Creating Your Dream Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the time and effort that goes into it. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake:

- Plan ahead: Start by researching what professional wedding cake bakers do and make a list of all the ingredients and tools you'll need. Order your supplies early and create a timeline for baking and decorating the cake.

- Keep it simple: Opt for a simple design and a tried-and-tested recipe that you're confident baking and decorating. You can also consider making a single-tier cake or a smaller cake with multiple tiers for each guest.

- Practice: Make a practice cake to refine your skills and familiarise yourself with the recipe and decorations. This will help you identify any potential issues and give you the confidence to execute your vision.

- Consider the climate: Adjust your recipe and storage methods according to the climate to ensure your cake sets correctly. For example, in hot and humid locations, consider using a fondant coating instead of buttercream.

- Transportation: Plan how you will transport the cake to the venue, including the type of vehicle and a sturdy cake box. If possible, assemble the cake at the venue to avoid potential damage during transportation.

- Decoration: Fresh flowers, berries, and other edible garnishes are great ways to decorate your cake simply and elegantly. You can also use cake toppers, pretty cupcake liners, or a fancy stand to elevate the look.

- Have a backup plan: Even the most experienced bakers can have an off day, so it's essential to have a backup plan. Know where to buy a plain white cake or simple desserts like fairy buns in case of any last-minute disasters.

Choosing a simple design and decorations

• Opt for a simple cake design: You don't need to create an elaborate or complex design for your wedding cake. A simple, elegant design can be just as beautiful and impressive. Consider a semi-naked or naked cake style, which only requires a thin layer of frosting or no frosting on the outside of the cake. This can be a great option if you're not confident in your frosting skills or want to save time and effort.
• Use fresh flowers and greenery: Fresh flowers and greenery are a simple and effective way to decorate your wedding cake. They can add a touch of elegance and romance to your cake and help to hide any imperfections in the frosting. Choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette or theme. Be sure to wrap the stems of the flowers with floral tape and secure them to the cake with straws.
• Fruit toppings: Decorating your wedding cake with fresh berries, fruits, or even chocolate drips can be a delicious and visually appealing option. An assortment of whole berries or fruit can add a pop of colour and a touch of sweetness to your cake.
• Cake toppers: Adding a simple cake topper, such as "Mr & Mrs" or "Love" can instantly elevate the look of your cake. You can also use a cake stand or platter to display your cake and add a touch of elegance.
• Keep it rustic: Embrace the rustic aesthetic by keeping your cake design simple and unfussy. A few well-placed flowers or berries can be all you need to create a beautiful and charming wedding cake.
• Practice and planning: Take the time to practice your cake decorating skills beforehand. Experiment with different techniques, such as texturing or piping, to find what works best for you. Plan out the design and decorations you want to use, and don't be afraid to keep it simple.

Practice baking and decorating in advance

Baking a wedding cake is a challenging task, and it is important to practice the process beforehand to ensure that you are confident and prepared for the big day. Here are some tips to help you practice baking and decorating your wedding cake in advance:

• Start by researching what professional wedding cake bakers do. Study their techniques, tools, and processes to gain a better understanding of the requirements and expectations for creating a wedding cake.
• Order your supplies early. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients, including cake pans, parchment paper, mixing bowls, spatulas, and any decorations you plan to use.
• Practice baking the cake layers in advance. This will help you perfect the recipes, adjust portion sizes, and increase your comfort level with the process. You can use these practice cakes for other occasions or as test cakes for friends and family.
• Practice icing and decoration. Experiment with different colours, textures, and techniques to enhance your skills and build confidence. You can use styrofoam cake rounds or real cake layers for practice.
• Plan and prepare your workspace. Ensure you have a clear and organised workspace to make your bake run smoothly. Remove any clutter or distractions that could interfere with your process.
• Do a trial run. Even if you have made this cake before, baking it in larger quantities for a wedding may present new challenges. Do at least one trial run to familiarise yourself with the process and identify any potential issues.
• Practice food safety. Always wash your hands and equipment before baking, use fresh ingredients, and follow the recipe closely to ensure food safety and the best possible outcome for your cake.
• Practice assembling the cake. Setting up a tiered wedding cake can be tricky, so it's important to do a test run with the same equipment and tools you plan to use on the day. This will help you refine your technique and identify any potential issues.
• Have a backup plan. Even the most experienced bakers encounter challenges, so it's important to be prepared for any last-minute issues. Know your options for alternative cakes or desserts if something goes wrong.

