Choosing Your Dream Wedding Cake: Contacting Bakeries

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also one of the sweetest parts of the process – especially when it comes to choosing your wedding cake. The wedding cake is a highly anticipated centerpiece of the reception, and it also serves as the final note of your guests' meal. It's important to choose a baker who can create a show-stopping cake that also tastes delicious.

When choosing a wedding cake bakery, it's essential to consider factors such as the flavour, design, size, and seasonality of the cake. It's also a good idea to book your bakery early, as availability can be limited, especially for popular bakers. During your initial discussions, be explicit about your expectations for both the taste and appearance of the cake.

To find the right bakery, you can ask friends and family for recommendations, or reach out to a wedding planner or caterer for suggestions. Online directories and reviews can also help you find talented bakers in your area.

Remember to keep your guest count in mind when deciding on the size of your cake, and don't be afraid to get creative with your choices!

When to book your wedding cake bakery

The general consensus is that the sooner you book your wedding cake bakery, the better. This is especially true if you are planning to get married during peak wedding season, or if you have a specific bakery in mind. Some bakeries are booked months, or even years, in advance, so it's important to start your search early to avoid disappointment.

It's recommended that you start looking for a baker about a year in advance, and that you book your chosen bakery around 6-12 months before the wedding. This is particularly important if you are planning a large wedding and require a big cake (3-tiers or more). Smaller, more intimate weddings can usually be booked 2-6 months in advance.

However, it's worth noting that some bakeries may only open their order books a couple of months in advance, so it's always worth reaching out to your chosen bakery to ask about their specific lead times.

If you are unsure of your final guest count, don't worry. You can still put a hold on the date to ensure it doesn't get booked by someone else, and then finalise the size and quantity of your order closer to the time.

It's also worth bearing in mind that plans can change, and you may want to adapt your cake design or flavour choices as your wedding day gets closer. So, while it's important to book early, you may not want to leave too much time between booking your bakery and your wedding date.

How to find a wedding cake bakery

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but finding the perfect wedding cake doesn't have to be! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find a fantastic wedding cake bakery:

Define Your Vision

Before you begin your search, take some time to consider what you and your partner want. Do you want a traditional tiered wedding cake, or would you prefer alternative options like cupcakes or a donut tower? Think about flavours and designs that appeal to you and fit your theme. Are there any specific ingredients or dietary requirements you need to consider? Knowing what you want will make it easier to find a bakery that aligns with your vision.

Get Recommendations

A great way to find reputable wedding cake bakeries is through word-of-mouth recommendations. Think back to weddings you've attended with impressive cakes. Reach out to the couple or your friends and ask for their bakery's contact information. You can also ask your wedding planner or caterer for suggestions, as they will likely have connections to talented bakers in the industry.

Research Bakeries

Create a shortlist of potential bakeries based on recommendations and online research. Look for bakeries that specialise in wedding cakes and have experience creating cakes that align with your desired style and flavour profile. Consider the location of the bakery and whether they can deliver to your wedding venue. Check their availability by reaching out and inquiring about their booking process.

Schedule Tastings

Once you've narrowed down your options, schedule tastings with two or three potential bakeries. This is a fun part of the process where you get to sample different flavours and creations. Come prepared by selecting cake and frosting flavours that interest you, and bring along photos or inspiration for your dream cake. Keep the tasting intimate, as including too many opinions can make decision-making difficult.

Discuss Details and Book

During the tasting, discuss important details with the baker, such as transportation, storage, delivery time, and any dietary restrictions. Be explicit about your expectations for both taste and appearance. If you plan to save a tier for your first anniversary, mention this to ensure the bakery can accommodate your request. After the tasting, if you're happy with the flavours and confident in their abilities, go ahead and book your chosen bakery.

Finalise the Design

In the months leading up to your wedding, work closely with your chosen bakery to finalise the design details. Provide them with clear directions, such as photos or inspiration boards, to ensure they understand your vision. Communicate any changes to your guest count and be open to their suggestions for creating a delicious and visually appealing cake.

What to ask your baker before booking

Before booking your wedding cake baker, it's important to do your research and ask the right questions to ensure you get the cake of your dreams. Here are some essential queries to make before finalising your decision:

General Background Questions

Asking about their background will give you an idea of their experience and expertise in creating wedding cakes. Here are some questions to consider:

• How long have you been in business?
• What is your culinary background?
• How many wedding cakes do you make a year/week/day?

