Guide To Buying The Perfect Wedding Cake

Buying a wedding cake is an important part of wedding planning. There are a number of factors to consider, including the size of the cake, the number of guests, the flavour, the filling, the icing type and colour, and any decorations. It's recommended to order your cake at least four weeks in advance, and to finalise the details of the cake's design and flavour at least six days before. You may also want to consider whether you will pick up the cake or have it delivered, and whether you will preserve the top tier to enjoy on your first anniversary.

Flavours and customisations

When it comes to customisations, the possibilities are endless. You can select the filling, icing type and colour, and size of your cake. If you want a more personalised touch, you can add decorative add-ons like fresh flowers, ribbons, and confetti. You can even ask your baker to source and apply fresh flowers in specific colours, or bring your own for them to style on the cake.

If you're looking for something more traditional, a classic wedding cake with sharp, smooth buttercream and piped pearl borders is always a popular choice. You can also add a special cake knife and display your cake on a table with floral accents and greenery to make a real presentation.

Don't forget to finalise the flavours and customisations at least four weeks in advance, and set up a complimentary cake tasting to ensure you're happy with your choices.

Size and servings

When it comes to the size of your wedding cake, it's important to consider the number of servings you'll need. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one slice of cake per guest. However, if you're expecting a large number of guests, you may want to consider a larger cake to ensure there's enough for everyone.

The size of your cake will also depend on the shape you choose. For example, a round cake will serve fewer people than a square cake of the same size. Most bakeries will provide a servings suggestions chart to help you determine the appropriate size and shape for your guest count.

If you're having a small wedding, you can opt for a smaller cake. Some bakeries offer smaller cakes with decorative add-ons to make them look more impressive. You can also add fresh flowers to a small cake to make it look more elegant and sophisticated.

If you're planning on preserving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, be sure to ask your bakery about their recommendations for storage. Some bakeries provide a cake dome to preserve the cake in your freezer, while others may suggest removing all decorations and storing it in an airtight container.

Delivery and pick-up

When it comes to delivery and pick-up, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should allow at least four weeks to order your wedding cake, and payment is usually required at least seven days before delivery. If you are ordering a cake from a bakery, they will likely deliver it from the branch closest to your venue, but this may be limited to a certain distance, such as 15 miles. It's important to work with the bakery to determine the best delivery time.

Some bakeries may offer a pick-up option, which can be more cost-effective. If you choose this option, ensure you have suitable transport to get the cake safely to your venue. Cakes are often double-boxed with ice packs for short-term transport, but it's important to get them to their destination as quickly as possible to ensure they stay fresh.

If you are having a destination wedding, some bakeries may be able to transfer your order to a branch closer to your venue, so be sure to ask about this during your consultation. It's also worth noting that some bakeries may offer a complimentary cake tasting as part of their consultation service, so you can sample different flavours and styles before making your final decision.

Finally, if you'd like to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary, some bakeries can provide a cake dome for you to store it in your freezer.

Timing and payment

When it comes to timing, it's important to place your order for a wedding cake at least four weeks in advance. This allows for plenty of time to finalize the details, such as flavours, fillings, icing type and colours, and size. It's also a good idea to schedule a cake tasting to help you make your decisions.

If you're planning a destination wedding, you may need to transfer your order to a different bakery location. This can usually be arranged during your consultation.

For smaller weddings, you may only need a smaller cake. Some bakeries offer two- and three-tier cakes that are double-boxed with ice packs for short-term transport. These cakes are often available for pick-up only, so be sure to check the bakery's hours.

Payment for your wedding cake is typically required at least seven days before delivery. If you're picking up the cake yourself, the payment process may vary, so be sure to confirm with the bakery.

If you'd like to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary, some bakeries offer a cake dome for storage in your freezer. Ask about this option during your consultation to ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty.

Display and preservation

When it comes to displaying your wedding cake, you should consider the size of the table you will be using. The table should beDisplay and preservation are important considerations when buying a wedding cake. Here are some tips to help you:

Firstly, it is recommended to display your cake on a table large enough to showcase it while still allowing room for decorations such as floral accents, greenery, and a special cake knife. You can also add ribbons and confetti to make a real presentation. If you plan to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, ask your baker if they can provide a cake dome for storage in your freezer. To ensure the cake stays fresh, remove all decorations until it's just cake and icing.

When ordering a wedding cake, it is essential to plan ahead. Most bakeries recommend ordering at least four weeks in advance, and some require payment at least seven days before delivery. If you are picking up the cake yourself, you may need to provide your own ice packs and suitable transport, especially for multi-tiered cakes.

To ensure you order the right size of cake, consider the number of guests at your wedding. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one slice of cake per guest. Bakeries can provide serving suggestions based on the size and shape of the cake, so you can choose the right option for your guest count.Display and preservation are important considerations when buying a wedding cake. Here are some tips to help you:

Firstly, it is recommended to display your cake on a table large enough to showcase it while still allowing room for decorations such as floral accents, greenery, and a special cake knife. You can also add ribbons and confetti to make a real presentation. If you plan to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, ask your baker if they can provide a cake dome for storage in your freezer. To ensure the cake stays fresh, remove all decorations until it's just cake and icing.

When ordering a wedding cake, it is essential to plan ahead. Most bakeries recommend ordering at least four weeks in advance, and some require payment at least seven days before delivery. If you are picking up the cake yourself, you may need to provide your own ice packs and suitable transport, especially for multi-tiered cakes.

To ensure you order the right size of cake, consider the number of guests at your wedding. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one slice of cake per guest. Bakeries can provide serving suggestions based on the size and shape of the cake, so you can choose the right option for your guest count.

Frequently asked questions