Creating Wedding Cake Samples: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cake samples are a great way to give your clients a taste of what they can expect on their big day. Here are some tips on how to make wedding cake samples:

- Schedule tastings ahead of time and on non-busy days.

- Offer a variety of flavours, such as vanilla, strawberry, lemon, chocolate, and red velvet.

- Cupcakes are a great way to provide samples, as they are easy to transport and can be offered in multiple flavours.

- Consider charging a small fee for the tasting, especially if a deposit hasn't been made.

- Sell any extra cupcakes to cover the cost of ingredients and time.

- Use simple syrups, such as elderflower, lemon, or passionfruit, to infuse more flavour into the cakes.

- Offer different types of frosting, such as cream cheese, mascarpone, or pistachio mascarpone.

- Get creative with fillings, such as passionfruit caramel or miso caramel.

- Provide a combination of different cake slices and toppings to create mini cake bites.

- Leftovers can be shared with friends or brought to the office—everyone will be grateful!

Choosing flavours

• Consider your theme and personal preferences: Think about the overall theme and style of your wedding. Are you having a rustic wedding in the countryside, or a glamorous black-tie affair? Do you and your partner have any favourite flavours or a special cake that's meaningful to you? Choose flavours that reflect your personality and taste.
• Seasonal ingredients: Using seasonal ingredients is a great way to ensure your wedding cake tastes delicious and fresh. For example, opt for light and fruity flavours like lemon or strawberry for a spring or summer wedding, or go for richer options like chocolate or red velvet for a winter celebration.
• Guest preferences: While it's ultimately your decision, you might want to consider your guests' preferences, especially if you have a large number of guests with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Offer a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes and ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy.
• Popular wedding cake flavours: If you're unsure where to start, some of the most popular wedding cake flavours include vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, carrot, and fruit cakes. These classic choices are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Unique and creative options: If you want to surprise your guests with something unique, don't be afraid to get creative. Some unusual but delicious options include pistachio, passionfruit, elderflower, mango, miso caramel, and even savoury options like cheese cakes!
• Combination of flavours: You don't have to stick to just one flavour. Consider offering a combination of flavours, such as a different flavour for each tier or a variety of cupcakes. This will give your guests more options and add interest to your dessert table.
• Tastings and samples: The best way to choose your wedding cake flavours is to taste them! Attend cake tastings, order samples, or bake your own samples at home to find the perfect combination of flavours and fillings.

Cupcakes vs cake

When it comes to wedding cake samples, there are two main options to consider: traditional wedding cakes and cupcakes. Here's a detailed look at the pros and cons of each:

Cupcakes:

The Pros:

• Variety of Flavours: Cupcakes offer a unique way to introduce your guests to new cake flavours and fun fillings. Bakers can incorporate any flavour imaginable, from red velvet to champagne, white mocha to blueberry.
• Easy to Eat: Cupcakes are individual servings that don't require a fork and knife, and sometimes not even a plate, as the wrapper acts as one. This also means there are fewer leftovers.
• Creative Presentation: Cupcakes offer more flexibility in terms of presentation. You can arrange them in tiers, create a monogram layout, or even assemble them in the shape of a wedding dress. They can also be decorated to match your wedding's colour scheme and theme.
• Cost-Effective: Cupcakes can be less expensive than a traditional wedding cake, especially if you opt for a small cake on top for the cake-cutting ceremony.
• Hygiene and Safety: In today's world, individual servings are often preferred for hygiene and safety reasons, especially if there are guests with immune issues or unvaccinated individuals.

The Cons:

• Serving Size: Cupcakes may not be the best choice for large weddings as they serve fewer people than a traditional cake. With a cake, you can always cut thinner slices if you're running low, but this isn't an option with cupcakes.
• Leftovers: If you order too many cupcakes, you might end up with a lot of leftovers. While they can be boxed up as favours, it's important to ensure everyone has been served first.
• Cost: When you factor in the cost of cupcake liners, decorations, cake stands, and other incidentals, cupcakes might end up being more expensive than a traditional wedding cake.

Traditional Wedding Cakes:

The Pros:

• Tradition and Symbolism: Wedding cakes have been a favourite dessert at wedding receptions for centuries and are steeped in tradition and symbolism. The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic way for the couple to share their newfound joy with their loved ones.
• Visual Impact: A large, tiered wedding cake can serve as a stunning visual centrepiece for the reception, often becoming the focal point for many breathtaking photographs.
• Customisation: Wedding cakes offer endless customisation options, from flavour to design. You can choose a cake that reflects your personality and creativity or one that ties into your wedding's theme, whether it's with fresh flowers, sugar work, or intricate piping.
• Serving Size: Traditional cakes tend to serve more people than cupcakes, making them a better choice for large weddings.

