The Ultimate Guide To Creating Your Wedding Cake

If you're a baking enthusiast, crafting your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding project. It's a chance to add a personal touch to your special day and save some money. While it's not the easiest task, it's also not the most difficult, and with some planning and practice, you can create a beautiful and delicious cake.

The first step is to choose a recipe specifically designed for a wedding cake, ensuring it's sturdy and makes enough batter and icing. You'll also need the right tools and ingredients, such as cake pans, parchment paper, and decorations like flowers or cake toppers. Practice baking and decorating your cake ahead of time, and don't be afraid to keep it simple—a one-tier cake with imperfect frosting can be just as charming as a fondant-covered confection.

Transporting your cake to the venue and assembling it there is also crucial, so plan this step carefully. With some time and effort, you can create a spectacular wedding cake, even if you're not a pastry chef!

Choosing a recipe

If you're planning a small, intimate wedding, a single-tier cake or cupcakes might be a better option than a large, multi-tiered cake. Consider the number of guests you'll be serving and choose a recipe that will yield enough cake for everyone.

It's important to assess your baking skills honestly. If you're a novice baker, a simple recipe might be best, or you could enlist the help of a skilled friend or family member. In contrast, if you're an experienced baker, you may want to challenge yourself with a more complex recipe.

Baking a wedding cake requires a significant time investment, so be sure to manage your expectations and plan accordingly. Consider the other tasks on your to-do list and decide if you have the time to dedicate to baking a cake. Additionally, some recipes are more intricate and time-consuming than others, so choose one that aligns with your schedule and abilities.

When choosing a recipe, consider the flavours and ingredients that are meaningful to you and your partner. Perhaps there's a family recipe you want to incorporate or a flavour that holds a special memory. You could also select a classic option, such as vanilla or chocolate, or experiment with unique combinations like olive oil and starfruit.

Remember to take into account any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests and choose a recipe that will accommodate them. For example, a vegan microbakery owner might opt for a vegan cake recipe.

Lastly, don't be afraid to delegate tasks and ask for help. Baking a wedding cake is a labour of love, and you don't have to do it alone. Friends and family can assist with baking, and you can even enlist the help of a professional baker to ensure your vision comes to life.

Planning and timing

Start Early and Practice

Give yourself ample time to practice baking and decorating your wedding cake. It's recommended to start a few months in advance to allow for multiple practice runs. This will help you refine your technique, identify any potential issues, and ensure that your cake tastes and looks perfect for the big day.

Create a Timeline

Develop a detailed timeline for baking, assembling, and decorating the cake. This should include specific dates and times for each step of the process. For example, you may want to bake the cake layers and freeze them in advance, then focus on frosting and final decorations closer to the wedding.

Consider Transportation

Even if your wedding venue is local, it's advisable to transport the cake in parts and assemble it at the venue. Plan to bring your cake to the venue the day before the wedding, and coordinate with the venue staff to store it in a cool place until the event.

Delegate Tasks

Don't hesitate to enlist help from friends, family, or your wedding party. They can assist with tasks like taste-testing, washing bowls, or simply providing moral support during the baking process. On the day of the wedding, delegate the task of setting up the dessert display to someone else, so you can focus on other things.

Manage Your Expectations

Be realistic about your skills and the time you have available. Simple, rustic decorations are often more achievable than intricate fondant designs. If you're short on time or unsure of your baking abilities, consider a one-tier cake or cupcakes instead of a multi-tiered cake. Remember, your wedding cake doesn't have to be perfect – your guests will appreciate the time and effort you put into creating it.

Baking and assembling

Baking your own wedding cake is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you with the baking and assembling process.

Firstly, choose a recipe that is specifically designed to be a wedding cake, as it will ensure the cake is sturdy and that you have the right amount of batter and icing. For instance, you could try Coconut-Vanilla Bean Cake with Coconut Meringue Buttercream Frosting or Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake. If you are less confident in your baking skills, opt for a one-tier cake, which is much easier to make and is also trendy.

Next, you will need to source your ingredients and equipment. The tools you will need include: 8 or 9-inch round cake pans, an electric mixer and paddle attachment, cake boards, a large serrated knife, parchment paper, a platter to serve the cake on, and a variety of decorations such as fresh flowers, cake toppers, and icing.

