped. She is so excited. It's something she has always dreamed of."