Baking Your Own Wedding Cake: Is It Worthwhile?

Baking your own wedding cake can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the time and effort involved. It can be a therapeutic way to unwind in the days leading up to your wedding, but it may also add an unnecessary burden to an already hectic time. If you decide to bake your own wedding cake, planning is key. Be realistic about your skills and the time you have available, choose a simple design, and practice beforehand. You'll also need to think about transportation and assembly, and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. While baking your own wedding cake can be a fun project, don't let it overshadow the joy of your special day.

Choosing a simple design

Opt for a Minimalist Design

Less is often more when it comes to wedding cakes. A simple, elegant cake can be just as stunning as an elaborate, oversized confection. Consider a design with clean lines, smooth frosting, and minimal decorations. This approach can also make your cake easier to assemble and transport.

Stick to a Neutral Colour Palette

A classic all-white cake is always a stylish choice and can be easily elevated with textures, such as buttercream beading or ruffles. If you want to add a touch of colour, consider a single-coloured tier, a subtle watercolour wash, or fresh flowers that match your wedding palette. Neutral metallics like gold, silver, or rose gold can also add a touch of glamour without overwhelming the design.

Choose Simple Decorations

Decorations like fresh flowers, greenery, or macarons can elevate a simple cake without adding too much complexity. Sugar flowers are another option, but they can be time-consuming to create. If you're feeling creative, you can also try your hand at wafer paper decorations or adding gold foil details. A simple cake topper is another easy way to add a special touch to your cake.

Consider the Shape

While round cakes are traditional, square or hexagonal shapes can give your cake a modern, visually pleasing structure. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with other shapes like triangles or semi-circles. Just keep in mind that unusual shapes may require more planning and practice to execute successfully.

Focus on Flavour

While the design is important, don't forget that your wedding cake should also taste delicious. Consider choosing unique, seasonal flavours that reflect your personal style. If you're making a traditional white cake, you can still add interest by incorporating fresh berries, citrus, or spice. And don't be afraid to venture outside the box—your guests will appreciate a thoughtful dessert that surprises and delights them.

Planning and practising

Planning

• Decide on the type of cake you want: Consider the size of your wedding and whether you want a simple or elaborate cake. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, a simple cake or alternative dessert option may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're having a larger wedding, you may want to opt for a more elaborate cake that will serve as a centerpiece.
• Choose your flavours and design: Think about the flavours and design of your cake. Do you want something traditional or unique? Consider your favourite flavours and any special meaning they may hold for you and your partner. You can also mix and match cakes and frostings from different recipes you love.
• Create a timeline: Work backward from your wedding day and create a timeline for baking, decorating, and transporting your cake. Allow yourself plenty of time to avoid last-minute stress.
• Make a list of ingredients and tools: Write down all the ingredients and tools you'll need, including cake pans, decorating supplies, and storage containers. Order your supplies early to avoid last-minute scrambling.
• Consider transportation: Plan how you will transport your cake to the venue. If you're assembling the cake at the venue, transport the layers separately and assemble them on-site. If you're assembling the cake beforehand, invest in a sturdy cake box and a non-slip mat to keep the cake from sliding during transport.
• Have a backup plan: Even the most experienced bakers have off days, so it's essential to have a backup plan. Know where you can buy a plain cake at short notice, or have a simple alternative dessert option ready to go.

Practising

• Do a trial run: Bake a practice cake to familiarise yourself with the recipe and identify any potential challenges. This will help you refine your timeline and ensure you're comfortable with the process.
• Practise icing and decoration: If you're nervous about the final look of your cake, practise icing and decorating your trial cake. You can also use styrofoam cake rounds or the real cake layers you've frozen to practise your piping and decoration skills.
• Assemble a tiered cake: If you're making a tiered cake, practise assembling the tiers beforehand. This will help you perfect your technique and ensure the cake is stable and secure.
• Prepare for last-minute hiccups: No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance of something going wrong. Be prepared to troubleshoot any issues that may arise, such as a corner of the cake crumbling or not having enough frosting.

