Finding The Perfect Wedding Cake: A Guide

A wedding cake should be two things: delicious and beautiful. It should be a reflection of the couple's preferences and personality. Whether you want something classic and traditional or unique and contemporary, there are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect wedding cake.

Choose a baker who can bring your vision to life

When it comes to choosing a baker for your wedding cake, it's important to find someone who can bring your vision to life. This means finding a baker who is skilled in creating cakes that not only look beautiful but also taste delicious.

Start by considering your wedding theme and colour palette. Do you want a cake that complements your wedding decor? If so, look for bakers who have experience creating cakes with similar themes or colour schemes. For example, if your wedding has a rustic theme, you might want a cake adorned with fresh flowers or edible sugar blooms that match your bouquet.

Think about the flavour and fillings of your cake. Choose flavours that speak to your dessert preferences and reflect your personality as a couple. Whether it's a classic lemon and blackberry confection or something more unique, make sure your baker can create a cake that tastes as good as it looks.

When reviewing bakers' portfolios, look for cakes that showcase their creativity and attention to detail. Do they have experience working with different mediums like fondant, sugar work, or fresh fruit? Can they create intricate designs or hand-painted details? Finding a baker who is versatile and skilled in various techniques will ensure they can bring your unique vision to life.

Don't be afraid to give your baker creative freedom. As pastry chef Emily Lael Aumiller suggests, letting your baker determine the final design can often lead to something truly beautiful and special. Trust that they will create a cake that aligns with your vision while also considering the safest options based on external circumstances.

Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to multiple bakers and ask questions. Communicate your ideas and see how they respond. A good baker will be excited to collaborate with you and bring your dream cake to life.

Pick a design that reflects your wedding day or love story

Wedding cakes should be delicious and beautiful. While you should choose cake flavours and fillings that you like, the exterior can be anything you want. A classic white wedding cake is always in style, but you could also have a cake that is naturally iced, adorned with fresh fruit, decorated with intricate sugar work or fresh, edible flowers.

If you want your cake to reflect your wedding day or love story, you could ask your baker to include a feature flower from your celebration's design. For example, if you're having 3,000 garden roses at your wedding, you could ask for a cake adorned with sugar blooms. Or, if you're getting married by the sea, you could ask for a cake inspired by the movement of waves.

If you're open to giving your baker creative freedom, you could ask them to design a cake that reflects your wedding day or love story. This could be a great way to wind up with something beautiful and unique. You could also find a wedding cake you love and share it with your baker as inspiration.

Decide on a flavour that suits your preferences

Wedding cakes should be delicious and beautiful. Choose cake flavours and fillings that you and your partner enjoy. A classic white wedding cake is always in style, but you can also opt for something more creative. For example, you could have a cake adorned with fresh fruit, intricate sugar work, or fresh, edible flowers. If you have a specific vision for your wedding cake, find a baker you trust to bring your idea to life. You could also give your baker creative freedom to design a cake that suits your preferences.

When deciding on a flavour, consider your favourite desserts and flavours. If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to opt for a cake with a rich, indulgent flavour, such as chocolate or caramel. If you prefer something more refreshing, you could choose a cake with a citrus or fruity flavour. You could also incorporate your favourite flavours into the filling or frosting. For example, if you love the combination of lemon and blackberry, you could have a lemon cake with blackberry filling.

Another option is to choose a flavour that has a special meaning for you and your partner. For example, if you have a favourite holiday destination, you could choose a cake flavour that reminds you of that place. Or, if you have a favourite restaurant, you could choose a cake flavour that they serve.

If you're having trouble deciding on a flavour, you could consider having a cake tasting. Many bakeries offer this service, which allows you to sample different flavours before making your final decision. This can be a fun way to narrow down your options and find a flavour that you and your partner truly love.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a flavour that you and your partner will enjoy. It's your wedding day, so make sure the cake reflects your tastes and preferences. Whether you opt for a classic flavour or something more unique, the cake should be a delicious reflection of your personalities and a treat for you and your guests to enjoy.

Opt for a classic or contemporary style

Wedding cakes should be delicious and beautiful. While you should choose cake flavours and fillings that you like, the exterior of your cake can be anything you want. A classic white wedding cake is always in style, but that's not your only option.

If you want a classic and traditional wedding cake, you might opt for a white cake, perhaps with fresh or sugar flowers. You could also have your cake decorated with fondant or fresh flowers to match your wedding decor.

If you want a more contemporary wedding cake, you could go for something bold and colourful, or a modern dessert. You could give your baker creative freedom to design something unique, or find a wedding cake you love and share that with your baker as inspiration.

For example, one couple who got married on the French Riviera wanted a cake inspired by the movement of waves, so they hired a baker to create a modern, ruffled wedding cake for their reception. Another couple used over 3,000 garden roses throughout their wedding, so they asked their baker to create a cake adorned with sugar blooms.

Find a baker who can travel to your wedding destination

When it comes to finding a good wedding cake, it's important to remember that it should be both delicious and beautiful. Choose cake flavours and fillings that you and your partner enjoy, but don't be afraid to get creative with the exterior design. While a classic white wedding cake is always a stylish choice, there are many other options to consider. For instance, you could opt for a cake adorned with fresh or sugar flowers, or even something more unique, like a cake inspired by the movement of waves.

If you're open to putting the final design in your baker's hands, it can be a great way to end up with something truly special. Trusting your baker's expertise and giving them creative freedom can often lead to stunning results. However, if you have a specific vision for your wedding cake, it's crucial to find a baker who can bring your idea to life. This may involve finding a baker who is willing to travel to your wedding destination.

When searching for a baker who can travel, it's essential to consider their location and whether they have experience with destination weddings. Ask about their travel policies and any additional costs that may be incurred. It's also a good idea to inquire about their transportation and setup process to ensure that your cake arrives safely and on time.

To find the right baker, start by researching local bakeries or cake designers in your area and the wedding destination. Look for professionals who have experience creating wedding cakes and are open to custom designs. Read reviews, browse their portfolios, and don't be afraid to ask for references from past clients. It's also beneficial to schedule tastings to sample their creations and ensure that their cakes meet your expectations for taste and quality.

By taking the time to find a talented and reliable baker who is willing to travel, you can ensure that your wedding cake is not only delicious but also a reflection of your unique style and a memorable part of your special day.

Frequently asked questions