Custom Wedding Cakes: How Long Do They Take?

Creating a custom wedding cake can take a considerable amount of time and effort, with the entire process potentially spanning several years. The timeline for crafting a bespoke wedding cake involves multiple stages, from initial consultations to design, baking, decoration, and final setup. While the duration may vary based on the complexity of the cake, it typically ranges from several months to a year or more. During the initial stages, consultations are held with the couple to discuss design preferences, flavours, and other customisation options. This is followed by design sketches, ordering supplies, and scheduling staff to ensure timely completion. The baking and decoration process itself can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours or more, depending on the number of tiers, flavours, and intricate details involved. In addition, creating custom sugar work, such as sugar flowers and decorations, can add to the overall timeline.

Planning and design

Consultation and Design:

The first step is to meet with the clients, either in person or via email, to discuss their requirements and preferences. This includes design styles, flavours, colours, budget, and any other special requests. Based on this consultation, the baker will create rough sketches and a proposal for the clients to review and approve. This initial consultation and design process can take a few weeks, and it is crucial to reserve the date for the wedding as early as possible.

Ordering Supplies and Scheduling Staff:

Once the design is finalised, the baker will order any non-edible supplies needed, such as cake stands, boxes, and decorations. They will also schedule their staff to ensure enough hands are available to complete the cake on time. This step is crucial, as creating a custom wedding cake can require 30 to 60+ hours of physical labour.

Custom Sugar Work and Edible Decorations:

Sugar flowers and decorations are shelf-stable and can be created well in advance to ensure perfection. Fondant and modelling chocolate decorations are also made early and stored properly to maintain freshness. These intricate details can take a significant amount of time and talent to create.

Ordering Ingredients:

To ensure the freshest ingredients, bakers typically order them two weeks in advance, for delivery a few days before the event. This ensures the ingredients are at their best for the baking process.

Baking and Assembly:

The baking process itself can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the number of tiers, flavours, and complexity of the design. After baking, the cakes are left to rest overnight before being cut, levelled, filled, and covered. The final layers of frosting are applied, and any custom decorations are added. This process can take several days, depending on the design.

Transport and Set-up:

Transporting a custom wedding cake is a delicate operation. Bakers will plan ahead and carry extra icing and decorations to ensure a perfect setup at the venue. Setting up the cake at the venue can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the final decorations and any additional requests, such as arranging flowers or candles around the cake.

Ingredients and supplies

The ingredients and supplies needed for a custom wedding cake will vary depending on the design and flavours chosen by the client. However, there are some standard ingredients and supplies that are typically used when creating a custom wedding cake. Here is a detailed list of ingredients and supplies that may be required:

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Milk
• Baking powder/baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Flavourings (e.g. lemon zest, almond extract, cocoa powder)
• Fresh fruits (e.g. berries, citrus fruits) or purees
• Edible decorations (e.g. sprinkles, sugar pearls, gold leaf)

Supplies:

• Cake pans in various sizes
• Mixing bowls and utensils
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatulas and whisks
• Cake leveler or serrated knife
• Piping bags and tips
• Turntable
• Cake boards and boxes
• Modern cake stands that fit the specific cake design and size
• Refrigerators or coolers to store ingredients and finished cakes
• Ovens and other baking equipment
• Stable Mabel kit or other structural support for tiered cakes

It is important to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and the specific ingredients and supplies will depend on the unique design and requirements of each custom wedding cake. Additionally, it is crucial to source high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure the best possible taste and texture for the cake.

When creating a custom wedding cake, it is essential to plan ahead and order any non-edible supplies and ingredients well in advance to ensure they are available when needed. This includes scheduling staff hours to ensure that there are enough hands to complete the cake on time.

Baking and assembly

The baking and assembly of a custom wedding cake is a complex and time-consuming process. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

Baking the Cake

Baking a wedding cake typically takes between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the number of tiers and flavours. The baker must ensure their kitchen is clean and prepare the cake tins by lining them. After baking, the cakes are left to rest overnight before being cut, levelled, filled, and covered the next day. This process ensures the cakes are stable and ready for further decoration.

Creating the Filling and Frosting

The filling and frosting, such as buttercream, are usually made a day or two in advance to allow for cooling and setting. The cakes are then filled and crumb-coated, creating a smooth base for the final coat of frosting.

Stacking and Decorating

The cakes are carefully stacked using supports, and the final coat of frosting is applied. This step may involve multiple coats to achieve the desired texture and appearance. Fresh flowers or other custom decorations, such as sugar flowers or fondant creations, are then added to the cake.

Prepping for Transport

After the cake is assembled and decorated, it is prepared for transport to the venue. This includes ensuring proper refrigeration and packing techniques to protect the cake during transportation.

Final Touches and Setup

At the venue, the baker will set up the cake, making any necessary final touches. This may include adding fresh flowers, arranging candles, or coordinating with other suppliers, such as florists or event planners, to ensure a seamless presentation. The setup process can take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the cake and any additional decorations.

Creating a custom wedding cake is a labour-intensive process that requires careful planning and execution. Each step must be carefully timed and executed to ensure the cake is stable, delicious, and visually appealing for the wedding celebration.

Transport and setup

Transport:

• It is essential to have a suitable vehicle for transporting the wedding cake, such as a van or a car with ample space. The cake should be carefully loaded into the vehicle, ensuring it is secure and will not shift during transit.
• Consider the distance to the venue and plan the route accordingly. If the venue is far away, it may be necessary to make arrangements for a longer journey, including potential traffic delays.
• Prepare an emergency kit for transport. This should include extra icing, decorations, and any other supplies that might be needed in case of last-minute touch-ups or minor disasters.
• For a seamless delivery, coordinate with other suppliers and the venue. Ensure you are aware of any specific requirements or timings, such as arriving after special flooring has been laid or coordinating with the florist.

Setup:

• Upon arrival at the venue, carefully unload the cake and bring it to the designated display area.
• The setup process can vary depending on the complexity of the cake and any additional decorations that need to be added on-site. Allow sufficient time for this step, as it can take between 1 to 3 hours.
• Ensure the table for the cake is sturdy, dressed, and ready before placing the cake on it. If requested, you may also need to dress the table with candles, flowers, or foliage.
• Once the cake is in position, make any final adjustments and touch-ups to ensure it looks perfect. Step back and appreciate your creation!
• Take photographs of the finished setup to showcase your work and share with the couple and on social media.

Follow-up

Creating a custom wedding cake is not just a matter of baking and decorating. It requires a lot of planning, designing, and preparation. The entire process can take months or even years, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of tiers.

After the initial consultation with the client, the baker will create design sketches and order any non-edible supplies needed. This is also the time to schedule staff and ensure enough hands are available to complete the cake on time. Custom sugar work, such as sugar flowers and decorations, can take a significant amount of time to create and are usually made well in advance.

The baker will then order the freshest ingredients and create any edible decorations, such as those made from fondant or modelling chocolate. The cake layers are then baked and filled, and the final decorations are added. The cake is then prepared for transport to the venue, with extra icing and decorations on hand in case of any last-minute touch-ups.

After the event, the baker may send thank-you cards to the client and vendors and post images of the cake on social media. This is a way to show appreciation and also to showcase their work to potential future clients.

The time it takes to create a custom wedding cake can vary depending on the baker's experience, the complexity of the design, and the number of tiers. It is important to allow ample time for the creation of the cake to ensure that it is perfect for the client's special day.

Frequently asked questions