When To Order Your Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with a lot of things to consider and book in advance. One of the most important things to organise is the cake, which can take a considerable amount of time to design and create. The timing of your order will depend on the date of your wedding, with summer and autumn weddings being the most popular and therefore requiring more advanced booking. It is recommended to order your wedding cake between four to six months before the big day, with final payments made two to three weeks prior. However, it is worth noting that some bakeries may require earlier bookings, especially if they are in high demand or have limited capacity. It is always better to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment and ensure you have the cake of your dreams.

Order 4-6 months in advance

Ordering your wedding cake 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This timing works well for both the couple and the bakery. For the couple, it means that they have had time to research bakeries, schedule a tasting, and ask any questions they may have. It also allows the bakery to arrange any custom sugar work or non-edible supplies in advance.

For the bakery, having an order 4-6 months in advance means they can plan their workload and ensure they are not overbooked. This is especially important during the busy wedding season, which typically includes the summer and fall months. By ordering in this timeframe, you can be confident that your chosen bakery will have the capacity to create your dream wedding cake.

It's worth noting that some bakeries may require a shorter or longer lead time, so it's always a good idea to check with your chosen bakery as early as possible. It's also worth considering that popular bakeries may be booked up further in advance, so if you have a specific bakery in mind, don't hesitate to reach out and inquire about their availability.

Once you've placed your order, the final payments are typically made 2-3 weeks before the wedding, and the cake is freshly baked in the days leading up to the event. This ensures that your wedding cake is not only beautifully crafted but also delicious and fresh for your special day.

Popularity of wedding dates

When it comes to booking your wedding cake, it's always better to be safe than sorry. While the general rule of thumb is to order your cake between 4 to 6 months before your wedding, it's worth noting that popular wedding dates can get booked up much faster.

The most popular wedding dates tend to fall within the peak wedding season, which spans from May to October, with Saturday being the most popular day of the week to get married. In 2024, the top five most popular wedding dates were:

• Saturday, September 21
• Saturday, September 14
• Saturday, June 22
• Saturday, May 18
• Saturday, October 12

Similarly, in 2023, the top five most popular wedding dates were:

• Saturday, September 23
• Saturday, October 7
• Saturday, October 14
• Saturday, May 20
• Saturday, October 20

As you can see, Saturdays in the fall are particularly popular, with September and October being the most popular months to tie the knot. This trend has been consistent over the years, with fall being the most popular wedding season since 2015. Before that, summer was the preferred choice, with 41% of couples hosting weddings from Memorial Day through Labor Day in 2009.

The preference for fall weddings could be due to the cooler, less humid weather, making outdoor venues more comfortable, as well as the popularity of fall foliage as a backdrop for wedding photos. Additionally, there are usually fewer vacations, holidays, and events during the fall, meaning fewer scheduling conflicts for loved ones.

It's worth noting that the popularity of certain wedding dates can vary depending on the year and cultural context. For example, while Friday the 13th is generally considered an unlucky day, some couples choose this date for their wedding, finding it fun and memorable. Similarly, while Christmas and Valentine's Day are avoided by many, some couples opt for these dates, taking advantage of the festive atmosphere and potential discounts.

When it comes to the least popular wedding dates, weekdays are generally less favoured, with Saturdays seeing 58% of all weddings. Additionally, dates like Christmas and New Year's tend to be less popular, with only 2% of couples choosing these dates in some years.

So, if your wedding date falls within the peak season or on a popular date, it's best to book your vendors, including your baker, as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Research bakeries

Researching bakeries is an important step in the wedding planning process. You want to ensure that you find a bakery that can create your dream wedding cake, and it's crucial to start this process early to avoid disappointment. Here are some detailed tips to help you research and choose the right bakery:

