Creating A Delicious Wedding Cake: Tips And Tricks

Wedding cake tasting is an enjoyable part of wedding planning. It involves sampling cakes, fillings, and frostings to determine the perfect combination for your big day. While it's a fun activity, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of the experience. Firstly, do your research and narrow down your bakery options. Schedule an in-person consultation and be prepared to pay a tasting fee, which may or may not be applied to the final cake cost. It's also helpful to have some ideas about your preferred flavours and cake design, and to communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions. During the tasting, try different elements separately and in combinations. It's also a good idea to take notes and ask questions. Most importantly, don't go on an empty stomach!

Choosing a baker

• Start early: It is recommended to start looking for a baker as soon as you have secured your wedding venue. This will ensure that you have enough time to find a baker who can create a cake that aligns with your venue choice and wedding theme.
• Find your baker: Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family are a great way to find a reputable baker. You can also attend wedding fairs to meet local bakers, see their creations, and sample their cakes.
• Get social: Many bakers showcase their work on social media platforms. This can be a great way to get a sense of their style and specialization. However, don't rely solely on images; be sure to read online testimonials and reviews as well.
• Align your style: Different bakers have different specializations. Some may specialize in fondant cakes, while others may focus on buttercream or naked cakes. As you gather cake inspiration, pay attention to the styles that resonate with you, whether it's whimsical, geometric, romantic, rustic, or glamorous.
• Meet with potential bakers: Once you've narrowed down your options to two or three bakers, schedule consultations with them. During these meetings, be prepared to discuss key details such as your wedding date, venue, estimated guest count, and budget.
• Consider the cost: The cost of a wedding cake depends on the number of servings and the complexity of the design. Sugar or fondant flowers, for example, can significantly increase the price. Be sure to discuss your budget with your baker and ask for suggestions to keep costs within your range.
• Get inspired: Share your wedding style, mood boards, colour palettes, dress designs, and any other sources of inspiration with your baker. This will help them create a cake design that aligns with your vision.
• Be adventurous with flavours: Don't feel limited to traditional cake flavours. Many bakers offer a variety of unique flavours and fillings, such as praline, hazelnut, chocolate mousse, and caramel. Choose flavours that you and your partner enjoy, rather than trying to please everyone.
• Schedule a tasting: Most bakers offer cake tastings for wedding clients. This is your opportunity to sample different flavours, fillings, and icings. If you plan to have multiple tiers, consider choosing different flavours for each tier to cater to a range of tastes.
• Ask about custom designs: If you have a specific design in mind, be sure to ask the baker if they can create a custom cake. Provide them with inspiration photos so they can understand your vision and make suggestions.
• Book your baker: Once you've found the right baker, be sure to put everything in writing. A signed contract should include details such as the agreed-upon cake design, size, flavours, special instructions, pricing, and delivery information. Most reputable bakers will also require a deposit to secure your wedding date.

Budgeting

Before you book your cake tasting, it's important to have a clear idea of your overall wedding budget and your cake budget. Knowing your limits will help bakers present you with the right pricing options. The average wedding cake cost in the US is around $500, with most couples spending between $300 and $700, or $4 to $5 per slice. However, a cake that feeds 125 guests can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500.

The cost of a wedding cake depends on several factors, including the number of tiers, the ingredients used, the decorations, and your location. The more guests you're inviting, the more you'll spend on the cake. An average 8-inch round cake serves about 15 people. If you have a guest list of 300, you can order a cake for 150 people and serve it in half-slices.

Fondant-covered cakes tend to cost more than cakes covered in buttercream, as fondant is more durable and requires extra steps and materials. The starting price of a fondant cake is usually about $5 per slice, while buttercream cakes start at around $4 per slice.

To save money, opt for a simple, small wedding cake decorated with buttercream icing and fresh flowers. Fresh flowers cost less than sugar flowers, and a simple buttercream finish will be significantly less expensive than fondant work. You can also ask your baker about downsizing to a smaller cake and supplementing it with other desserts like cookies or cupcakes. Alternatively, serve "kitchen cakes," which are undecorated sheet cakes that can cost half the price of a traditional cake.

