Tasting Wedding Cakes: A Guide To Finding Your Dream Cake

Wedding cake tasting is an important part of wedding planning. It can be done virtually or in-person, and it's a chance for couples to meet with their cake baker or caterer to discuss and sample different cake, frosting, and filling combinations. It's also an opportunity to talk about the design, size, and price of the cake. Couples should come prepared with a budget, any food restrictions or allergies, and design ideas or inspiration. It's recommended to book a tasting six to twelve months in advance and to limit the number of people who attend to avoid too many conflicting opinions. Bakers usually charge a fee for a tasting, and this can vary, so it's important to ask about the price beforehand.

Research bakeries and flavours

Researching bakeries and flavours is an important step in choosing your wedding cake. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Research Different Bakeries

It is unlikely that you will be able to book a tasting with every local bakery, so it is important to research and find a baker that suits your style, budget, and location. Take the time to review their portfolio, read reviews from other couples, and reach out with any questions. The more information you gather before committing to a vendor, the better!

Schedule Your Appointment

When scheduling your wedding cake tasting, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to fully enjoy the experience. Give yourself at least one to two hours so that you won't feel rushed and can savour every moment. This will give you enough time to try all the flavours and combinations, ask questions about ingredients and cake structure, and take notes to remember each detail of your favourite cakes.

Bring a List of Questions

Before heading to the cake tasting, make a list of questions to ask the baker. Some things to consider include flavours, pricing, delivery options, and customisation. Here are some example questions:

• What type of cakes do you offer?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you offer any organic or gluten-free options?
• Can I customise the cake with different flavours and decorations?
• What kind of ingredients do you use?
• Do you provide delivery services?
• Are there any additional fees for custom orders?
• How many servings does a standard cake serve?
• What is your process for ordering cakes?

Taste a Variety of Flavours

Even if you have your heart set on a classic flavour like vanilla, your tasting is the perfect time to explore different flavour combinations. Be sure to try both classic and unique flavours to see what you like best. After all, you can combine a classic cake flavour with a fun filling, or you may even be able to choose a few different flavours for each tier!

Prepare to Take Notes

Bring a notepad and pencil to take notes on the different cakes you try. Write down the flavours, textures, and your overall impression of each cake. This will help you compare and contrast the options when it's time to make a decision. Don't forget to take a few photos of the cakes you love, so that you can refer back to them when making your final decision.

Schedule an appointment

Scheduling a wedding cake tasting is an important step in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you schedule your appointment:

Research Different Bakeries

Start by researching different bakeries in your area that offer wedding cake tastings. Take the time to review their portfolios, read reviews from other couples, and consider their style, budget, and location before booking an appointment. The more information you gather ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to make a decision.

Allow Enough Time

When scheduling your appointment, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to fully enjoy the experience. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours so that you can savour every moment, try all the flavours and combinations, and ask any questions you may have. This will also give you the opportunity to discuss the design and size of your cake, as well as any other customisations you may want.

Book in Advance

It is recommended to book your cake tasting 6-12 months in advance of your wedding date, especially if you are using a baker that is not affiliated with your caterer or venue. Some bakers may also have specific tasting days or limited availability, so it is best to plan ahead to secure your preferred date and time.

Prepare Your Questions

Before your appointment, prepare a list of questions to ask the baker. This may include questions about flavours, pricing, delivery options, customisations, ingredients, and the ordering process. It is also a good idea to bring along any imagery or sketches that inspire your ideal cake design so that the baker can better understand your vision.

Be Open to Different Flavours

Even if you have your heart set on a particular flavour, use the tasting as an opportunity to explore different flavour combinations. Try both classic and unique flavours, and consider combining them with fun fillings. You may be surprised by what you discover, and you can always choose a few different flavours for each tier of your cake.

Stay Hydrated

Lastly, don't forget to stay hydrated during your cake tasting. This will help clear your palate, allowing you to accurately judge the flavours of each cake. It will also keep you alert and focused so that you can make the best decision for your special day.