Plan transportation and assembly

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure that your cake arrives safely and securely at the venue. Here are some detailed tips for transporting and assembling your wedding cake:

• Use a sturdy base: Place the bottom tier of the cake on a sturdy base such as a cake drum, cake board, or a piece of foam board. This will provide stability and support during transportation.
• Chill the cake: Keep the cake chilled before and during transportation. Cold buttercream acts as armour for the cake, allowing you to gently touch it without leaving fingerprints. Chilling the cake will also help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too soft during transport.
• Secure the tiers: Use wooden dowels or straws to secure each tier of the cake to the base and to each other. This will prevent the tiers from shifting or sliding during transportation. The dowels should be cut to size and placed in a circle in the centre of each tier, about 2 inches apart.
• Use a cake box: Place the cake in a large, sturdy cake box that is big enough to accommodate its size. This will protect the cake from bumps and jostles during transport. You can make your own cake box by cutting and taping cardboard boxes or purchase ready-made cake caddies from cake supply stores.
• Reserve a flat space in your vehicle: Ensure that you have a large, flat space in your vehicle, such as an SUV or a car with foldable backseats, to place the cake box. Avoid placing the cake on laps or slanted car seats, as they are unstable. If the floor of your car has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent the cake box from sliding.
• Keep the vehicle cool: Maintain a cool temperature in your vehicle during transportation, especially on hot days. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight on the cake. If you are travelling for more than an hour, consider picking up the cake the day before the wedding and storing it in the refrigerator until the day of the event.
• Drive carefully: When transporting the cake, drive slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, and speed bumps. Have someone accompany you to hold the cake box steady and help navigate turns.
• Assemble at the venue: Once you arrive at the venue, carefully remove the cake from the box and assemble the tiers. Make any necessary touch-ups or repairs to the cake, and then display it in a safe and secure location, preferably out of direct sunlight and in a cool area.
• Bring cake repair supplies: Bring extra frosting, icing spatulas, piping bags, and other cake-decorating tools to perform touch-ups and repairs at the venue. Fresh flowers or foliage can also be used to cover any imperfections.
• Practice assembling the cake: Before the big day, practice assembling the cake tiers to familiarise yourself with the process and identify any potential issues. This will give you the confidence to execute the assembly perfectly on your wedding day.
• Consider the climate: Adjust your recipe and storage methods according to the climate. If you are in a humid location, avoid buttercream and opt for a fondant coating instead. Keep the cake in a cool, dry place until it is ready to be displayed.
• Plan ahead: Know the measurements and refrigeration requirements of your cake. Check with the venue to ensure they have fridge space available if needed. Also, inform the venue about your arrival time and request a catering cart to wheel the cake to the display table.
• Have a backup plan: Even the most accomplished bakers can have an off day. Know when to call it quits and have a backup plan, such as a simple store-bought cake or cupcakes.

Use fresh flowers and berries for decoration

Using fresh flowers and berries to decorate your wedding cake is a beautiful way to elevate its look. Here are some tips to help you achieve a stunning and elegant result:

Choosing Flowers and Berries:

• Select edible flowers and berries whenever possible. Examples include pansies, lilac, lavender, jasmine, dandelions, primrose, gardenia, marigold, violet, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and strawberries.
• Ensure the flowers and berries are in season and readily available. This will make it easier to source them and may be more cost-effective.
• Opt for organic flowers grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides. These flowers will be safe for consumption and free from potentially toxic substances.

