Planning The Perfect Wedding Cake: A Timely Treat

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and it's important to get the timing right for all the elements involved, especially the wedding cake. The wedding cake is a traditional part of the celebration and often serves as a centerpiece for the reception. So, how soon before the wedding should you plan for the cake?

Order at least six months in advance

Ordering your wedding cake at least six months in advance is a good rule of thumb, especially if your wedding is in the busy season from March to May or September to November. This lead time gives your baker plenty of time to work their magic and ensures you don't miss out on your first-choice baker.

Booking early also helps the rest of your wedding planning process run more smoothly. You'll have more time to spread out vendor deposits and won't be under pressure to find a baker at the last minute. It's one less thing to worry about, and you can focus on other important tasks like choosing a venue, your dress, and a caterer.

If you're getting married during peak season, consider ordering your cake up to 12 months in advance. This is especially important if you're opting for a small bakery, as they may require more notice and have limited availability.

When you order your cake, you'll discuss the design, custom sugar work, and any non-edible supplies. You'll also finalise the details of your cake, including the number of guests, venue location, theme or colours, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions. This information will help your baker create a cake that aligns with your vision and the style of your wedding.

Ordering your wedding cake at least six months in advance ensures you have one less thing to stress about as your big day approaches. It gives you time to collaborate with your baker and make any necessary adjustments, resulting in a delicious and memorable wedding cake.

Finalise basic wedding details before cake tasting

Finalising the basic details of your wedding before the cake tasting is an important step in the wedding planning process. This ensures that you choose a cake that complements your wedding theme, season, and reception menu. Here are some key aspects to finalise before the cake tasting:

• Wedding theme and colours: Decide on the theme and colour palette for your wedding. This will help you select a cake design that aligns with your chosen aesthetic.
• Venue and guest count: Confirm the venue and the number of guests. These details impact the cake size, presentation, and delivery logistics.
• Season and timing: Consider the season and time of your wedding. For example, summer and autumn weddings are more popular, so ordering in advance is crucial.
• Budget: Determine your budget for the wedding cake. This will guide your choices during the cake tasting and help the baker tailor their suggestions accordingly.
• Allergies and dietary restrictions: Identify any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests. Communicate this information to the baker so they can create a cake that accommodates everyone.
• Reception menu: Finalise the menu for your wedding reception. This will help ensure that your cake complements the other dishes being served.

By finalising these basic wedding details, you'll be well-prepared for your cake tasting and consultation. You'll be able to make informed decisions about the cake's design, flavour, and any necessary accommodations. Remember to communicate any changes or updates to your baker as your wedding plans evolve, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process.

Research wedding cake ideas

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, but it should also be enjoyable. One of the sweetest parts of your big day is the wedding cake. Whether you're dreaming of a classic tiered cake or something more unique, it's important to do your research and plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you get started on your wedding cake journey:

• Set a budget: The average cost of a wedding cake in the US is around $500, but it can go much higher depending on the design and number of guests. Allocate about 2-3% of your total wedding budget for the cake.
• Find your style: Your cake should reflect your personal style and wedding theme. Popular trends include wildflowers and flowy florals, maximalism, and modern minimalism. Use Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration, but don't forget to consider your venue, floral design, colour palette, and other details when finalising your design.
• Choose your baker: Selecting the right baker is crucial. Look for reviews and portfolios of local bakers, schedule tastings, and ask for recommendations from friends or other vendors.
• Design your cake: Work with your baker to choose the shape, flavours, and type of icing that best suit your vision. Consider incorporating sugar flowers, fresh flowers, or edible gold leaf. Also, think about cake toppers, acrylic tiers, and the type of cake stand you want to use.
• Logistics and delivery: Confirm the delivery timing, ensure there's a designated spot for the cake at the venue, and coordinate with your baker and other vendors to handle any logistics seamlessly.
• Alternatives: If a traditional cake isn't your style, consider a cupcake tower, dessert table, or even a stack of wheels of cheese for a savoury twist.
• Custom sugar flowers: Adding custom sugar flowers can elevate your cake. Reach out to specialised bakers who can work with you or your baker to create handcrafted florals that match your wedding theme and colour palette.
• Use a checklist: To stay organised and ensure you don't miss any important details, use a wedding cake checklist or planning book to guide you through the process.