Now, it's time to start baking! Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and don't leave it until the last minute. Practice the recipe a few months in advance, and if you plan to freeze the cake before the event, be sure to practice this process too. Ask a friend or family member to help you with baking and taste-testing.

Once your cake layers are baked, you can begin assembling. If your wedding is at an external venue, it is best to transport the cake in parts and then assemble it there. Most recipes will provide a step-by-step schedule for assembling each part of the cake. Use a large serrated knife to carefully cut and layer your cake, adding icing in between each layer.

Finally, decorate your cake with icing, fresh flowers, fruit, or any other adornments you desire. If you are less confident with decorating, opt for a "naked cake" with minimal icing and fresh berries, or a semi-naked cake with a rustic look.

And that's it! You have now successfully baked and assembled your own wedding cake.

Decorating

Using florals and greenery is one of the simplest ways to dress up a homemade wedding cake or cupcakes. They can hide any flaws the cake may have if the frosting isn't quite as smooth as you had hoped. Work with your florist to deliver extra flowers and greenery on the day of your wedding. You can add a cascade of stunning blooms down the front of your cake or add a tiny blossom or sprig of lavender or fresh thyme on top of cupcakes. Pressing dried, edible flowers onto wedding desserts is another stunning way to immediately elevate the look.

Transporting and storing

Transporting a wedding cake can be a stressful endeavour, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure your cake arrives safely and securely. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:

Planning and Preparation:

• Check with the Baker: If you are transporting a cake from a bakery, get their transportation recommendations and find out the measurements and refrigeration requirements. Knowing the cake's dimensions will help you plan for vehicle space and fridge space at the venue.
• Use a Cake Drum and Sturdy Cardboard Box: A cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board, typically at least 1/2 inch thick. Place the cake on a cake drum that fits perfectly inside a sturdy cake box or cardboard box. This provides a secure and stable base for transport.
• Reserve a Flat Space in Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle has enough room and a flat surface, such as an SUV with a large flat back or a large floorboard. Avoid placing the cake on laps or car seats, as they are unstable and slanted.
• Keep the Vehicle Cool: Even if the cake does not require refrigeration, maintain a cool temperature in your vehicle during transport. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight. For long trips or hot weather, consider picking up the cake the day before and refrigerating it overnight.
• Drive Carefully: Send at least two people to transport the cake. Drive slowly and carefully, especially around turns and bumps. Have one person sit next to the cake to hold it steady.
• Save the Cake Stand for the Venue: It is recommended to transport the cake on a cake board or drum and assemble it on the cake stand at the venue to reduce the risk of damage during transport.

Transporting the Cake:

• Pass on Instructions: Share these transportation steps with the person picking up the cake to ensure they are well-informed.
• Bring an Emergency Kit: Pack a bag with tools and supplies to fix any last-minute issues, such as extra frosting, icing spatulas, and cake-decorating tools.
• Contact the Venue: Contact the venue directly a week before the event to confirm the address, delivery times, and parking instructions. Brief the organiser on your anticipated delivery time, so they can have the cake table ready.
• Make a DIY Box for Tall Cakes: If you're transporting a tall cake, you may need to make your own box. Purchase a tall cardboard box, cut one side to create a flap, and secure it with duct tape. Line the box with non-slip and heat-resistant material to keep the cake cool and stable.
• Transporting in a Car Trunk: If transporting in a car trunk, determine the weather conditions and cake height. Use padding and non-slip materials to protect the cake. Place the cake in a box that opens from the side, rather than the top, for easier access. Drive slowly and carefully to avoid damage.

Setting Up at the Venue:

• Arrive Early: Aim to deliver the cake at least two hours before the event starts to account for any delays or last-minute fixes.
• Scout the Venue: Upon arrival, briefly scout the venue to confirm the cake's location and coordinate with the event manager.
• Take Photos and Provide Instructions: Before leaving, take photos of the cake setup as evidence of its safe delivery and condition. Provide the event manager with instructions, including portion sizes, flavours, dietary specifications, and any decorative elements that need to be removed.

By following these comprehensive steps, you can confidently transport and store your wedding cake, ensuring it remains intact and beautiful until it's time to cut and serve it.

Frequently asked questions