Preparing Flowers and Berries:

• Wash the flowers gently with cold water and remove the pollen from each flower. This step is crucial to ensure the flowers are clean and safe for decoration.
• If using inedible flowers, use acetate to prevent direct contact with the icing. This will create a barrier between the flowers and the cake, avoiding any potential contamination.
• Keep your flowers fresh by using water-filled stem holders. You can purchase these from baking supply stores or make your own using drinking straws. Cut the straws to a length of 2-3 inches, bend one end upward, and tape it against itself. Fill it with water, insert the flower stem, and then place it into the cake.

Combining Flowers and Berries with Other Decorations:

• Consider combining fresh flowers and berries with other decorations such as foliage, cake toppers, or a fancy stand. This can enhance the overall presentation of your cake.
• If using foliage, opt for leaves with bendable branches so you can shape them around the cake. Small sprigs are also recommended to avoid creating a dense arrangement on top of your cake.
• Remember to use acetate or another protective layer between the leaves and the cake to maintain food safety.

Timing and Transportation:

• Prepare your cake as close to the event as possible, preferably decorating it the day before. Fresh flowers and berries have a limited lifespan, and their appearance may deteriorate over time.
• When transporting your cake, consider using cake boxes or large tupperware to protect it. Ensure a stable surface during transportation, and avoid placing the cake on your lap or in direct contact with the vehicle interior.

By following these tips, you can create a stunning wedding cake with fresh flowers and berries that will impress your guests and add a unique touch to your special day.

Make a semi-naked or naked cake

Naked cakes are a popular choice for weddings, baby showers, and bridal showers. They are cakes with zero to minimal frosting on the outside, exposing the cake layers and filling. This rustic-chic cake is simpler to make than it looks and is a trendy choice.

Semi-Naked or "Half-Dressed" Cake

A semi-naked or "half-dressed" cake has a minimal amount of frosting swiped around the sides. It is a crumb-coated cake, with a thin layer of buttercream along the sides added and then scraped off to have a semi-transparent edge exposing the sides of the cake.

• Make a plan: Think about what style of cake you want and any decorations or garnishes. This will determine how much frosting you need.
• Prepare your cake pans: Use quality cake pans and grease them well so that the cakes are easily released. Ensure each pan has an equal amount of batter for even layers.
• Level your cakes: Level off the top of each cake layer so that both sides are flat. This adds stability to your finished cake.
• Keep it simple: Use a simple recipe and instructions. You don't need to pipe frosting between each cake layer; instead, use an icing spatula to spread the frosting.
• Refrigerate your cake: Always chill your naked cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing and serving. This stabilizes your cake and helps the frosting adhere to the sides.

Naked Cake

A true naked cake has bare sides with no frosting. Here are some tips for making a naked cake:

• Use good cake pans: To make a naked wedding cake, use good cake pans to make nice, straight cake layers.
• Calculate how much cake you need: Determine the number of servings you need and adjust your recipe accordingly.
• Prepare cake tiers: Trim the dome of your cake layers, but not the sides. Trim your cake boards to be slightly smaller than the width of the cake.
• Assemble the cake: Use cake pans to mark where you need to place straws and skewers to support the weight of the next cake tier. Place the smaller cake tier on top of the larger one and insert a skewer through the centre.
• Package the cake for delivery: You will need a box that is the same width as the cake board. Trim the box to create a flap on one side for the cake to slide in and out easily.
• Decorate with fresh flowers: Prepare your fresh flowers by trimming them down to 2"-3" stems. Wrap the stems in plastic wrap to keep the water trapped inside and protect the cake from contamination. Insert the flower-wrapped straw into the cake where you want the flower to sit.

Whether you choose to make a semi-naked or naked cake, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine!

Frequently asked questions