Weddings And Cake: Who Gets A Slice?

Wedding cakes are a long-standing tradition, but they're not for everyone. Some couples opt for other desserts, such as cupcakes, macarons, doughnuts, or even a dessert potluck. If you do choose to have a wedding cake, it's important to ensure there's enough for all your guests. A small cake for the couple to cut and share, with sheet cake from the same baker in the back, is a good option for saving money.

Cake alternatives

While a traditional wedding cake is a classic choice, there are many alternatives to suit different tastes and styles. Here are some ideas for cake alternatives that will impress your guests and add a unique touch to your wedding:

Pies and Tarts

Mini pies or tarts are a great option for couples who want a rustic or autumnal feel to their wedding. You can offer a variety of flavours, such as key lime, apple, or lemon, to give your guests a choice. For a unique twist, you could even have a pie-cutting ceremony instead of a cake-cutting one.

Macarons

Macarons are a colourful and elegant choice that can be tailored to your wedding colours. They offer a variety of flavours and are perfect for guests who want a light, bite-sized treat. For a unique presentation, consider arranging them in a tower or on a custom stand.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular alternative to wedding cakes as they are easy to serve and allow for a variety of flavours. They can be decorated with edible gold foil or fresh berries to elevate their look and taste.

Donuts

Donuts are a fun and versatile option. You can create a donut wall or pyramid, or offer a variety of flavours and toppings at a donut bar. For a unique twist, consider heart-shaped donuts or even a tower of frosted donuts to resemble a traditional tiered cake.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a great choice, especially for summer weddings. You can offer a variety of flavours and toppings, or opt for ice cream sandwiches or s'mores-inspired treats. For a unique presentation, consider an ice cream truck or cart.

Cheeses

For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake made from stacked wheels of cheese is a unique and elegant option. You can even include a cheesecake to add a sweet touch.

Cookies

Cookies are a versatile option that can be tailored to your favourite type. Oreo cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or even custom-made cookies with your initials are all great choices. For a unique presentation, stack them in a tower or on a cake stand.

Other Sweet Treats

There are many other sweet treats that can be offered as alternatives to cake. These include churros, cream puffs, brownies, cake pops, rice crispy treats, and even candy. For a unique presentation, consider suspending the treats in the air or filling glass containers with colourful candy.

Remember, your wedding dessert is a chance to get creative and offer something that reflects your tastes and personalities. Whether you choose a traditional cake or one of these unique alternatives, your guests are sure to enjoy it!

Cake-cutting timing

The cake-cutting ceremony is a sweet ritual that symbolises the couple's unity and willingness to care for each other. It also provides great photo opportunities and signals to the catering staff to begin serving the cake to the guests.

The cake cutting typically occurs about an hour before the end of the reception, after dinner and major reception events like dances and speeches. This gives guests time to enjoy a slice of cake before heading home.

Some couples choose to cut the cake before dinner and hand out slices as dessert. This can be a budget-friendly option, as the cake is served as the dessert course. However, seeing the cake being cut may signal to some guests that the party is coming to an end.

If you are planning to cut the cake after dinner, it is recommended to wait for about 1.5 hours after serving the meal. This gives guests enough time to eat and socialise before bringing the attention back to the couple.

To ensure the cake-cutting ceremony goes smoothly, the MC or wedding planner should confirm the timeline with the couple beforehand and prepare the cake knife, photographers, music, and script.

Cake-serving methods

There are many ways to serve cake at a wedding, and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide what works best for them. Here are some options to consider:

• The traditional method: The cake is cut and served to each guest by the caterers or designated servers. This ensures that each guest receives a slice of cake and can be done during or after dinner.
• Self-service: The cake is displayed on a table, and guests are invited to help themselves whenever they want. This method can work well if you have a smaller cake or multiple cakes and want to give guests the option to take a slice whenever they feel like it.
• Cake and dessert bar: In addition to the wedding cake, you can offer a variety of other desserts such as pies, macarons, cookies, brownies, or even a waffle cake. This allows guests to choose from a range of sweet treats and can be a fun and interactive way to serve dessert.
• Sheet cakes: If you have a large number of guests, consider ordering sheet cakes in addition to a smaller tiered cake. Sheet cakes are more affordable and can be used to serve guests while keeping the tiered cake for display or for the wedding party.
• Cupcakes or mini cakes: Instead of a traditional tiered cake, you can opt for cupcakes or mini cakes. These can be easier to serve and ensure that each guest gets an equal portion. They can also be a fun way to offer multiple flavours.
• Alternative desserts: If cake is not your thing, there are plenty of other dessert options to choose from. Consider doughnut walls, cupcake spreads, pie stations, sundae bars, or even a display of assorted mini desserts.

