Tips For Buying The Perfect Wedding Cake

Buying a wedding cake is an important part of wedding planning. Couples should consider the size of their wedding cake based on the number of guests they anticipate, keeping in mind that not every guest will want a slice. Square wedding cakes serve more than round ones. Wedding cake designs can be found in magazines or bakery galleries, or couples can design their own cake. It is important to select a cake that not only looks good but also tastes good. Couples should consider cake flavours, fillings, and icings, and may want to request a cake tasting before placing their order. Wedding cakes can be purchased from bakeries, grocery stores, or big-box stores, with prices varying depending on the complexity of the design.

Choosing the right size cake

Number of Guests

The number of guests you plan to invite will be a key factor in determining the size of your wedding cake. A good rule of thumb is to estimate that 75% to 90% of your guests will want a piece of cake. This means that for a guest list of 100, you would want a cake that provides around 70-90 servings. It's also worth considering whether you would like to have leftovers or take the top tier home to enjoy later.

Type of Cake

The type of cake you choose will also impact the size. Traditional wedding cakes typically have tiers that are 3-4 inches tall, while modern cakes may feature taller tiers of 7-8 inches. The number of tiers will also affect the overall size and servings; a single-tier cake will serve 10-30 guests, while a two-tier cake can serve 40-60, a three-tier cake 70-90, and so on.

Cake Shape

The shape of your cake will also influence the number of servings. Round cakes are classic and timeless, but square cakes can be cut into uniform portions, making them ideal for maximizing servings. Hexagonal or octagonal cakes offer even more surface area, allowing for additional servings.

Portion Size

The size of the slices you plan to serve will also be a factor. Standard wedding cake servings are typically 1-inch by 2-inches, while a larger party-size slice might be 1.5-inches by 2-inches. You may also want to offer "finger portions," which are smaller samples of the cake, in addition to larger dessert portions.

Other Desserts

If you plan to serve other desserts in addition to the cake, such as cupcakes, brownies, or cookies, you may need less cake. In this case, you can estimate that each guest will have about one and a half dessert items, including cake.

Venue and Decorations

The size of your venue and the overall decor can also influence your cake size decision. For example, a small cake may look out of place in a large room with high ceilings. On the other hand, if you plan to have intricate decorations or a particular style, you may need a larger cake to balance out the details.

In conclusion, choosing the right size wedding cake depends on a variety of factors, including the number of guests, the type and shape of the cake, portion sizes, other desserts, and the venue and decorations. By considering these factors, you can ensure you have the perfect-sized cake for your special day.

Selecting a flavour and fillings

• Vanilla: A versatile and popular choice that goes with any colour scheme. Vanilla cake can be paired with various fillings and frostings, such as vanilla buttercream for a classic touch or a fruit compote for a twist.
• Chocolate: A timeless favourite that offers plenty of room for creative fillings and icings. Chocolate cakes can be paired with luxurious chocolate ganache or a touch of sophistication with caramel or raspberry filling.
• Fruit-flavoured: Perfect for those who desire a lighter, more refreshing taste. Popular fruit flavours include lemon, raspberry, and strawberry. Lemon cake with berries and cream filling or a raspberry cake with lemon summer berry compote are excellent choices.
• Red Velvet: Famous for its rich taste, moist texture, and stunning red shade. Red velvet cake is commonly paired with cream cheese frosting, but there is room for exploring different avenues of taste pairings.
• Spiced: These cakes offer subtle nuances of flavour and a bit of warmth, perfect for a cozy and elegant wedding. Classic spiced wedding cakes include red velvet and cinnamon spice cakes. Other combinations to try are pumpkin spice or ginger and passionfruit, paired with vanilla or cream cheese frosting.

If you want something unique and unconventional, there are plenty of alternative flavour options to explore, such as olive oil cakes, banana cakes, pistachio cakes, or almond cake with salted caramel.

Picking a style

Next, you can start to think about the design of your cake. Look through magazines or online galleries for inspiration and ideas. You could also design the cake yourself or work with a baker to create a custom design. If you have a particular colour scheme, you can bring in a swatch of fabric or ribbon for the baker to match. You can also add fresh flowers to your cake, either by sourcing them yourself or asking the baker to source them for you.

Finally, you can choose from a range of cake flavours, fillings, and icings. Common cake flavours include vanilla, chocolate, carrot, red velvet, and marble. Fillings can be fruity, decadent, or custard-based, while icings often include buttercream, chocolate buttercream, or fondant.

Ordering in advance

Ordering your wedding cake in advance is crucial to ensuring you get the cake you want for your special day. Wedding cake vendors are often booked up, especially during peak wedding season, so it's important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you order your wedding cake in advance:

Determine Your Timeline

The first step is to determine how far in advance you need to order your cake. A good rule of thumb is to order between 4 to 6 months before your wedding, especially if you're getting married during the busy summer or fall seasons. However, some bakeries may require you to wait until closer to the wedding date to finalise certain details. For example, one bakery recommends ordering at least 6 days in advance for pickup, while another suggests placing your order at least a couple of months ahead.

Research and Select Your Vendor

Start by researching vendors whose style, design, and pricing align with your vision and budget. Look for bakeries that specifically advertise wedding cakes and check reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience and the quality of the cakes. Once you've found a few potential vendors, don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. You can also schedule a tasting to sample different flavours and get a sense of their process. It's important to book your vendor as soon as possible to ensure you reserve your spot, especially if you have your heart set on a particular bakery.

Finalise the Details

After you've selected your vendor, work with them to finalise the details of your cake. This includes determining the size of the cake based on your guest count, selecting flavours and fillings, and deciding on any decorative elements or add-ons. If you're providing your own fresh flowers or other decorations, be sure to communicate this to the bakery so they can accommodate your request.

Place Your Order

Once you've made all your selections and finalised the details, it's time to place your order. Provide the bakery with all the necessary information, including the date of your wedding, the number of guests, and any special requests. Confirm the delivery or pickup details and make sure you understand the final payment expectations.

Ordering your wedding cake in advance will help ensure that you have a delicious and beautiful cake that meets your expectations. It's one less thing to worry about as you plan your special day!

Pick-up and delivery options

If you choose to pick up the cake, you will need to ensure that you have appropriate transportation to safely transport the cake to your venue. Some bakeries may provide boxes and ice packs to help keep the cake stable and fresh during transport. It is also important to check the bakery's pickup times and ensure that they align with your schedule. For example, The Cakewalk Shop offers pickup from Tuesday to Saturday during specific time slots.

Delivery is a convenient option, especially if your venue is far from the bakery or if you want to avoid the hassle of transporting the cake yourself. However, delivery services usually come with an additional cost, which may be based on the distance to your venue. For instance, The Cakewalk Shop charges a delivery fee of $75 and above, depending on the venue's distance. Some bakeries may also have minimum order requirements for deliveries. It is worth noting that delivery times may be restricted on certain days; for instance, The Cakewalk Shop is closed on Sundays, so deliveries for Sunday events may need to be scheduled for Saturday.

When deciding between pickup and delivery, it is essential to consider the logistics of your event, your budget, and the services offered by the bakery. Be sure to communicate your needs and preferences clearly to the bakery to ensure a smooth and timely delivery or pickup.

Frequently asked questions