Most bakeries will list their minimum charge per slice on their website, but decorations will drive up this cost. You can also email a photo of a cake you like to local bakeries and ask for a quote before coming in for a tasting. If you're getting married in a big city, prices are usually higher than in more residential or rural areas.

Be upfront about your budget with your baker, as they are on your side and want to give you the best cake possible. They can help you find options that fit within your price range and manage expectations.

Cake tasting etiquette

Cake tasting is one of the more enjoyable aspects of wedding planning. However, there is a certain amount of etiquette to be aware of before you begin sampling. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Preparation

Before you start tasting, it's important to do your research. Talk to friends, think about cakes you've enjoyed in the past, and read reviews of bakeries. It's also a good idea to have a clear idea of your budget, as this will influence the type of cake you can have. Be sure to communicate your budget to the baker so they can present you with options within your price range.

Know What You Want

Arrive at your tasting with some ideas about the flavour and style of cake you want. If you have a favourite type of cake or frosting, let the baker know so they can prepare samples for you to try. It's also helpful to have an idea of the desired look of your cake. Bring images or a sketch of your vision to help the baker understand what you're looking for.

Be Open-Minded

While it's important to know what you want, it's also good etiquette to be open to suggestions. Your baker may offer a flavour or design that surprises you and is perfect for your wedding. Ask about seasonal flavours and be willing to try something new.

Finalize Wedding Details Before the Tasting

It's important to have a clear idea of your wedding theme, season, and reception menu before your cake tasting. This will help you choose a cake that complements your wedding. Provide your baker with information such as the venue location, guest count, theme or colours, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Share Decorative Accessories in Advance

If you plan to use decorative cake accessories, share these with your baker in advance. This includes things like sugar flowers, fresh fruit, or fondant details. Your baker will need this information to create possible cake designs and provide accurate cost estimates.

Have a Snack Beforehand

Don't go to your cake tasting on an empty stomach! Eating something beforehand will ensure that your hunger doesn't affect your taste buds and prevent you from feeling light-headed from a sugar rush.

Try Different Elements Separately

Taste the sponge, frosting, and decorations separately if possible, and then try them in different combinations. This will allow you to fully appreciate the flavour of each element before mixing and matching.

Take Notes

It's easy to get overwhelmed when tasting multiple cakes, so take notes as you go. Ask the baker questions about the cakes and frostings, such as how they perform in different weather conditions, and add their answers to your notes.

Limit Your Entourage

It's a good idea to limit the number of people you invite to the tasting. Too many opinions can be confusing and overwhelming. Ideally, just bring your partner and your wedding planner, with one or two additional family members at most.

Listen to Professional Advice

Remember that your baker is the expert. Don't be afraid to try unusual combinations or take their suggestions on board. They may have ideas that make your cake even more amazing.

Ask Questions

Use the tasting as an opportunity to ask your baker any questions you have. This might include questions about order minimums, the number of tiers needed, their preferred mediums (buttercream, fondant, or ganache), delivery details, and final payment dates.

Give Your Cake the Spotlight

Your wedding cake is a one-of-a-kind creation, so be sure to give it the spotlight it deserves at your reception. Designate a table to showcase your cake, and consider adding a spotlight or surrounding it with candles for the best presentation.

Cut the Cake Early

To avoid having leftover slices, cut the cake early in your reception timeline. Consider cutting the cake right after your first dance, and then have your caterers cut the rest of the cake during dinner so it's ready to serve when the meal is over.

Plan Ahead if You Want to Save the Top Tier

If you want to save the top tier of your cake for your first wedding anniversary, be sure to plan ahead. Completely cover the cake with multiple layers of plastic wrap and store it in a plastic bag. Let your caterers know about your plans so they can properly preserve and wrap the top tier.

Be Mindful of Delivery

Wedding cake delivery requires coordination and usually a refrigerated van. Discuss all the details with your baker beforehand, including assembly time and travel time. Ask if you need to be on-site to approve the delivery or if you can designate someone else to handle it.

Be Mindful of Timing

Book your cake tasting about six months before your wedding. By this time, you'll have many of your wedding details worked out, which will help you choose a cake that suits your big day.

Be Aware of Costs

Before confirming a cake tasting, inquire about the price. Some bakers charge a fee for tastings, which may be credited towards the final cost of the cake if you choose to book with them.