Cake freezing

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve the sweet memories of your special day. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly freeze your wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary or any other special occasion.

Step 1: Pre-Freeze Preparation

Before freezing, it is important to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers or other adornments. This will ensure that they do not interfere with the wrapping process. Place the cake in the freezer until the icing hardens, which will help protect the cake during storage.

Step 2: Wrapping the Cake

Remove the cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. It is important to avoid using aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn. Ensure that the cake is tightly wrapped without any air bubbles to prevent drying out.

Step 3: Sealing the Cake

Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container. If using a box, wrap it with several layers of plastic wrap before sealing. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help maintain the cake's taste and texture.

Step 4: Storage

Store the sealed cake in your freezer, preferably in a place where it will remain undisturbed. If your freezer has any defrosting settings, it is recommended to turn them off to avoid interrupting the preservation process.

Step 5: Marking the Cake

If you plan to keep the cake frozen for a year or a significant amount of time, mark it with a ribbon or label. This will help you easily identify it and prevent accidental disposal.

Step 6: Defrosting

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen wedding cake, take it out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Place the cake back into an airtight container and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Finally, bring the cake to room temperature (approximately 2 to 3 hours) before serving and indulging in those sweet memories!

Alternative Option:

If you are concerned about the freezing process affecting the quality of your cake, consider ordering a replica from your bakery for special occasions. This way, you can enjoy a fresh cake that still evokes fond memories of your wedding day.

Cake costs

The cost of a wedding cake can vary depending on various factors, including the size, number of tiers, flavour, and design complexity. Here are some tips and insights to help you estimate and manage the cost of your wedding cake:

• Size and Number of Tiers: The cost of a wedding cake often depends on the size of the cake and the number of tiers. A larger cake with more tiers will generally be more expensive. Consider the number of guests you'll be serving to determine the appropriate size. If you have a large guest list, you may need to order a bigger cake or additional tiers.
• Flavour and Filling: Different flavours and fillings can also impact the cost. Simple flavours like vanilla or chocolate may be more affordable, while exotic or custom flavours can be more expensive. If you opt for a cake with multiple tiers, you can choose different flavours for each tier to cater to a variety of tastes.
• Design Complexity: The design and decoration of the cake can significantly affect the price. Intricate designs, custom fondant work, sugar flowers, or elaborate toppings will likely increase the cost. If you're working with a bakery that specialises in customised cakes, be prepared to pay more for their expertise and attention to detail.
• Baker's Experience and Reputation: The reputation and experience of the baker or bakery will also play a role in pricing. Established bakeries or sought-after cake designers may charge a premium for their services and the quality they deliver.
• Delivery and Setup: Don't forget to factor in delivery and setup costs, especially if your wedding venue is located far from the bakery. Some bakeries may include this in their initial quote, while others may charge it separately.
• Alternative Options: If you're concerned about the cost of a traditional tiered wedding cake, consider alternative options. Sheet cakes or single-tier cakes can be more affordable while still providing enough servings for your guests. You can also explore other dessert options like cupcakes, dessert bars, or unique treats that may be more budget-friendly.
• Timing and Seasonality: The timing of your wedding and the season can also impact cake costs. Peak wedding season or high-demand dates may result in higher prices. If you have flexibility with your wedding date, consider off-peak times when bakeries may offer more competitive rates.
• Shop Around: Don't hesitate to get quotes from multiple bakeries and compare their offerings. This will give you a better understanding of the market rates and help you find a baker who aligns with your budget and requirements.
• Dummy Tiers: If you have your heart set on a large, impressive cake but want to save on costs, consider using dummy tiers. These are fake tiers made from Styrofoam or cardboard and decorated to match your real cake. You can then supplement the display cake with a less expensive sheet cake to serve your guests.
• DIY Options: If you're crafty or enjoy baking, you may opt to make your own wedding cake or enlist the help of a talented friend or family member. However, keep in mind that this can be a time-consuming and stressful endeavour, especially if you're inexperienced.

Remember, the cost of a wedding cake is an investment in a memorable part of your special day. Work with your chosen baker to find a balance between your budget and your vision for the perfect cake.

Frequently asked questions