Creating Your Dream Wedding Cake: A Simple Guide

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

- Plan the size of your cake based on the number of guests. Consider having different sized tiers to create a unique and flexible design.

- Choose an attainable and simple cake design that you feel confident in making. Practice making a smaller cake beforehand to refine your skills and build confidence.

- Pick your favourite flavour and stick to it! You can also offer two flavours if you can't decide or want to cater to different tastes.

- Use a frosting that you're comfortable making and decorating with. American buttercream is a popular choice for its ease and versatility.

- Make the cake in advance to save time and reduce stress. Cake layers and buttercream can be prepared and frozen weeks ahead.

- Transporting your wedding cake safely is crucial. Invest in sturdy cake boxes and plan the logistics of moving your cake to the venue.

- Assemble the cake tiers before transporting to the venue to avoid last-minute stress.

- Properly support and stack your cake tiers to ensure stability. Use wooden dowels or bubble tea straws for support and a central wooden dowel for stability.

- Decorate your cake with fresh flowers, a simple cake topper, or elegant frosting patterns.

- Practice food safety by using fresh ingredients, washing your hands and equipment, and following recipes closely.

- Invest in the right equipment, such as good-quality baking pans, a stand mixer, and decorating tools like piping bags and spatulas.

- Get creative with flavours and experiment with seasonal ingredients or meaningful combinations.

- Practice assembling your cake beforehand to familiarise yourself with the process and identify any potential issues.

Plan cake size according to the number of guests

Planning the size of your wedding cake is one of the most important considerations when making your own wedding cake. The cake should be big enough to serve all your guests, but you also want to avoid making more cake than you need. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect cake size for your big day:

Determine the Number of Guests

First, you need to know how many guests you are expecting at your wedding. This will give you an idea of the minimum number of servings you need. It's usually a good idea to have some buffer and make a slightly larger cake to account for guests who want seconds or if you want to keep some leftovers.

Decide on the Number of Tiers

The number of tiers you choose for your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests and the desired look of your cake. Different-sized tiers can be combined in various ways, offering flexibility in the number of servings. For example, a four-tiered cake with 12", 10", 8", and 6" tiers can serve about 134 guests.

Choose the Size of Each Tier

Once you've determined the number of tiers, you need to decide on the size of each tier. Common tier sizes include 6", 8", 10", and 12". You can use online charts and calculators to help you figure out the appropriate size for each tier based on the number of guests you need to serve.

Consider the Cake Design

The design of your cake can also impact the size and number of tiers. Some designs may require extra space between tiers for decorations or a specific number of tiers to achieve the desired look. Keep in mind that a more complex design may require more cake than a simpler design.

Practice with a Test Cake

Before finalising your cake size, it's a good idea to make a test cake to ensure your desired design is feasible and to familiarise yourself with the baking and decorating process. This will help you fine-tune your plans and make any necessary adjustments.

Prepare for Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, don't worry! You can always freeze the extra cake layers or serve them at a post-wedding brunch or another celebration. Alternatively, you can make sheet cakes to keep in the kitchen and serve if the wedding cake runs out.

Choose a simple, attainable design

When making your own wedding cake, it is important to choose a simple and attainable design. This will help ensure that you are not overwhelmed or stressed when creating your cake. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

• Opt for a simple design: Choose a design that is straightforward and easy to execute. Avoid elaborate or complicated designs, especially if you are new to cake decorating.
• Use fresh flowers: Fresh flowers are a beautiful and easy way to decorate your wedding cake. You can use the same flowers that are in your bouquet or choose flowers that complement your wedding theme.
• Stick to one or two flavours: Instead of offering a variety of flavours, focus on one or two flavours that you and your partner love. This will simplify the baking process and ensure that your cake tastes delicious.
• Use a frosting you are comfortable with: Select a frosting that you are familiar with and can decorate with ease. American buttercream is a popular choice as it is easy to make and can be used for both filling and decorating the cake.
• Practice beforehand: If you are new to cake decorating, it is a good idea to practice assembling and decorating a cake beforehand. This will help you refine your technique and build your confidence.
• Keep the design rustic: Don't stress too much about making your cake look perfect. A rustic, slightly imperfect cake can still be beautiful and charming, especially if you are going for a laid-back wedding vibe.
• Use a tried and tested recipe: Use a recipe that you have made before and are confident with. This will help ensure that your cake turns out well and reduces the risk of last-minute surprises.
• Do a trial run: Even if you have made a cake recipe multiple times, it is a good idea to do a trial run with the same quantities and ingredients you plan to use for your wedding cake. This will help you identify any potential issues and perfect your technique.
• Clear your kitchen: Before you start baking, clear your kitchen of any clutter or distractions. This will help you stay organised and ensure you have all the ingredients and tools you need within easy reach.
• Allow enough time: Set aside plenty of time for baking and decorating your wedding cake. Don't rush the process, as this may lead to mistakes or an unfinished cake. Give yourself a buffer in case of any unexpected delays or complications.