Try wedding cake flavours in advance

It is recommended that you order your wedding cake at least six months in advance, and up to 12 months if your wedding is during peak season. This gives you ample time to plan the cake's design, flavours, and fillings.

• Finalise your basic wedding details: Before attending a cake tasting, it is helpful to have an idea of your wedding theme, season, and reception menu. This will guide you in selecting flavours that complement your wedding aesthetics and other food options.
• Consult with professional bakers: Expert bakers can provide valuable advice on choosing the best wedding cake flavours. They often have a menu of delicious pairings, combining different cake batters, fillings, frostings, and toppings.
• Sample a variety of flavours: Attend cake tastings together with your partner to find flavours you both enjoy. Sample several cake-and-filling combinations, such as vanilla cake with passion fruit curd or chocolate cake with hazelnut mousse filling.
• Consider unique and surprising flavours: While traditional flavours like vanilla and chocolate are always a safe choice, you can also explore unique combinations. Some surprising flavours that have gained popularity include orange and almond cake, earl grey and peach, and sticky date.
• Think about meaningful flavours: Reflect on flavours that hold special meaning to your relationship. This could be inspired by foods, spices, or beverages that play an important role in your everyday lives. For example, if you both love almond milk lattes, you could incorporate almond or coffee flavours into your cake.
• Request sample boxes: Many bakers offer sample boxes or cake tastings so you can try before you buy. This ensures that you're not just selecting flavours that sound appealing but also taste delightful.
• Factor in guest preferences: While it's not necessary to please everyone's taste preferences, you may want to consider any food allergies or special dietary restrictions among your guests. Additionally, offering a couple of different flavours can give your guests options and ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Plan delivery and assembly

Planning the delivery and assembly of your wedding cake is a crucial aspect of ensuring that it arrives safely and is presented beautifully at your wedding. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this process:

Ready-Assembled vs. Assembly On-Site:

It is recommended to deliver highly decorative, heavy, and fragile tiered cakes in separate parts and assemble them on-site. This method reduces the risk of damage during transportation and makes it easier to manoeuvre the cake. For cakes over 10kg, package each tier in its individual box and assemble them at the venue. Bring all the necessary tools and ingredients, such as piping bags, palette knives, paintbrushes, and royal icing.

On the other hand, lighter, sturdier, or smaller cakes can be delivered ready-assembled. However, it is still essential to handle them with extreme care during transportation.

The Delivery Vehicle:

When choosing a vehicle for cake delivery, ensure it has a flat surface to place the cake securely. Fill any void gaps around the cake and remove any free-moving items that could roll towards it. Keep the vehicle well-cooled during hot weather, and always drive carefully to avoid sharp turns, hard brakes, or speeding over bumps and potholes.

Contacting the Venue:

It is crucial to contact the venue directly about a week before the event to confirm the delivery address, parking instructions, loading restrictions, and road conditions. This will help you anticipate any challenges and make the necessary preparations. Brief the organiser about your anticipated delivery time so they can have the cake table ready.

Transporting the Cake to the Venue:

Allow ample time for transportation and aim to deliver the cake at least two hours before the event starts. This buffer will account for unexpected delays, traffic, or last-minute repairs. If possible, have a "Cake Delivery in Progress" sign to deter impatient drivers and ensure a smoother ride.

Setting Up Your Cake:

Upon arriving at the venue, conduct a brief scout of the event space to confirm the cake's placement. Then, unload the cake, stand, and any other equipment. Remember to take photos of the completed cake setup for your records.

Before Leaving the Venue:

Before departing, ensure you provide all cake-related instructions to the event manager or coordinator, including portion sizes, tier flavours, dietary specifications, and decorative elements that need to be removed. It is also advisable to have a signed form confirming that the cake has been received and set up in proper condition, releasing you from responsibility for any subsequent damage.

Frequently asked questions