The Cons:

• Limited Flavour Options: Wedding cakes typically offer only one flavour, whereas cupcakes provide a wider variety.
• Hygiene and Safety: With a traditional cake, guests are served from a communal dish, which may not be ideal for immune-compromised individuals or during times when viral safety is a concern.
• Cost: Wedding cakes, especially large, tiered cakes, can be expensive, often running into the hundreds of dollars.

Both cupcakes and traditional wedding cakes have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision depends on the specific needs and preferences of the couple. Some choose to offer both, providing a small cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and an assortment of cupcakes for guests to enjoy. This combination allows for a traditional experience while still offering variety and flexibility.

Charging for samples

Charge a Small Fee

You could charge a small fee for the samples, which is refunded if the customer goes on to make a booking. This covers your costs and also ensures that the customer is serious about their enquiry. It also means that if they don't go ahead, you haven't lost out.

Offer a Free Tasting Session with a Deposit

If a customer pays a deposit, you could offer a free tasting session. This deposit could be non-refundable, so even if they don't go ahead with the order, you still get to keep the deposit.

Choose the Flavours

Rather than baking fresh for each tasting, choose a set menu of flavours that you offer to all customers. This way, you can prepare batches in advance and freeze them, saving time and money. You can also offer additional flavours for an extra charge.

Be Upfront

Make sure your customers know your policy on charging for samples. You could include this information on your website or in your contract information. This way, there are no nasty surprises, and the customer knows what to expect.

Don't Undersell Yourself

Remember, your time is valuable, and you are providing a professional service. Don't be afraid to charge for it. Many bakers do charge for samples, and it is reasonable to do so, especially if you are offering a bespoke service.

Offer Take-Out Samples

During the pandemic, many bakers offered take-out samples to customers, so they could try the cakes at home. This also takes the pressure off the baker, who doesn't have to host the tasting session or worry about their reactions!

Presentation

The presentation of your wedding cake samples is just as important as the taste. Here are some ideas to make your samples look as good as they taste:

• Keep it simple: Opt for a refined and minimal look with smooth white tiers, fresh flowers, and a gold cake stand.
• Add a pop of colour: A single tier of sugar flowers will make an all-white cake stand out. Alternatively, add a burst of colour with bright pink and fuchsia garden roses and peonies.
• Get creative with textures: Straightforward doesn't have to mean boring. Try adding textured edges to your cake, like combed buttercream frosting or textured buttercream details.
• Go for a themed cake: If you're having a beach wedding, consider a semi-naked cake adorned with orchids and anthurium, or a hand-painted cake with fondant monstera leaves and bougainvillea blooms. For a retro wedding, recreate a shag carpet from the 70s with fondant or icing.
• Make it personal: Ask your baker to recreate elements of your wedding dress or suit in sugar on your cake. You can also incorporate your initials or a favourite quote onto the cake.
• Think outside the box: Instead of a traditional cake, consider a dessert table with a mixture of homemade and store-bought treats. Or go for mini desserts like parfaits, rice crispy treats, or fruit tarts.

Transporting your cake

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right precautions, you can ensure your cake arrives safely and securely. Here are some tips for transporting your cake:

• Check with the baker: Get their transportation recommendations and find out the measurements and refrigeration requirements of the cake. This will help you plan for fridge space and ensure your vehicle has enough room.
• Use a cake drum and sturdy cardboard box: A cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board that provides a sturdy base for transport. Place the cake on a drum that fits perfectly inside a cardboard box to protect it from damage.
• Reserve a flat place in your vehicle: Transport the cake on a level surface, such as the floor of your vehicle. Avoid placing it on car seats or laps, as they are unstable and slanted. If your vehicle has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent sliding.
• Keep the vehicle cool: Even if the cake does not require refrigeration, maintain a cool temperature during transport. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight. For long trips, consider picking up the cake the day before and refrigerating it until the event.
• Drive carefully: Send two people to transport the cake, if possible. Drive slowly and carefully, avoiding sharp turns and speed bumps. Have someone sit next to the cake to hold it steady during the drive.
• Save the cake stand for the venue: It is unnecessary and risky to deliver the cake on a stand. Simply place the cake and its board directly on the stand at the venue.
• Communicate with the pickup person: Share these transportation tips with the person picking up the cake to ensure they are prepared and aware of the necessary precautions.

Frequently asked questions