Creating Unique Wedding Cakes: Individual Servings, Memorable Impact

Individual cakes for each table at a wedding can be a fun and unique way to serve dessert and double up as centrepieces. This idea is a great way to save money, as you won't need to spend as much on decorations and centrepieces. You can make the cakes yourself, but this will require a lot of planning and effort, so be sure to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding. If you do decide to make your own, opt for a simple, rustic design, and be sure to do a test run of the cake beforehand. You could even skip the icing and top the cakes with flowers instead.

Choosing a cake flavour

• Consider the couple's favourite flavours or a flavour that has a special meaning for them. For example, if they love coffee, a mocha or coffee-flavoured cake could be a great option. Or, if they have a favourite dessert, you could incorporate those flavours into the cake.
• Think about the time of year and the season in which the wedding is taking place. For example, a light and fruity cake might be more suitable for a summer wedding, while a rich, spicy cake could be perfect for a winter celebration.
• Match the cake flavour to the wedding theme or colours. For instance, a bright and colourful cake could complement a fun and whimsical wedding, while a more elegant and sophisticated cake might be better suited for a formal affair.
• Offer a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes. This could be in the form of a multi-tiered cake with different flavours for each tier or by offering individual cakes or cupcakes in a variety of flavours.
• Conduct a taste test with the couple to narrow down the options and choose the final flavour(s). This will ensure that the cake not only looks good but also tastes delicious.
• Vanilla: A classic and versatile option that can be paired with various fillings and frostings, such as lemon curd, raspberry jam, or almond or coconut extract.
• Chocolate: A rich and indulgent choice that can be enhanced with a chocolate drip or ganache. For a twist, consider adding a hint of chilli or orange to the chocolate cake.
• Red velvet: A unique and eye-catching option that is sure to impress. It can be paired with a cream cheese frosting for a traditional take.
• Carrot cake: A spicy and moist cake that is often a crowd-pleaser. It can be paired with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy and sweet combination.
• Lemon cake: A refreshing and vibrant choice, especially for a summer wedding. It can be filled with lemon curd or paired with a light and fluffy frosting.
• Fruit cake: A traditional option that can be soaked in liquor, such as brandy or sherry, for added flavour and moisture. It is often made in advance and fed with liquor regularly to enhance its taste.

Selecting decorations

Type of Decorations

When it comes to wedding cake decorations, you have a variety of options. Fresh flowers are a popular choice and can add a pop of colour to your cake. You can also use sugar flowers, which are handmade from flower paste and can be incredibly realistic. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own sugar flowers using flower paste, wire, and colouring. Other options include fondant, which can be used to create a smooth, clean surface on your cake, or royal icing, which can be piped into different shapes and used to cover up any flaws.

Colour Scheme

When selecting decorations, it's important to consider the colour scheme of your wedding. You can match the decorations to the colour of the wedding or the bride's dress. For a rustic wedding, simple, rustic decorations like fresh flowers or burlap pennants might be more suitable. If you want to make a statement, consider using neon signs or light-up cake toppers.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers can be a fun way to personalise your wedding cake. You can find a variety of cake toppers online or in cake decorating stores, or you can even make your own. A simple ""Just Married" banner or a garland of greenery can also be used as a cake topper.

Practice and Timing

It's important to practice your decorating skills ahead of time and to plan your timing carefully. Give yourself enough time to make any decorations, such as flowers or royal icing shapes, well in advance to reduce stress. Additionally, consider the freshness of your cake and plan your baking and decorating accordingly. For example, filled sponge cakes are best baked close to the wedding date, while traditional fruit cakes can be made in advance and fed with liquor for a few weeks.

Transport and Storage

If you are transporting your cake to the wedding venue, it's crucial to plan ahead. Make sure you have appropriate cake boxes and cushioning for the journey, and communicate with the venue about cake transport and refrigeration details. Additionally, consider the weather conditions and how they might affect your cake, especially if you're using buttercream or ganache, which should be applied as late as possible.

