Becoming a Judge at The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA)

If you’ve already seen my post on Instagram, you’ll know that I am absolutely thrilled (and honestly – still a little bit in disbelief) to share that I have been invited to join the judging panel for The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 in the Wedding Cake Design category. After two consecutive national wins at TWIA, this feels like such a full-circle moment. To now be part of the judging process – the very one I have put my heart and soul into entering for the last two years – is a true honour. Sitting on the panel alongside some of my greatest cake inspirations (people I’ve quietly admired for years) is a real pinch-me moment and one of the biggest milestones in my career.

 Winning Wedding Cake Designer of the Year at TWIA two years in a row wasn’t something that just happened. It took a huge amount of work, time and quite frankly, obsession. Anyone who knows me will know I really mean that! From the design process to delivering total cake perfection on the day itself, not to mention making sure my couples have the kind of experience that encourages them to vote and leave the incredible feedback that they did – I put everything I had into it. And the result didn’t just win me awards, but it helped my business to thrive in ways I could only have imagined!

Whether you’re new to TWIA or you’ve been quietly wanting to enter for years, here are a few tips to inspire you!

Understand the Process

The Wedding Industry Awards are unique in the sense that it combines client feedback with expert judging. Once you’ve entered your recent couples submit reviews, while judges assess your work using set criteria. I recommend taking the time to learn about the process to feel your most confident when entering.

It Opens Doors

From increasing your visibility in the wedding industry to media coverage, TWIA offers you the opportunity to have your work put in front of people who matter, whether that’s PR or potential couples. It’s the perfect way to battle imposter syndrome, by validating your place in the industry and showing couples not only are you talented, but you should be trusted too.

Most Importantly, Be Authentic

It may well sound cheesy but be authentic. If I can offer one key piece of advice, it’s to not enter as who you think they want to see. Be completely, unapologetically you. The judges (myself now included!) are looking for originality, consistency, heart, commitment and confidence. Basically, they want to see you for who you are! Over the years as a luxury wedding cake designer, I have learnt to feel comfortable being myself in the wedding industry, without feeling the need to follow trends or tradition. This is your sign to let your true self shine through!

 I’m beyond proud to be able to contribute to this process going forwards. I know exactly what it takes to enter - including the nerves, the excitement and the sheer emotion behind it all. And I promise to bring that understanding into every entry I have the privilege of judging.

To everyone – family, couples, peers – who has supported me on this journey. THANK YOU! Here’s to the next chapter at Cake Design by Holly Miller, judge’s pen in hand.