When To Order Your Wedding Cake: A Timely Guide

Ordering a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. While some sources suggest that ordering 4 to 6 months in advance is sufficient, others recommend placing the order at least 6 months in advance, especially for weddings during peak season. Some couples have even booked their bakeries 1 to 2 years in advance to secure their preferred vendor. It's recommended to start researching early, considering factors such as popularity, location, and the complexity of the cake design.

Timing: 9 months in advance for a normal day, 1 year for special diets, and 18 months if possible

Ordering a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. The timing of your order will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of your cake, the popularity of your chosen baker, and the time of year your wedding will take place.

As a general rule, it is recommended that you order your wedding cake at least nine months in advance if your wedding falls on a "normal" day, such as a Saturday in November. This will give you enough time to find a baker with availability and ensure that your cake is designed and prepared to your specifications.

However, if you or your guests have special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or vegan options, it is advisable to order your cake at least one year in advance. Not all cake makers can accommodate special diets, so locking in a cake designer with this expertise early on is crucial.

To ensure you have your first choice of baker and ample time for planning and preparation, consider ordering your wedding cake as early as 18 months in advance, especially if your wedding date is in a popular month like August or on a bank holiday weekend.

Don't leave ordering your wedding cake until the last minute. While some bakers may be able to accommodate rush orders, you may not get your preferred baker or have time to create your dream cake design. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to save money, as booking now will guarantee this year's prices.

In summary, the ideal timing for ordering your wedding cake is nine months ahead for a normal day, one year ahead if you have special dietary requirements, and 18 months ahead if possible, especially if your wedding date is during a popular time of year.

Popularity: Book early if your baker is in high demand

If you have a specific baker in mind, especially one that is in high demand, it is advisable to book early. Bakers can get booked up quickly, so it is worth getting in touch as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

Some couples have booked their baker around a year in advance, especially if they are popular. It is worth noting that some bakers will have a stipulated time frame for wedding cake bookings in their contract, which could be around eight months before the wedding.

If you are getting married on a popular date, such as a bank holiday weekend, or in a popular month like August, it is advisable to book as early as possible. This also applies if you have special dietary requirements, as not all cake makers will be able to accommodate these.

It is also worth noting that some bakers will require a deposit to secure your booking, so be sure to ask about this when making inquiries.

To ensure you get your dream wedding cake, it is important to do your research and book your baker as early as possible, especially if they are in high demand. This will give you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about in the lead-up to your big day.

Design: Allow time for copyright permission if you want to copy a design

Wedding cakes should be ordered at least six months in advance, and up to 12 months in advance if your wedding is during peak season. This gives your baker plenty of time to work their magic and ensures availability.

If you want to copy a specific cake design, you must consider copyright law. While generic cakes and cupcakes are not usually protected by copyright law, specific cake designs can be. Copyright law deals with artistic and literary creations or inventions. It gives ownership and rights to the author, provided that the creation is original and in a tangible form. Ideas that have not yet been drawn out in any physical form do not come under copyright protection.

Cake designs can be considered works of authorship. They are the tangible and original works of the author and possess the degree of creativity required by copyright law. However, it is unclear whether recipes would be protected by copyright law, as the mere listing of ingredients is not considered original. Cake designs fall under the graphical, pictorial, and sculptural works category of copyright law.

If you want to copy a specific cake design, you should first determine who owns the rights to the design. This could be the baker, a photographer, or a brand owner. You will need to obtain permission from the rights owner to use their design, which may involve a licensing agreement and a fee.

It is important to note that using another person's design without their permission risks infringing on their intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademark rights, and personality rights. Copyright protection automatically vests with the creator of a new design, and they can stop others from copying or creating derivative works. Trademark protection arises when someone uses a word or design as a brand name. For example, the image of Mickey Mouse is associated with Walt Disney, so a Mickey Mouse cake might lead consumers to wonder if the cake was authorized by Disney.

To avoid any legal issues, it is best to assume that any specific cake design you want to copy is protected by copyright unless you can confirm otherwise. Obtaining permission to use the design can take time, so be sure to factor this into your wedding cake planning timeline.

Budget: Booking early can save money, and prices are often per slice

Wedding cakes are priced per slice, and the average piece costs anywhere from $3 to $8, with some getting closer to $12. The price you pay will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the cake, the intricacy of the design, the ingredients used, the flavour of the cake, the type of frosting, and any delivery fees.

Booking early can help you secure a lower price, as cake prices are subject to inflation and can increase year on year. For example, the average cost of a wedding cake in 2022 was $510, while in 2023 it was $540.

To save money, consider ordering a smaller cake than the number of guests you have. In one person's experience, only 75% of wedding guests ate cake, so if you have 150 guests, a cake with 150 servings will result in leftovers. You could also ask your baker about using buttercream instead of fondant, as it is typically less expensive and doesn't require as many steps or materials.

Another way to save money is to opt for a naked or semi-naked cake, which uses less frosting and therefore costs less in materials and labour. Alternatively, you could go for a simple design, as the amount of labour involved in creating intricate designs will increase the cost.

If you have a specific baker in mind, it's worth contacting them early to get a quote and avoid disappointment. However, be aware that some bakers may increase their prices for weddings, so you might want to consider asking for a quote for a "party cake" instead.

Tastings: Research and book tastings to find your dream cake

Tastings are an important part of the wedding cake process, as they allow you to sample different flavours and designs, helping you to decide on your dream cake. It is recommended that you finalise your basic wedding details before the cake tasting, including your wedding theme, season, colour schemes, venue, and reception menu. This will ensure that you choose a cake that complements your wedding style and that your baker has all the information they need to guide you through the process.

When it comes to researching and booking tastings, it's advisable to start early. Custom cake bakeries are usually small, appointment-only businesses that limit the number of bookings they take on. Therefore, it's a good idea to begin your research as soon as you've secured your venue. Look at reviews, the quality of their design work, and their reputation. Some cake shops may even allow you to book a tasting without having secured your venue, using an approximate wedding date.

Most sources recommend ordering your wedding cake at least six months in advance, and up to 12 months in advance if your wedding is during peak season. This will give your baker plenty of time to create your dream cake and ensure that you don't miss out on your chosen bakery. It's also worth noting that some bakeries may require a deposit to secure your booking, so be sure to factor this into your planning.

During the tasting, you'll have the chance to sample different flavours and designs, and the baker will guide you through the process. It's a good idea to come to the tasting with an open mind and be willing to try new things. You may even decide to have multiple flavours or a unique design, such as a drip cake or a groom's cake. Remember, your baker is an expert, so don't be afraid to ask for their recommendations and guidance.

Frequently asked questions