• Start Early: Begin your research well in advance, especially if your wedding is during peak season (summer and fall). It's recommended to order your cake between four to six months before the wedding. However, some bakeries may be booked even further in advance, so don't hesitate to start your search early.
• Location and Availability: Consider the location of the bakery. If you're getting married in a different area than where you live, you may need to start your search earlier to secure a baker. Keep in mind that some bakeries may only take a certain number of orders per day, especially for popular wedding days like Saturdays.
• Style, Design, and Pricing: Research bakeries that align with your style, design preferences, and budget. Look for bakeries that specialise in wedding cakes and have a portfolio of past designs that you can review. Check their websites, social media accounts, and online reviews to get a sense of their work and what others have to say about their experience.
• Tastings and Consultations: Schedule tastings and consultations with potential bakeries. This is your opportunity to try different flavours and fillings, discuss design ideas, and ask questions. Come prepared with a list of questions, such as how far in advance they need orders, how many cakes they deliver per day, and their pricing structure.
• Timing and Delivery: Understand the bakery's timing and delivery policies. Final payments are typically made two to three weeks before the event, and the cake is usually made fresh a few days before the wedding. Ensure you know the logistics of cake delivery and set-up on the day of your wedding.
• Book in Advance: Once you've found your dream bakery, don't wait too long to book them. Wedding vendors, including bakers, can get booked up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It's better to secure your vendor early to avoid disappointment.

Book a tasting

Booking a tasting is an important step in the wedding cake process. It's a chance for you to try different flavours and designs, and to ask the baker any questions you may have. Here are some tips to keep in mind when booking a tasting:

• Research: Before booking a tasting, be sure to research different cake vendors. Look for vendors whose style, design, and pricing align with your wedding checklist. Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of their cakes and their level of service.
• Timing: The timing of your cake order and tasting will depend on the date of your wedding. If you are planning a summer or fall wedding, it is recommended to book your cake between 4 to 6 months in advance, as these are popular months for weddings. For a winter wedding, you may be able to place your order 4 months in advance. However, keep in mind that bakeries are still busy during the winter holidays. If you are considering a popular baker, it is best to book even further in advance to secure your date.
• Availability: When contacting potential vendors, ask about their availability for a tasting. Some bakers may be booked up several months in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate their availability.
• Questions to Ask: During the tasting, you will have the opportunity to discuss flavour combinations and design ideas with the baker. Come prepared with a list of questions to make the most of your appointment. Some questions you may want to ask include:
• What flavours and fillings do you offer?
• Is there a fee for the tasting?
• How big of a cake will we need to feed our guests?
• Can we see a portfolio of your past designs?
• How do you price your cakes?
• How far in advance do we need to place the order?
• How many cakes do you typically deliver on the same day?
• Finalising Details: After the tasting, you will need to finalise the details of your cake order. Be sure to confirm the flavour, design, size, and any additional decorations or toppings. Discuss the delivery or pickup arrangements and confirm the final price.
• Payment: Most bakers will require a deposit or partial payment to secure your order. Final payments are typically made 2-3 weeks before the wedding. Be sure to clarify the payment schedule and any applicable taxes or additional fees to avoid surprises.

Remember, the key to finding the perfect wedding cake is to start planning early, do your research, and ask lots of questions. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to booking a tasting and choosing a cake that you and your guests will love.

Ask about their capacity

When choosing a bakery for your wedding cake, it's important to ask about their capacity and how far in advance you need to book. This will depend on a few factors, including the time of year, the popularity of the bakery, and the complexity of your desired cake design.

First, consider the time of year you plan to get married. Summer and autumn weddings are very popular, so bakeries tend to be busier during these seasons. If you're planning a wedding during these peak seasons, it's recommended to book your bakery at least six months in advance. This ensures they have enough time to plan and create your dream cake.

However, if you're getting married during a less popular time of year, such as winter, you may be able to book your bakery a little closer to the date. In this case, ordering at least four months in advance is generally recommended.

Keep in mind that the popularity and size of the bakery can also impact their capacity. Smaller bakeries may only be able to accommodate a limited number of cake orders per day, especially during peak wedding season. If you have your heart set on a specific small bakery, consider booking even earlier than six months in advance to secure your date. On the other hand, larger bakeries may have more flexibility and be able to accommodate last-minute orders.

Additionally, the complexity of your desired cake design can influence the lead time needed. Custom sugar work, non-edible supplies, and intricate details may require more time to source materials and create the cake. Be sure to discuss the specific design elements you're looking for and ask about the bakery's lead time for such customisations.

When in doubt, it's always better to book your bakery sooner rather than later. This ensures that you have a wider range of options and increases the likelihood that your preferred bakery will be available for your wedding date.

Frequently asked questions