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract

It's crucial to understand the logistics and policies before signing a contract. Here are some key questions:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How many cakes do you deliver on the same day?
• How soon before the wedding will my cake be baked?
• Are there any delivery fees?
• When is the deposit due, and how much is it?
• What is your refund policy if we need to cancel?

Questions About Cake Flavors

Flavours and fillings are an important part of your wedding cake. Ask these questions to ensure they meet your expectations:

• What flavours and fillings do you offer?
• Can we mix and match cakes and fillings, or do you have a set menu?
• Do you offer organic, vegan, or gluten-free options?
• Is a tasting included, and what is the cost?
• Will the tasting be a consultation or just samples?

Questions About Cake Design

The design of your cake is just as important as the taste. Be sure to ask these questions to ensure your vision is understood:

• Do you have a portfolio of past designs we can look at?
• Can you create a custom cake, or do we need to choose from a set selection?
• Can you offer design suggestions based on our budget and theme?
• Are your cakes finished with buttercream or fondant?
• Can you make sugar flowers, or work with our florist to incorporate fresh flowers?
• What size and shape should we choose to feed our guest list?
• How will the cake be displayed? Do you provide or rent cake stands?

Questions About Payment

Understanding the pricing and payment process is essential. Here are some questions to ask:

• How do you price your cakes? Is it by the slice or another method?
• Do you have a minimum cost?
• Are there additional rental fees for items like cake stands or toppers?
• When is the final payment due?

Questions About Logistics

Finally, some logistical questions to ensure a smooth process:

• Can we freeze the top tier, and will you provide a box for it?
• How far in advance do we need to order the cake?
• When does our order need to be finalised?
• What delivery services do you offer, and how do you ensure the cake arrives safely?

Wedding cake alternatives

If you're not a fan of traditional wedding cakes, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Macarons: These colourful French pastries are a popular choice for weddings, and can be customized to match your colour scheme and flavour preferences.
• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a great way to offer a variety of flavours and can be displayed creatively, such as in a tower or on a tiered stand.
• Doughnuts: Whether you opt for a doughnut wall, a tower of stacked doughnuts, or simply offer a variety of flavours, doughnuts are a fun and delicious alternative to cake.
• Pies: From classic apple pie to mini key lime pies, pies are a perfect choice for a fall wedding or a couple who wants a rustic-inspired dessert.
• Cheesecake: A versatile option that can be filled with any number of flavours, from fresh blueberry to chocolate.
• Ice cream: Serve up your favourite ice cream flavours from a local parlour, or opt for ice cream sandwiches for a fun, summery treat.
• Cookies: Stack your favourite cookies, such as Oreos, in a wedding cake-inspired tower.
• Cannolis: These custard-filled treats are an Italian favourite and perfect for a couple looking to incorporate their heritage into their wedding dessert.
• Crepes: Delicate and sophisticated, crepes can be displayed on a lace-inspired cake stand for a refined presentation.
• Fruit tarts: For a light and refreshing option, consider fruit tarts topped with fresh berries.
• Cheese wheels: For couples who prefer savoury over sweet, a cake-inspired display of cheese wheels is a unique option that will surely impress your guests.

How much wedding cakes cost

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are a lot of factors that can affect the cost. The average U.S. wedding cake costs around $600, but couples can expect to spend anywhere between $300 and $1200. The final price will depend on the size of the cake, the number of tiers, the intricacy of the design, the type of frosting, the ingredients used, and the location of the bakery.

Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $12 per slice. Fondant frosting is usually more expensive than buttercream, and an extra tier will be needed if the couple wants to save the top tier for their first anniversary. Couples should also keep in mind that the more guests they invite, the bigger the cake they'll need and the more they'll have to spend.

There are a few ways to save money on a wedding cake. One option is to only provide half servings, as most people only eat a bite or two. Another option is to have a "display" cake, which is a fake cake used for photos and cutting purposes, and serve guests from a less expensive sheet cake. Couples could also opt for a simpler design and basic flavors, or provide their own cake if their venue or caterer allows it.

It's recommended that couples meet with their wedding cake bakery 3-4 months before the wedding, and 5-6 months in advance if they're planning a larger wedding with a dessert table. This will give them enough time to finalize the design, flavors, and other details, without having to worry about their plans changing.

Frequently asked questions