Timing and planning

• Start by working out how much time you have in the week leading up to the wedding and plan your baking and decorating tasks accordingly. Some decorations, such as flowers, toppers, and royal icing shapes, can be made well in advance to reduce stress closer to the big day.
• The type of cake you choose will impact your timeline. Filled sponge cakes are best baked close to the wedding, requiring several hours for mixing, baking, and cooling. Traditional fruit cakes, on the other hand, can be made ahead of time and fed with a spoonful of brandy or sherry every few days to make them moist and flavourful.
• Consider the icing you plan to use. Sugarpaste (fondant) can be applied a couple of days in advance as it keeps the cake fresh and provides a smooth surface for decorations. Buttercream or ganache, on the other hand, should be applied the night before at the earliest, as last-minute issues may arise.
• Plan your cake decorations, which are usually matched to the wedding's colour scheme, theme, and flowers. Fresh flowers are a popular choice but ensure they are non-poisonous varieties. Sugar flowers are another option, and while they take time to make, they can be extremely realistic and beautiful.
• Practice your decorating skills in advance. You can make extra icing and practice shapes and techniques on test cakes or silicone mats. Secure any wedding toppers or flowers well before the wedding day.
• If you're making a tiered cake, insert dowels into the bottom tier to support the weight of the upper tiers. Cut the dowels to size, so they are level with the surface of the cake.
• If you're transporting the cake to the venue, do a dry run first to ensure you have suitable boxes and cushioning for the journey.

Baking and assembling the cake

Baking and assembling a wedding cake is a fun but challenging task. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Baking the Cake:

• Choose a recipe that is specifically designed for a wedding cake, as it will ensure the cake is sturdy and that you have the right amount of batter and icing.
• Prepare all the ingredients and tools you will need, including cake pans, parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cardboard cake boards, a lazy Susan (optional), and a platter to serve the cake.
• Follow the recipe instructions carefully and bake the cakes in the required sizes, usually 12", 9", and 6" for a three-tier cake.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating.

Assembling the Cake:

• Level off the cakes by using a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops of all the cakes, creating a flat surface.
• Prepare the frosting by following the recipe instructions. You will need a large amount of frosting for a wedding cake, including for the filling, crumb coat, exterior frosting, and any piping decorations.
• Place a cake board at the bottom of each tier. This provides support and stability, especially when cutting the cake.
• Start with the bottom tier: use a large icing spatula to spread a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) on the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate the cake to help set the crumb coat.
• Repeat the process for the other tiers, including the top tier.
• To assemble the tiers, place four cake dowels in the bottom tier for support. Measure and cut the dowels so they are flush with the surface of the bottom cake.
• Carefully place the second tier on top of the bottom tier. You can pipe frosting around the bottom of the second tier to cover any gaps or imperfections.
• Repeat the process for any additional tiers.
• For the final decoration, you can pipe frosting or add fresh flowers, cake toppers, or other decorative elements.

Tips:

• It is recommended to bake the cake layers separately to avoid overwhelming your mixer and to ensure even baking.
• Cool the cakes completely before assembling and decorating.
• Use a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) on all tiers to protect the outer layer of frosting from crumbs.
• Refrigerate the cake after assembling to help set the frosting.
• Transport the cake carefully to the wedding venue, preferably in a cake box with plenty of tissue paper for cushioning.
• If desired, practice assembling and decorating a test cake before the final wedding cake.

Transporting the cake to the venue

Transporting your wedding cake to the venue is a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and care, you can ensure that your cake arrives in one piece. Here are some tips for transporting individual cakes for a wedding:

Use a Sturdy Base

Place each cake on a sturdy base, such as a cake drum or a heavy-duty cake board. This will provide support and stability during transportation. The cake board should be at least 1/2 inch thick and fit perfectly into a sturdy cardboard box. If you're transporting multiple cakes, consider using a large cake drum that can accommodate all the cakes together.

Packing the Cakes

Section:

Before placing the cakes in the box, line the bottom with a non-slip mat or bubble wrap to prevent movement. Choose a tall, sturdy, and secure cake box that is slightly larger than the cakes to allow for extra room for decorations. Secure the box lid tightly, as you don't want it to be blown off by a gust of wind during transportation.

Preparing the Vehicle

Reserve a flat and level space in your vehicle for the cakes, such as the boot or footwell. Avoid placing the cakes on car seats, as they are slanted and unstable. If your vehicle has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent the box from sliding. Keep the vehicle cool by turning on the air conditioning, especially if you're transporting buttercream cakes, which can melt in warm conditions.

Driving to the Venue

Drive slowly and carefully, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns. If possible, have someone accompany you to hold the cake box steady and help navigate. If you have to transport the cakes a long distance or in hot weather, consider picking them up a day early and refrigerating them overnight.

Final Setups at the Venue

Once you arrive at the venue, carefully remove the cakes from the box and do a final check for any damage. Use an emergency kit with items like smoothers, spare dowels, frosting, and decorations to fix any issues. Ensure you get proof of safe delivery and set-up by taking photos or having the event coordinator sign off on the delivery.

Frequently asked questions