Choosing The Perfect Wedding Cake: Any Flavor, Any Style

Wedding cakes are a long-standing tradition, but couples are increasingly opting for alternative desserts to mark their special day. From ice cream to doughnuts, cookies, and even a chocolate fountain, there are no limits to the sweet treats you can serve at your wedding.

If you're keen to stick to tradition, there are ways to make your wedding cake unique, from choosing unusual flavours to adding decorative touches. But if you're not a fan of cake, there's no need to feel pressured into having one. Ultimately, it's your day, so go with whatever option sounds good to you!

Wedding cake alternatives

There are many alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. Here are some ideas:

Individual Treats

• Macarons
• Cupcakes
• Mini pies or tarts
• Cake pops
• Cookies
• Donuts
• Brownies
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Parfait shooters
• Mini cheesecakes
• Waffles
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Ice cream cones
• Gelato
• Churros
• Cream puffs
• Eclairs
• Cannolis
• Cake truffles
• Cakelettes
• Cake slices

Whole Cakes

• Oreo tower
• Rice Krispie treat cake
• Bundt cake
• Millefoglie
• Croquembouche
• Tiramisu
• Apple strudel
• Crepes
• Ice cream cake
• Tres leches cake
• Carrot cake
• Chocolate cake
• Funfetti cake
• Fruit cake
• Cheese cake
• Pancake cake
• Waffle cake
• Heart-shaped custard cake
• Steak and potatoes cake

Displays

• Donut wall
• Charcuterie board
• Cheese wheel cake
• Dessert table
• Candy table
• Cookie table
• Ice cream sundae bar
• Chocolate mousse
• Cake pops display
• Cupcake display
• Macaron display

Other

• Ice cream truck
• Breakfast or brunch options
• Savoury options

Cake size and aesthetics

The size of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including your budget, the number of guests, and the role of the cake at your wedding. If you are planning to serve the cake as a dessert, you will need enough for each guest. However, if the cake is more for show or will be served alongside other desserts, you can order less.

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding cake. The cost of a wedding cake can vary from $3 to $20 per slice or more, so it is important to consider your budget when deciding on the size and style of your cake. If you have a large number of guests but want the look of a large, multi-tiered cake, you can opt for a layer or two of "fake cake" to reduce the number of servings. Alternatively, you can serve additional desserts or a plated dessert to reduce the amount of cake needed.

When deciding on the size of your cake, it is also important to consider the aesthetics and overall design of your wedding. The cake should complement your wedding style, colour scheme, and venue. If you have a specific theme or colour palette, you can incorporate this into the cake design. You can also use decorations such as fresh flowers, cake toppers, or fondant details to enhance the look of your cake.

It is recommended to finalise the basic details of your wedding, such as the guest count, venue, theme, and colour scheme, before the cake tasting and design consultation. This will ensure that your cake is compatible with the overall style and theme of your wedding.

When it comes to cutting the cake, there are a few different methods to consider. The box method involves cutting straight lines across the entire cake, resulting in neat slices. Another option is the wedge method, where you cut an inch into the cake and then make a connecting cut to create a wedge. Regardless of the method, it is important to clean your knife regularly to ensure smooth slices.

Cake timing

Ordering the Cake

It is recommended to order your wedding cake at least six months in advance, especially if you plan to get married during peak wedding season. Ordering early ensures availability and gives you time to find another baker if needed. Finalising other wedding details, such as the dress, venue, and caterer, before ordering the cake can also be beneficial.

Cutting the Cake

The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony can depend on your preferences and cultural or religious traditions. Traditionally, cutting the cake signalled the end of the reception, indicating to guests that they could leave. However, today, it is common to cut the cake earlier, usually towards the end of dinner and just before dancing begins. This timing allows older guests to depart if they wish and ensures that your photographer can capture the moment.

If you want to ensure your guests stay for the entire reception, consider cutting the cake before dinner and serving it as dessert. Alternatively, you can cut the cake early and have the catering team serve it after dinner.

Serving the Cake

After cutting the cake, the remainder will be cut and served by the caterers or venue staff. It is important to communicate with your caterers about the timing and ensure they know how many slices to cut and how big each slice should be.

If you want to avoid leftovers, instruct your planners and coordinators to have the cake cut early and served as dessert. You can also provide favour boxes for guests who want to take slices home.

Cake-cutting techniques

There are a few different techniques for cutting a wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

Before the wedding day, decide whether you want to cut your cake into a wedge or box shape. If you're planning to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, let your caterers know in advance.

Positioning

On the day, position yourselves so that one of you is standing closest to the cake, with your dominant hand holding the knife. The other person should stand behind, placing their hand on top of yours.

Cutting

Cut about an inch into the bottom tier of the cake. Avoid making a sawing motion, as this will cause the cake to crumble. If you want a square-shaped piece, make a parallel cut about one to two inches over. For a wedge-shaped piece, make two diagonal cuts into the cake. The piece should be at least two bites' worth of cake for you and your partner.

Serving

Slide a server under the piece of cake and gently place it on a plate. Traditionally, the couple feeds the first slice of cake to each other, symbolising their commitment to providing for one another.

The Rest of the Cake

After the couple has cut the first slice, the catering staff will take over and bring the cake back to the kitchen to slice for the rest of the guests. Alternatively, they may cut a sheet cake version of the wedding cake, which is more common for larger parties.

Top Tips

• Practise beforehand with the groom's cake.
• Choose a good position for photos, with a clean backdrop.
• Use a suitable cutting knife.
• Ask your cake baker or caterer for instructions before making the first cut.
• If you want to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, wrap it in multiple layers of cling film and put it in a sealed container in the freezer.

Saving leftovers

During the Wedding

To avoid having too many leftovers, it's a good idea to cut the cake early on during the reception. This ensures that your guests know that the cake is being served and gives them a chance to enjoy it. If you want to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, be sure to let your baker and caterer know in advance. This way, they can provide a box for the top tier and avoid serving it by mistake.

Storing Leftovers

If you have a lot of cake leftover, consider serving it at a post-wedding brunch or gathering while friends and family are still in town. If you want to freeze the leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

There are endless possibilities for using up leftover wedding cake! Here are some ideas:

• Cake pops or truffles: Mix leftover cake with frosting, shape into balls, and coat with chocolate or candy melts.
• French toast: Soak cake slices in an egg batter and griddle until toasted.
• Ice cream mix-ins: Fold cake crumbs into softened ice cream or blend with ice cream and milk for a milkshake.
• Trifle: Layer cake crumbs with fruit, custard, and other ingredients.
• Bread pudding: Cube the cake and soak it in a custard mixture before baking.
• Pie crust: Use cake crumbs instead of cookie crumbs in a pie crust recipe.
• Brownies: Crumble leftover cake into brownie batter for added flavour and texture.
• Ice cream cake: Layer sliced cake with your favourite ice cream flavours.
• Cake croutons: Dehydrate cake in the oven and serve as part of a dessert fruit salad.
• Milkshakes: Blend cake and frosting with milk and other ingredients for a delicious milkshake.

Frequently asked questions