Prepare questions

Before heading to the cake tasting, make a list of questions to ask the baker. Some things to consider include flavours, pricing, delivery options, and customisation. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• What type of cakes do you offer?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you offer any organic or gluten-free options?
• Can I customise the cake with different flavours and decorations?
• What kind of ingredients do you use?
• Do you provide delivery services?
• Are there any additional fees for custom orders?
• How many servings does a standard cake serve?
• What is your process for ordering cakes?
• How did you get your start as a wedding cake baker?
• Where do you find inspiration?
• Can I see your portfolio of past work?
• Are you licensed by the state? Do you have insurance?
• How many wedding cakes do you make per week? Per day?
• How soon do we need to finalise our wedding cake order?
• What is your delivery process?
• How far in advance will my wedding cake be prepared?
• Who will make my wedding cake?
• How much cake should we order for our wedding?
• How long does a wedding cake last? Should we freeze the top of our wedding cake?
• How will you transport the wedding cake? Do you handle wedding cake setup?
• Do you provide cake stands?
• Do you have a wedding cake tasting package?
• Can you tell us about your starting wedding cake prices?
• How are your wedding cakes priced?
• Does the wedding cake price include the top tier?
• Do you tip a cake baker for a custom cake?
• What is a cake-cutting fee?
• What is your design process like?
• Are there any innovative techniques you think would work well with your cake vision?
• What are my filling choices?
• Do you work with fondant or buttercream?
• Can you make sugar flowers? If I choose fresh blooms, will you work with my florist?
• Do you have advice for setting up our wedding cake table?
• Do you have my wedding date open?
• How do you price your cakes? By the slice? Does the cost vary depending on the design and flavours I choose?
• What is your minimum per-person cake cost?
• What recommendations can you give me to maximise my budget?
• Do you have a "menu" of cakes and prices that I can take with me?
• What are the fees for delivery and setup of the cake? Do you decorate the cake table, too?
• What do you do if the cake gets damaged in transit to or at my reception site?
• Do you provide or rent cake toppers, a cake-cutting knife, cake stands, etc.? What are the fees?
• How far in advance should I order my cake?
• How much is the deposit and when is it due?
• When is the final payment due?
• Are there any additional fees that I should be aware of?
• What is your refund policy if for some reason I need to cancel my order? What if I'm not happy with the cake?
• When can I expect to receive my contract from you?
• How long have you been in business? Are you licensed and insured?
• How many weddings have you done?
• Where did you receive your training?
• Can you provide me with 3–4 recent brides that I can contact for references?
• Do you have a portfolio of your work that I can view, and did you make all the cakes in it?
• What are your specialties?
• Can you design a custom cake to match my theme, attire, or colour scheme, or do I select from set designs?
• If I provide you with a picture of what I'd like, can you recreate it? Does it cost extra for a custom design?
• I have an old family cake recipe. Can you adapt it for my wedding cake design?
• If I don't have a clear vision of what I would like, can you offer some design ideas based on my theme and budget?
• What flavours and fillings do you offer?
• What are the different ingredients you typically use? Do you offer all organic or vegan options?
• Do you have cake tastings? Is there a charge?
• Do you do both fondant and buttercream icing?
• Are there any other icing options I should consider? Which do you recommend for my cake design?
• Can you create sugar paste, gum paste, or chocolate flowers? If I decide to have fresh flowers on my cake, will you work with my florist or will you obtain and arrange the flowers yourself?
• Will you preserve the top tier of my cake for my first wedding anniversary or do you provide a special cake for the occasion?
• Can you make a groom's cake? Is this priced the same as a wedding cake?
• How much in advance of the wedding is the cake actually made? Do you freeze your cakes?

Taste a variety of flavours

Tasting a variety of flavours is an important part of the wedding cake selection process. It's a chance to be adventurous and try something new, but also to ensure that you and your partner like the cake you'll be serving on your big day.

Before your tasting, it's worth doing some research into different bakeries and the flavours they offer. You can also ask the bakeries about their skills and prices, and look at photos of their previous cakes to get a sense of their style.

When it comes to the tasting itself, be open-minded and try a range of classic and unique flavours. You might be surprised by what you like best. For example, you could try a strawberry-watermelon cake, a butterscotch bourbon cake, or even a sake wine cake with black sesame paste and wasabi buttercream. If you're feeling indecisive, you could also consider choosing a few different flavours for each tier of your cake.

Don't forget to take notes on the different cakes you try, including their flavours, textures, and overall impression. This will help you compare and make a decision later. Taking photos of the cakes can also be helpful for future reference. Staying hydrated during the tasting is also important, as it will help you accurately judge the flavours and stay focused.

Remember, this is supposed to be a fun part of wedding planning, so don't get too caught up in the details!

Take notes and photos

Taking notes and photos is an important part of the wedding cake tasting process. It will help you compare and contrast the different cakes you try and make an informed decision about which cake to choose for your special day. Here are some tips to help you take effective notes and photos during your wedding cake tasting:

Taking Notes

• Prepare in advance: Bring a notepad and pencil to jot down your thoughts on the different cakes you taste. Note down the flavours, textures, and your overall impression of each cake. This will help you remember the details of each cake and make an informed decision.
• Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions about the cakes. Enquire about the ingredients, cake structure, flavours, pricing, delivery options, and customisation. This information will help you make a well-informed decision and ensure that the cake meets your expectations.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water between tastings will help you clear your palate, allowing you to better judge the flavours of each cake. It will also keep you alert and focused, ensuring that you choose the best cake for your wedding.

Taking Photos

• Capture the details: Take photos of the cakes you love from different angles. Get close-up shots to showcase the textures and decorations, as well as wider shots to capture the overall design and presentation. These photos will be helpful when you're making your final decision and can also serve as a reference for future events.
• Use natural light: Whenever possible, use natural light for your photos. Avoid direct sunlight, and instead, opt for soft, diffused light near a window or outdoors in the shade. This will ensure the lighting flatters the cake and prevents harsh shadows.
• Style the cake aesthetically: Before taking photos, ensure the cake is presented neatly and appealingly. Wipe away any crumbs or drips on the plate, and consider adding fresh garnishes like herbs or fruit to enhance the visual appeal.
• Include a human element: Adding a human element to your photos can provide context and make them more engaging. Consider including hands holding utensils or placing a hand on the side of the plate to give a sense of scale and interaction.
• Experiment with angles: Try shooting from different angles to find the most flattering perspective. A 45-degree angle can showcase the cake as if you were sitting down to eat it, while an overhead shot captures the entire cake in equal focus. Experiment with both to see which works best for each cake.

Frequently asked questions