Transporting your cake

Transporting a self-baked wedding cake is a complex process that demands careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help ensure your cake arrives safely and securely:

• Choose the right packaging: Select sturdy cake boxes designed for travel that match the size of each tier, preventing movement inside the box. Each tier should be packed separately.
• Chill the cake: A cold cake is firmer and less prone to damage during transport.
• Optimise vehicle conditions: Choose a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van. Pre-cool the vehicle with air conditioning to maintain a cool environment, especially during warm weather.
• Position the cake: Place the cake on a flat surface in the vehicle, preferably in the centre where movement is minimised. If travelling alone, consider placing it in the trunk or on the floor in front of the passenger seat.
• Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage.
• Have a second person: If possible, have someone monitor and support the cake during transport, especially through less stable road conditions or longer journeys.
• Long-distance transportation: For longer distances, consider the type of cake covering. Fondant or buttercream-covered cakes are more stable and less prone to melting than those with fresh cream or mascarpone.
• Maintain temperature control: Use insulated covers or portable refrigeration units to maintain optimal temperatures, especially in warm climates.
• Use public transport carefully: If using public transport, opt for less crowded times and keep the cake close to you. Use a sturdy, flat-base carrier and a thermal bag for extra protection.
• Communicate with the venue: Confirm setup details, including table location, stability, and setup time. Have a repair kit with extra icing and decorations to fix any minor imperfections.
• Plan your route: Be aware of the environment and potential hazards such as roadworks, rough terrain, or traffic jams. Use real-time traffic updates to navigate smoothly.
• Final setup: Prioritise a smooth path when transferring the cake from the vehicle to the display area. Use a wheeled cart to minimise handling. Check the stability of the display table and ensure it is away from high-traffic areas.
• Assembly: If the cake has been transported in separate tiers, assemble it carefully, starting with the largest tier at the base. Apply any final decorations that were too delicate to transport, such as fresh flowers or intricate icing details.

Timing and scheduling

• Start by creating a detailed timeline and working backward from the day of the reception. Be realistic about your other commitments and ensure you don't leave cake baking until the last minute.
• Many cakes can be baked up to a week in advance and frozen. So, schedule a full baking day about seven days before your wedding. On this day, focus on baking the cake layers and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before storing them in the freezer.
• In the days leading up to the wedding, tackle other cake components such as frostings, curds, or fillings. Prepare these a few days after baking the cake layers and store them in the fridge.
• The day before the wedding, take the cake layers out of the freezer and let them defrost overnight in the fridge. This will ensure they are ready for decorating on the morning of your wedding day.
• If possible, split the workload over several days to reduce stress and allow time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and prepare the venue.
• Practice your cake-making and decorating skills in advance. This will help you refine your techniques and identify any potential issues.
• On the day of your wedding, ensure you have a solid transportation plan for your cake. Consider the size of your car and invest in a sturdy cake box to keep your cake stable during transport.
• If possible, assemble the cake tiers before transporting them to the venue. This can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on final decorations and touch-ups upon arrival.
• If you encounter any issues or setbacks, don't panic! Have a contingency plan in place and enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to support you.

Keeping it COVID-safe

Baking your own wedding cake is a daunting task, but it can be a rewarding experience. If you're planning to bake your own wedding cake during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some tips to keep it safe for you and your guests:

• Limit Guest Interaction with the Cake: Minimise the number of people handling the cake during the celebration. Designate an official cake cutter who is responsible for cutting and serving the cake while wearing a mask and gloves. This person should also be tested for COVID-19 to ensure everyone's safety.
• Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene: Ensure that you follow strict hygiene protocols while baking. This includes washing your hands frequently, sanitising surfaces, and avoiding touching your face.
• Consider Individual Desserts: Instead of a traditional large cake, opt for individual desserts like cupcakes or donuts. This reduces the number of people handling the food and maintains health and safety standards.
• Wrap and Package Individually: If you decide to go with a traditional cake, consider wrapping individual pieces in a complementary colour scheme. This adds a personalised touch and ensures that each guest receives a sealed and safe dessert.
• Virtual Consultations and Cake Tastings: Many bakeries now offer virtual consultations via video calls. Take advantage of these opportunities to discuss your cake design and flavour preferences. You can also order cake tasting boxes for pickup or delivery to help you decide on your favourite flavours.
• Small and Intimate: Opt for a smaller-sized cake to prevent excessive handling and reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. A single-tier cake can still be a beautiful centerpiece and allow you to enjoy the cake-cutting tradition.

By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your homemade wedding cake while adhering to COVID-19 safety measures. It is important to stay informed about the latest recommendations and guidelines provided by your local health authorities.

Frequently asked questions