When To Order Your Wedding Cake

Ordering a wedding cake is an important part of wedding planning. While some sources suggest that ordering 4-6 months in advance is sufficient, others recommend ordering at least 6 months to a year in advance, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season. It's also important to consider the popularity and availability of the baker, as some may be booked up several months in advance, while others can accommodate shorter notice. Couples should also keep in mind that custom cake bakeries are typically smaller and may have more limited availability. Starting the research process early and presenting as much information about the wedding to the cake designer can help ensure a delicious and gorgeous cake for the big day.

Custom cake bakeries should be contacted as early as possible

Firstly, custom cake bakeries are often small businesses that can only take on a limited number of orders per day or week. They may also be in high demand, especially during peak wedding season, which typically includes the months of March to May and September to November. By contacting them early, you can increase your chances of securing your desired bakery and ensuring their availability for your special day.

Secondly, early planning allows you to conduct thorough research on the bakery's reputation, reviews, and quality of their work. This is crucial when choosing a vendor for such an important aspect of your wedding. Reading reviews and learning about others' experiences can help you make an informed decision and ensure you are happy with the final product.

Additionally, starting early gives you more time to work with the bakery to design your dream wedding cake. This process may involve multiple consultations, tastings, and discussions about flavours, styles, designs, and any special dietary requirements. By allowing ample time for this collaborative process, you can reduce the stress of last-minute decisions and have a positive, enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, booking your wedding cake early can help you stay organised and avoid overlapping costs with other vendors. As noted by a cake baker, ordering your cake sooner can "help the rest of your wedding planning process go more smoothly." It enables you to spread out vendor deposits and prevent the pressure of finding a baker at the last minute.

Lastly, contacting custom cake bakeries in advance shows your commitment and gives them a heads-up about your interest. This can increase the likelihood of them accommodating your request and securing your desired date. It also allows them to guide you through the process and provide assistance with flavours, styles, and designs if needed.

Wedding cake delivery takes coordination

According to two Atlanta-based wedding cake bakers, it is recommended to order your wedding cake at least six months in advance. If your wedding day details are already finalised, one baker recommends ordering the cake up to 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding is during peak wedding season. Ordering the cake sooner can help the rest of your wedding planning go more smoothly, giving you more time to spread out vendor deposits and reducing the pressure of finding a baker at the last minute.

The earlier you can book, the better. One baker recommends securing your date with a deposit as early as possible to ensure availability and eliminate disappointment. Another baker advises that the cake tasting and baker selection should be scheduled right after your dress, venue and caterer have been selected. This will give you a stress-free experience when paying your vendors, and it will give them enough time to readjust if the baker cancels for any reason.

Some custom cake bakeries are small shops that work by appointment only, so it is recommended to start your research early. Look at reviews, the quality of design work, and the reputation of the baker. It is best to secure your venue before contacting a cake designer, so you can present the most information about your wedding. However, some cake design shops may permit you to book without a secured venue, using an approximate wedding date.

Peak wedding season books up quickly

Custom cake bakeries are typically small businesses that limit the number of orders they take on, and popular dates can book up quickly. It's not uncommon for bakers to be booked out for the rest of the year or even the following year. Therefore, it's advisable to start your research early, looking into reviews, design quality, and reputation. This way, you can make an informed decision and increase your chances of getting your preferred baker.

Once you've found a baker you like, don't hesitate to reach out and get on their radar. Some bakers may already have their order books open, while others might only accept bookings a few months in advance. By expressing your interest early on, you can increase your chances of securing your desired date.

It's worth noting that some venues include a cake in their meal package, which can give you more flexibility in terms of timing. However, if you have your heart set on a custom cake from a specialty designer, booking early is crucial.

Additionally, consider the level of customization and complexity you desire for your wedding cake. More intricate designs or unique themes may require additional lead time to source the necessary ingredients or create the decorations.

In summary, to ensure availability and eliminate disappointment, it's best to start researching and booking your wedding cake baker as early as possible, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak season.

Vendors may only take a limited number of orders per day

Wedding cake vendors may only take a limited number of orders per day. This is especially true for custom cake bakeries, which tend to be small, cake-focused shops that work by appointment only.

Because of their size, custom cake bakeries have to limit the amount of work they take on any given day or weekend. Add in popular party dates, wedding dates, and delivery schedules, and there is a chance that the cake design company you want may not be available.

Therefore, it is important to start your research early. Look at reviews, the quality of the design work, and the reputation of the bakery. It is also a good idea to secure your venue before reaching out to cake designers, as they will be able to provide you with the most accurate information about your wedding.

While some sources suggest that you should order your wedding cake 4 to 6 months in advance, others recommend starting the process at least 6 to 12 months before your wedding, especially if you are getting married during peak wedding season. This will give you a better chance of finding a vendor with your desired date available and provide plenty of time to plan and design your cake.

If you have a specific baker in mind, it is worth reaching out to them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

You should book a cake tasting as soon as possible

When it comes to booking a cake tasting for your wedding, the general consensus is that the earlier, the better. While some sources suggest that 4 to 6 months is a good timeframe, others recommend starting the process at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season. This is because custom cake bakeries are usually small businesses that can only take on a limited number of orders each day or week, and they tend to book up quickly.

Booking your cake tasting as soon as possible ensures that you have a wider range of options to choose from and increases the likelihood of securing your preferred baker. It also gives you more time to make decisions about the design, flavour, and any special dietary requirements. Additionally, if you need to make changes or adjustments, an early booking provides a buffer to make those last-minute alterations without added stress.

Furthermore, with the recent impact of COVID, many wedding-related businesses, including bakeries, have experienced increased demand and may require more advanced booking. This trend is also influenced by the high number of rescheduled or postponed weddings, creating additional competition for dates.

To ensure that you have the best possible experience and the cake of your dreams, it is advisable to start researching and reaching out to cake designers or bakeries as early as you can. This will allow you to find the right fit for your special day and avoid any disappointment or last-minute scrambling.

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