Choosing Your Dream Wedding Cake: A Guide

Choosing a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. Couples should consider the style and flavour of their cake, as well as the practicalities of the venue and budget. It's important to start early and find a baker who can create a cake that reflects the couple's unique style and tastes. Couples should also remember that it's their wedding, so they should choose flavours they like, rather than trying to please everyone.

Choosing a baker

It's a good idea to start looking for a baker early on in your wedding planning process, as the venue choice can influence the cake design. For example, if you're having an outdoor summer wedding, a baker might recommend a sturdier fondant icing that will withstand the heat better than delicate buttercream. Once you've secured your location, you can start shopping around for a baker who can create a cake that complements your wedding style and accents your decor.

If you have a specific idea of what you want, you can send a casual email to prospective bakers with a picture or general description, and they will be able to give you an estimated price per person based on the design. This will save time at your cake-tasting appointment, as you can focus on smaller, more personal preferences instead of starting from scratch. It will also give you a sense of which designs are feasible within your budget.

When choosing a baker, it's important to make sure they understand your vision for your wedding and can create a cake that aligns with your style and tastes. Don't be afraid to ask questions and communicate your preferences clearly. Ultimately, you want to find a baker who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to create a beautiful and delicious cake that reflects your personality and celebrates your special day.

Flavour

When it comes to flavour, the most important thing is to choose what you like. It's your wedding, so don't worry about trying to please everyone with your choice of cake. If you have a favourite flavour, or a flavour that has a special meaning to you as a couple, go for that.

However, it's also worth considering the time of year and the venue when choosing your cake. For example, if you're having an outdoor summer wedding, delicate buttercream icing might not withstand the heat as well as sturdier fondant.

If you're not sure what you want, it can be helpful to do some research or work with your baker to pick a style that suits you and your wedding. You can also send your baker a casual email with a picture or general idea of what you're looking for, and they can give you an estimated price per person based on the design. That way, you can use your cake-tasting appointment to focus on smaller, more personal preferences.

Remember, your cake should be both beautiful and delicious, and it should reflect your wedding style and accent your decor.

Design

When it comes to the design of your wedding cake, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall style and feel of your wedding. The cake should complement your wedding style and accent your decor. For example, the colour scheme of your wedding gown, flower arrangements and the venue itself can all be used as inspiration for the cake design.

It's also important to think about the venue when it comes to the design of your cake. For instance, delicate buttercream icing may not withstand the heat as well as fondant at an outdoor summer wedding.

If you have a specific design in mind, it's a good idea to send a picture or general idea to your prospective wedding cake vendor. This will allow them to give you an estimated price per person based on the design and will also give you a sense of which designs are feasible within your budget.

However, don't feel like you have to have a specific design in mind – working with your baker to pick a style that speaks to you is all part of the fun! At cake tastings, you can often design the cake on the spot, so you can be a part of the process and make it personal to you.

Budget

If you're working with a tight budget, there are a few ways to save money on your wedding cake. One option is to choose a simpler design, as more intricate designs tend to be more expensive. You could also consider a smaller cake and supplement it with additional desserts or a cake buffet. Another way to save money is to opt for a less expensive flavour, such as chocolate or vanilla, instead of a more exotic flavour.

On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you may want to consider a more elaborate cake design with multiple tiers and intricate details. You could also choose a unique flavour combination or a custom flavour that reflects your personal taste. If you're looking for something truly special, you could even opt for a cake with edible gold or silver leaf, fresh flowers, or other luxurious decorations.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a cake that you and your partner love, regardless of the budget. It's your wedding day, so make sure the cake reflects your style and tastes, whether you're working with a tight budget or have more room to splurge.

Venue

The venue of your wedding will have a big impact on the design of your cake. For example, if you're having an outdoor summer wedding, delicate buttercream icing won't withstand the heat as well as sturdier fondant. So, once you've secured your location, you can start shopping around for your baker.

The venue will also influence the colour scheme and overall style of your wedding, which your cake should complement. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding in a barn, you might want a cake with a more natural, organic feel. If you're having a glamorous wedding in a city hotel, you might want a cake with more modern, sleek lines.

You should also consider the size of the venue when choosing your cake. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, a large, multi-tiered cake might look out of place. Similarly, if you're having a large wedding with many guests, a small cake might not make enough of an impact.

Finally, think about where you will display the cake. Will it be on a separate table, or will it be part of the dessert table? This will help you decide on the size and shape of the cake. For example, if it's on a separate table, you might want a taller cake to make a statement. If it's on the dessert table, you might want a cake that's more in proportion to the other desserts.

Frequently asked questions