Breaking Into The Wedding Cake Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

Getting into the wedding cake business requires a lot of preparation. You'll need to be an expert in the latest cake trends, have a good range of decorating skills, and be able to offer guidance to couples on what type and size of cake is right for them. It's also important to have the business basics set up, including terms and conditions, so that couples know exactly what to expect from you.

Know the latest trends

To get into the wedding cake business, it's important to know the latest trends. You can do this by subscribing to magazines, following wedding stylists and directories on Instagram, and looking through Pinterest. Chances are, brides will be scouring Pinterest for ideas, so you will look professional if you can talk knowledgeably about different designs and what is currently popular. You can also be the expert by guiding couples on what type and design of cake is right for them, and having a list of cake sizes to hand so you can recommend the right size for the number of guests.

It's also a good idea to have a range of decorating skills, such as buttercream and sugarpaste cakes, as well as knowing how to use royal icing, make a drape, and basic sugar flowers. You can specialise more once you are established. In addition to your cakes, let people get to know you – the 'know, like and trust' factor is important when it comes to sales. Make sure your social media presence is strong, as people will be quick to recommend you to friends and family if they like what they see.

Be the expert

To be an expert in the wedding cake business, you need to be confident and knowledgeable about the latest cake trends. Follow wedding stylists and directories on Instagram, and look through Pinterest to see what's popular. You should be able to chat knowledgably about different designs and guide couples on the right type and design of cake for them. For instance, have a list of cake sizes to hand so that you can recommend the right size for the number of guests.

It's also important to have a good range of decorating skills. Offer both buttercream and sugarpaste cakes, and know how to use royal icing, make a drape, and create basic sugar flowers. You can specialise once you're established, but having a range of skills will make you more appealing to potential customers.

In addition, it's crucial to have your business basics set up. Have a solid set of terms and conditions so that couples know exactly what to expect from you. This will help you run your business smoothly and professionally.

Finally, don't forget the importance of building relationships and trust with your audience. Let people get to know you, and don't be afraid to showcase your personality on social media. This will help potential customers feel more connected to you and your business, increasing the likelihood of bookings and recommendations.

Have a good range of decorating skills

When starting out in the wedding cake business, it's important to have a good range of decorating skills. While some bakers specialise in buttercream cakes and others in sugarpaste cakes, it may be better to offer both when you're starting out. You can always specialise once you're more established. Knowing how to use royal icing, make a drape, and create basic sugar flowers, especially roses, will be useful. A basic knowledge of sugar craft will mean you can create different blooms when requested. Just make sure you give yourself time to practice before the cake is required.

It's also important to keep up to date with the latest cake trends. Subscribe to magazines, follow wedding stylists and directories on Instagram, and look through Pinterest to see what's popular. Chances are, brides will be scouring Pinterest for ideas, and you will look professional if you can chat knowledgeably about different designs and what is currently popular.

You should also have business basics set up, such as terms and conditions, so that couples know exactly what to expect from you when they book. It's also a good idea to have a list of cake sizes to hand, so that you can recommend the right-sized cake for the number of guests.

Business basics

It is important to have the business basics set up before you start taking orders. Get your paperwork and systems in order, including a solid set of terms and conditions, so that when couples book, they know exactly what to expect from you.

Keep up to date with the latest cake trends. Follow wedding stylists and directories on Instagram, and look through Pinterest to see what's popular. Brides will often use Pinterest for ideas, so you will look professional if you can talk knowledgeably about different designs. You should also be prepared to guide couples on what type and design of cake is right for them. Have a list of cake sizes to hand, so that you can recommend the right size for the number of guests.

It's also important to have a good range of decorating skills. Some wedding cake bakers specialise in buttercream cakes, some in sugarpaste cakes, but if you are starting out and want to get known, it may be better to offer both. Know how to use royal icing, make a drape, and basic sugar flowers, especially roses. A basic knowledge of sugar craft will mean you can create different blooms when requested.

Don't forget that it's not just about the cakes. Let people get to know you, too. The 'know, like and trust' factor is important when it comes to sales. Not everyone will be a potential customer, but if they like what they see on your social media, they will be quick to recommend you to friends and family.

The 'know, like and trust' factor

To do this, you need to establish yourself as an expert. Keep up to date with the latest cake trends, so that you can chat knowledgeably about different designs and what is currently popular. You can do this by subscribing to magazines, following wedding stylists and directories on Instagram, and looking through Pinterest. You should also be confident in guiding couples on what type and design of cake is right for them. For example, have a list of cake sizes to hand, so that you can recommend the right sized cake for the number of guests.

It's also important to have a good range of decorating skills. Wedding cake bakers often specialise in buttercream cakes or sugarpaste cakes, but if you are starting out and want to get known, it may be better to offer both. You should also know how to use royal icing, make a drape, and basic sugar flowers, especially roses. A basic knowledge of sugar craft will mean you can create different blooms when requested.

Finally, make sure you have your business basics set up. It's vital to have a solid set of terms and conditions, so that when couples book, they know exactly what to expect from you.

Frequently asked questions