When To Order Your Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's important to get the timing right when it comes to ordering your wedding cake. While some sources suggest that 4 to 6 months is sufficient, others recommend starting the process as early as possible, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season or have a specific cake designer in mind. It's also a good idea to finalize your wedding venue before deciding on your cake, as the style and theme of the venue can influence your cake choice.

The best time to order is 4-6 months before the wedding

The best time to order your wedding cake is 4-6 months before the wedding. This is a commonly recommended time frame by many sources, including national wedding planning websites and bridal magazines. This timing is especially suitable if you're opting for a cake included in your venue's meal package.

Custom cake bakeries are usually small, cake-focused shops that work by appointment only. They have to limit the number of orders they take on any given day or weekend, so it's essential to give them enough notice. If you're getting married during a popular month for weddings, such as May, June, or October, it's best to place your order six months in advance to ensure your chosen baker's availability.

Ordering your cake sooner gives you more time to spread out vendor deposits and relieves the pressure of finding a baker at the last minute. It's also beneficial to have your venue secured before ordering your cake, as this allows you to present the most information about your wedding to the cake designer. You can provide details such as the venue location, theme, colours, and any dietary restrictions, ensuring a smooth process and enabling the baker to guide you effectively.

While it's ideal to have your wedding day details finalized before ordering the cake, it's not necessary to wait until you know every aspect of your desired cake. A good cake designer should provide assistance and guidance regarding flavours, styles, designs, and options. They can help you create a cake that aligns with your wedding theme, season, and reception menu.

To ensure you don't miss out on your preferred baker, it's best to start your research early. Look at reviews, the quality of their design work, and their reputation. This will enable you to secure your date with a deposit as early as possible and avoid disappointment.

Custom cake bakeries are small, cake-focused shops

Because custom cake bakeries are often small operations, they have to limit the amount of work they take on at any given time. This means that they may not be available on popular party and wedding dates. It's recommended to start your research early, looking at reviews, the quality of design work, and the bakery's reputation. It's best to do this after you've secured your venue so that you can provide the cake designer with as much information as possible.

Some custom cake bakeries may allow you to book your cake without having secured your venue, using an approximate wedding date. You shouldn't feel pressured to know every detail about the cake you want before reaching out. The cake designer should provide assistance in terms of flavors, styles, designs, and options, guiding you through the process.

While many sources recommend ordering a wedding cake from a vendor bakery 4 to 6 months in advance, custom cake bakeries may require earlier notice. It's recommended to start the process as early as possible, as it's never too early.

Book 6-12 months in advance for peak wedding season

If you're getting married during peak wedding season, it's a good idea to book your wedding cake 6-12 months in advance. This is especially true if you're opting for a custom cake from a small bakery, as these businesses typically work by appointment only and have limited capacity.

Booking early ensures you don't miss out on your dream cake and gives the baker enough time to plan and prepare. It's also beneficial to start your research early, looking at reviews, design quality, and the reputation of different cake designers. This way, you can present the most information about your wedding when you make an inquiry.

The best time to order your wedding cake depends on the time of year. If you're planning a wedding for May, June, or October, a popular time for weddings, it's recommended to place your order six months in advance. If your wedding is at a less popular time of year, four months in advance is usually sufficient.

Ordering your cake sooner can also make the rest of your wedding planning less stressful. It gives you more time to spread out vendor deposits and prevents last-minute scrambles to find a baker. It's also a good idea to schedule your cake tasting and baker selection right after finalizing your dress, venue, and caterer. This ensures a stress-free experience when paying vendors and provides a buffer if the baker cancels.

When ordering a custom cake, it's essential to provide the baker with as much information as possible about your wedding. This includes details such as the number of guests, venue location, theme or colors, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions. This information will help the baker create a cake that aligns with your vision and ensures a smooth cake consultation and tasting experience.

So, if you're planning a peak-season wedding, don't delay. Start researching and reach out to cake designers to book your dream wedding cake 6-12 months in advance.

Order sooner to help with the rest of your wedding planning

Ordering your wedding cake sooner rather than later can help the rest of your wedding planning go more smoothly. Here are some reasons why:

More time to spread out vendor deposits

The earlier you order your wedding cake, the more time you'll have to spread out vendor deposits. This can help ease the financial burden of paying for your wedding, as you won't have to pay multiple vendors at once. It also gives you more time to save up for any additional costs that may arise.

Avoid last-minute stress

Ordering your cake early means you won't be under pressure to find a baker at the last minute. This is especially important if your wedding is during peak wedding season or if you have a specific baker in mind who is in high demand. By securing your baker early on, you can avoid the stress of rushing to find a replacement if your first choice is unavailable or cancels.

Schedule cake tasting at the right time

It is recommended to schedule your cake tasting right after you've selected your dress, venue, and caterer. This allows you to focus on finding the perfect cake without feeling overwhelmed by other planning tasks. It also ensures that you have a clear idea of your wedding theme, colours, and budget, which can influence the design and flavour of your cake.

Finalize other wedding details

Ordering your cake early can help you finalize other wedding details, such as the number of guests, venue location, theme, colours, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions. This information is crucial for your baker to create a cake that aligns with your vision and ensures that your guests' needs are accommodated.

Ensure availability during peak season

If you're planning a wedding during peak season, booking your cake early is essential. Popular months for weddings, such as May, June, and October, tend to get booked up quickly. By ordering your cake at least six months in advance, you can increase your chances of securing your preferred baker and avoiding disappointment.

Finalise basic wedding details before the cake tasting

It's essential to finalise some basic wedding details before the cake tasting to ensure a smooth process and effective communication with your baker. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Wedding Theme, Season and Reception Menu

It's advisable to have a clear idea of your wedding theme, season, and reception menu before the cake tasting. This information will help create a cake that complements your wedding's overall aesthetic and atmosphere. For instance, if you're having a summer wedding, you might opt for a lighter cake with fresh, seasonal flavours.

Guest Count, Venue Location, and Budget

Knowing your expected guest count is crucial for determining the size and number of tiers your cake will need. It ensures there's enough cake to serve all your guests. Additionally, having your venue location finalised is important, as it impacts logistics like delivery and setup. Knowing your budget will also help guide the conversation about cake size, design, and any additional decorations or customisations.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Be sure to inform your baker about any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests. This information will guide the selection of ingredients and help create a cake that everyone can safely enjoy.

Colours, Themes, and Decorations

Having an idea of your wedding colours and themes will help the baker create a cake that visually aligns with your celebration. If you plan to incorporate specific decorations, like fresh flowers, it's good to mention this, as the baker may need to coordinate with your florist or other vendors.

Cake Structure and Flavours

Before the tasting, it's beneficial to have a general idea of the cake structure you prefer, such as the number of tiers and the type of frosting or filling. This will help guide your flavour selections during the tasting. While it's not mandatory to have a final design chosen, it's helpful to bring along any imagery or a rough sketch of the cake you envision to assist the baker in understanding your style and preferences.

Finalising these basic wedding details will ensure your cake tasting experience is efficient, enjoyable, and productive, bringing you one step closer to the wedding cake of your dreams!

Frequently asked questions