Be Mindful of the Baker's Time

Be respectful of the baker's time and don't overstay your welcome. A typical cake tasting lasts about one to two hours, so plan accordingly.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water during your tasting to cleanse your palate and stay hydrated.

Be Mindful of Your Baker's Advice

Your baker will have expert knowledge about which cake designs and flavours work best. Be open to their suggestions and advice, as they want to create a cake that is both delicious and stable.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your cake tasting and on your way to choosing the perfect wedding cake.

Cake design

The design of your wedding cake is a crucial aspect of the cake-making process. It is important to have a clear vision of what you want your cake to look like, and communicate this effectively to your baker. Here are some tips to help you design your dream wedding cake:

• Start by gathering inspiration and ideas. Look through wedding blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, and the baker's portfolio. Create a mood board or a collection of images that represent the style of your wedding and the cake designs that appeal to you. This will help the baker understand your taste and preferences.
• Consider the overall design and style of your wedding. Think about the floral design, invitation design, wedding attire, and décor. These elements can inspire the design of your cake and create a cohesive look for your special day.
• Decide on the number of tiers and the size of your cake. The scale of your cake will depend on the number of guests you plan to serve. Discuss your estimated guest count with your baker, and they can help you determine the appropriate size and number of tiers for your cake.
• Choose your cake flavours and fillings. While taste is essential, the flavours you select can also influence the design of your cake. For example, if you choose a chocolate tier and a fruit tier, your baker can incorporate these flavours into the decoration of each tier.
• Think about the type of icing or frosting you prefer. Buttercream, fondant, or ganache are popular options, each offering a different look and texture for your cake.
• Decide on any additional decorations you may want. Sugar flowers, fresh flowers, or an elaborate watercolour design can add a unique touch to your cake. If you have a specific theme or colour scheme for your wedding, incorporate those elements into the cake design.
• Discuss any dietary restrictions or allergies with your baker. Ensure that your cake is not only delicious but also safe for all your guests to enjoy.
• Be open to suggestions from your baker. They are the experts and may offer unique ideas or combinations that you might not have considered. Trust their creativity and experience to enhance your cake design.
• Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Your wedding cake should reflect your personality and style. If you have a unique vision, communicate it with your baker, and together you can create a one-of-a-kind cake that will be the centrepiece of your wedding.

Remember, the design process should be a collaborative effort between you and your baker. Effective communication and a clear vision will help ensure that your wedding cake not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on your big day.

Finalising the details

Now that you've decided on the flavour, it's time to finalise the details of your wedding cake. Here are some key things to consider:

Design

Share your design ideas with your baker. If you have any specific requests, such as sugar flowers or real blooms, be sure to communicate this. You can also ask the baker for their suggestions, as they may have unique ideas that surprise you. It's also a good idea to bring images or a sketch of your vision to help the baker understand what you're looking for.

Size

Determine the size of your wedding cake based on the number of guests you expect. The baker can help you decide on the number of tiers or layers needed to feed your guest list. Consider whether you want a "display cake" with a single real tier and additional tiers made from Styrofoam, along with a simpler sheet cake to be cut and served to guests.

Allergies and dietary restrictions

Be sure to inform your baker of any dietary restrictions or allergies. There may be hidden ingredients in the frosting or sponge, so it's crucial to be clear about your needs. For example, if someone in your family has a severe nut allergy, ensure that the baker is aware and can accommodate this.

Delivery and setup

Ask your baker about their delivery process and any associated fees. Find out if they will deliver the cake to your venue and ensure its safe setup. It's also a good idea to inquire about the timing of the delivery—will it be delivered fresh on the day of your wedding, or will it be delivered in advance and stored at the venue?

Contract and payment

Before signing a contract with your baker, be sure to ask all your questions and get clarity on any concerns. Review the contract carefully, checking for details such as the ingredients used, delivery arrangements, timing, and cost. Finalise the payment details, including any deposits or instalments, and confirm the deadline for the final payment.

Backup plan

While it's not something anyone wants to think about, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something unexpected happens. Discuss this with your baker and find out what their policy is in case of an emergency. It's better to be prepared and hope you don't need to implement the plan than to be caught off guard.

With these details finalised, you can feel confident that your wedding cake will be a delicious and memorable part of your special day.

Frequently asked questions