Choosing And Buying The Perfect Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding involves a lot of work, and one of the most important tasks is choosing the perfect wedding cake. The options are endless, from flavour and filling to design and decorations. This article will guide you through the process of selecting and ordering a wedding cake, including tips on finding a vendor, timing your order, and cutting the cake on the big day. We will also discuss the cost of a wedding cake and who traditionally pays for it. By following these steps, you will be able to choose a cake that not only tastes delicious but also complements your wedding theme and decor.

Research cake vendors

Researching cake vendors is an important step in the process of purchasing a wedding cake. You should start by researching vendors whose style, design, and pricing align with your wedding checklist. It is also important to determine whether the vendor's cake designs are compatible with your wedding theme, season, and reception menu. For example, a lemon cake would be a good option for a spring wedding.

When researching cake vendors, there are several questions you should be prepared to ask. These include:

• What flavors and fillings do you offer?
• Is a tasting included in the fee?
• How big should our cake be to feed our guests?
• Do you have a portfolio of past designs?
• How do you price your cakes?
• How far in advance do we need to order the cake?
• How many cakes do you deliver on the same day?

It is also important to keep in mind that wedding cakes are often priced by the slice ($6 to $15), so you should consider this when deciding on a cake that fits your budget. Additionally, ordering your cake at least six months in advance is recommended to give your cake baker enough time to work their magic.

Book a tasting

Booking a tasting is an important step in choosing your wedding cake. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and get the most out of your cake tasting experience:

Research and Select Bakeries

Start by researching different bakeries that service your wedding venue area. Explore their websites to learn about their styles, portfolios, and reviews. This information will help you narrow down your options and choose a few top candidates to meet with. It's also a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently tied the knot.

Book a Consultation and Tasting

Once you've selected your top bakery choices, reach out to them to book a consultation and tasting. Some bakeries may charge a fee for the tasting, so be sure to clarify this beforehand to avoid unexpected costs. It's a good idea to book your tasting about six months before your wedding day, giving you enough time to finalize the details and make any necessary adjustments.

Know Your Budget

Before attending your cake tasting, be clear about your budget. Communicate your budget to the baker so they can work within your price range. This will help you avoid falling in love with a cake that is outside your budget.

Prepare Your Preferences and Questions

Ahead of your tasting, make a list of your favourite flavours, icing styles, and textures. Let the baker know your preferences so they can prepare accordingly. Additionally, prepare a list of questions to ask during the tasting. Some important questions to consider include:

• What flavours and fillings do you offer?
• Is there a fee for the tasting?
• How big should the cake be to feed our guests?
• Do you have a portfolio of past designs we can see?
• How do you price your cakes?
• How far in advance do we need to order the cake?
• How many cakes do you deliver on the same day?

Enjoy the Experience and Take Notes

Cake tastings are meant to be fun, so enjoy the experience! Take your time to savour each flavour and combination. Bring a notepad and pencil to take notes on your impressions of each cake. Note down the flavours, textures, and overall presentation. You can also take photos of the cakes you like to refer back to when making your final decision.

Remember, booking a tasting is an essential step in choosing your dream wedding cake. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your cake tasting experience and select the perfect cake for your special day.

Finalise the design

Finalising the design of your wedding cake is a fun and creative process. It's a chance to let your imagination run wild and bring your dream cake to life. Here are some tips to help you finalise the design of your wedding cake:

• Research and inspiration: Start by gathering inspiration and ideas for your cake design. Look at different styles, themes, and trends that appeal to you. You can search online, browse through wedding magazines, or even draw inspiration from your wedding venue, dress, or colour scheme.
• Consultation and tasting: Book a consultation with your chosen baker to discuss your design ideas and taste different flavours. Bring along any visuals or inspiration that you've collected, such as invitations, photos of your flowers, or colour swatches. This will help your baker understand your vision and make suggestions.
• Flavours and fillings: Decide on the flavours and fillings for each tier of your cake. You can choose from a variety of options, including vanilla, chocolate, lemon, red velvet, carrot, and more. Don't be afraid to mix and match to create a unique combination that you and your guests will love.
• Size and portions: Determine the size of your cake and the number of portions needed. Consider the number of guests you'll be serving and whether you want leftovers. You can also discuss the option of adding "dummy" tiers to create a more grand appearance without increasing the portion size.
• Decorations and toppings: Finalise the decorations and toppings for your cake. This includes any fresh or sugar flowers, fondant details, buttercream textures, gold leaf, or personalised toppers. Ensure that any fresh flowers provided by your florist are non-poisonous and organic.
• Delivery and setup: If you're having your cake delivered and set up at the venue, confirm the details with your baker. Provide them with information about your florist and venue, and coordinate the timing to ensure a stress-free experience on your wedding day.
• Timing and payment: Discuss the timeline for finalising the cake design and any outstanding payments. Most bakers will require a non-refundable deposit to secure your date, with the final payment due a few weeks before the wedding.

Plan delivery

Transporting a wedding cake can be a stressful experience, but with the right preparation, it is possible to do so without any issues. Here are some tips to ensure the process goes smoothly:

• Don't transport a stacked cake: A stacked cake is far more likely to topple over during transport. It is best to transport each tier of the cake separately and assemble the cake on-site.
• Use plastic boxes: Place each tier of the cake in separate plastic boxes. These boxes should be strong and stackable, especially if you have a large wedding cake to transport and limited boot space.
• Use webbing to secure the cake boards: Place plastic grip webbing from a DIY store under the cake board of each cake to prevent slipping inside the box.
• Use a cake drum and sturdy cardboard box: The cake should be placed on a cake drum, a heavy-duty cake board, ideally with a wooden dowel securing the cake tiers to the board. This drum should fit perfectly inside a sturdy cardboard box, which will protect the cake during transport.
• Keep the vehicle cool: Even if the cake does not need to be refrigerated, it is important to keep the vehicle cool during transport. Keep the air conditioner on and ensure the cake is not in direct sunlight.
• Drive carefully: Drive slowly and carefully, especially when turning corners or going over speed bumps. If possible, have someone sit next to the cake during transport to hold it steady.
• Save the cake stand for the venue: It is not recommended to deliver the cake on a cake stand unless you are very experienced. Simply place the cake and its board or drum directly on the stand when you arrive at the venue.

Cut the cake early

There are several reasons to consider cutting the cake early at a wedding. Firstly, it can be a convenient way to transition into other activities or events during the reception. For example, cutting the cake early allows time for catering staff to cut and serve the cake to guests while the newlyweds can sit and enjoy their meal without interruptions. It also provides an opportunity to introduce other special dances or toasts, creating a seamless flow to the evening.

Secondly, cutting the cake early can be advantageous for older guests, particularly those with young children or elderly guests who may want to leave early. By cutting the cake early, you signal to these guests that the reception is almost over and that they can start heading home. This approach also works well if you have a wedding photography package with limited coverage, as the photographer can capture the cake-cutting ceremony and then leave early, saving you additional costs.

Additionally, cutting the cake early can be a practical solution for couples who want to ensure their guests have enough time to enjoy dessert. By cutting the cake before or immediately after dinner, you allow guests to indulge in dessert without feeling rushed or having to wait too long.

Finally, cutting the cake early can be a unique way to honour special guests or family members who may not be able to stay for the entire reception. It allows you to explain the significance of the early cake-cutting and makes it a memorable moment for everyone present.

Overall, cutting the cake early offers several benefits, including improved logistics, accommodating guests' needs, and creating a seamless flow to the wedding reception. It is a creative way to make the day your own and ensure that all guests feel considered and appreciated.

Frequently asked questions