Pick a flavour you and your partner love

Picking a flavour for your wedding cake is a personal decision that should be made by you and your partner. If you both love a particular flavour, make your life easier and make the whole cake that flavour! If you can't agree on a flavour, you can make one half your favourite and the other half your partner's favourite.

To keep things simple, stick to a maximum of two flavours. This will save you time and effort, and allow you to focus on making those flavours the best they can be.

If you're unsure about which flavour to choose, consider doing a test run with the cake flavours and frosting you plan to use. This will help you decide if the cake design you have in mind is doable and will turn out as expected.

• Vanilla
• Carrot Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Lemon Cake
• Marble Cake
• Chocolate Chip
• Funfetti
• White Wedding Cake
• Chocolate Cake
• Red Velvet Cake
• Pumpkin Layer Cake
• Lemon Olive Oil Cake
• White Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling
• Ube Chiffon Cake
• Buttermilk Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream
• Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Select a frosting you feel comfortable making and decorating with

When it comes to making your own wedding cake, there are many factors to consider, but one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right frosting. The frosting not only affects the taste of the cake but also plays a crucial role in its appearance and decoration. Here are some tips to help you select a frosting that you feel comfortable making and decorating with:

• American Buttercream: This is a popular choice for wedding cakes, as it is easy to make and decorate with. It is also the least sweet type of buttercream. To make it, simply beat butter into icing sugar until you reach the desired consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding more butter or vegetable shortening. Buttercream is versatile and can be used for piping flowers, borders, or other decorative elements.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: This frosting is often used as both a filling and an icing. It is made by whisking together butter, cream cheese, sugar, and flavourings. However, it should be refrigerated as soon as possible after icing the cake.
• Cooked Frosting: Also known as seven-minute frosting, this type of frosting is made by heating egg whites, sugar, and flavourings over a double boiler. It creates a delicate meringue that should be eaten on the same day, as it can be absorbed into the cake over time.
• Fondant: Fondant is an expert-level technique that creates a smooth, dough-like texture that can be easily moulded into shapes for cake decorations. It is commonly used to cover the entire cake or for adding decorative elements.
• Royal Icing: This type of icing is ideal for creating intricate decorations, as it sets quickly and holds its shape well. It is made by mixing powdered sugar, egg whites, and meringue powder or liquid.

When selecting a frosting, consider your level of comfort and skill in baking and decorating. Practice making and decorating with different types of frosting before deciding on the final choice for your wedding cake. Additionally, consider the flavour and colour you desire, as well as the stability of the frosting, especially if your wedding is outdoors or in a warm climate.

Make the cake in advance

Making your own wedding cake is a big commitment, but it can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the cake in advance:

Plan Ahead

Before you start baking, it's important to have a clear timeline and plan of action. Figure out how much time you need to bake, decorate, and assemble the cake. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you're not overwhelmed with tasks close to the wedding day.

Choose the Right Recipe

Select a recipe that is firm enough to support layers but not too dense. A good option is a white cake with a fresh strawberry filling. You can also opt for other flavours such as chocolate, red velvet, or lemon cake. If you want to add a unique touch, consider incorporating seasonal ingredients or flavours that hold special meaning for you and your partner.

Practice Makes Perfect

It's a good idea to do a test run and make a practice cake before the big day. This will help you refine your technique and build your confidence. You can also use this opportunity to experiment with different recipes and find the one that works best for you.

Prepare the Cake Layers in Advance

Bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. This will reduce your workload closer to the wedding and give you more time to focus on decoration. Wrap each layer securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil, and store them in plastic bags in the freezer. Take them out of the freezer and let them thaw overnight before you plan to frost and assemble the cake.

Make the Frosting in Advance

You can also make the frosting ahead of time. Prepare the frosting a day or two before you plan to assemble the cake. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. This will save you time and reduce stress on the day of assembly.

Transport and Assembly

Consider how you will transport the cake to the venue. It's recommended to transport the cake in separate tiers and assemble it on-site. This reduces the risk of damage during transportation. Additionally, plan to have a sturdy cake stand or platter to display your cake.

Have a Backup Plan

Even the most experienced bakers can have off days. It's always good to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Know which stores sell plain white cakes, or have a local bakery on speed dial in case you need a last-minute replacement. Remember, your guests will appreciate your effort, and the most important thing is to enjoy your special day.

Frequently asked questions