The Wedding Cake Conundrum: Bake Or Buy?

Baking your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider the time, skills, and logistics involved before making a decision. Here are some factors to think about when deciding whether to bake your own wedding cake:

- Skills and Experience: Do you have the necessary baking skills and experience to make a tiered wedding cake? It's important to be honest with yourself about your abilities. If you've never baked a cake before, it might not be the best idea to attempt a wedding cake.

- Time Commitment: Baking a wedding cake takes a significant amount of time, from planning and practicing to baking and decorating. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to the process without adding unnecessary stress to your wedding preparations.

- Logistics and Transportation: Consider how you will transport the cake to the venue and whether your venue allows outside cakes. Plan ahead and have a solid transportation strategy in place to ensure the cake arrives safely.

- Cost: Wedding cakes can be expensive, and baking your own can save money. However, consider the cost of ingredients and supplies, as well as your time and effort, to determine if it's truly a cost-effective option.

- Enjoyment and Stress: Baking can be therapeutic and enjoyable for some, but it can also be stressful, especially if you're not comfortable with the process. Ask yourself if baking your own wedding cake will bring you joy or add unnecessary pressure.

- Simplicity: Opt for a simple cake design and decorations. A complex design may increase the level of difficulty and stress. Fresh flowers, for example, can be a beautiful and straightforward way to decorate your cake.

Ultimately, the decision to bake your own wedding cake depends on your personal circumstances, skills, and preferences. If you have the time, skills, and desire to take on the challenge, it can be a rewarding experience. However, if the thought of baking your own cake feels overwhelming, there are plenty of alternative options, such as individual cakes, cupcake displays, or even dessert tables.

Weighing the pros and cons

Pros:

• Saving money: Wedding cakes can be expensive, with costs running from $4-$6 per serving. Baking your own cake can be a great way to save money, especially if you're comfortable with baking and have experience making tiered cakes.
• Creative control: By baking your own cake, you have complete control over the flavors, decorations, and design. You can choose from a variety of cake flavors, such as vanilla, carrot cake, red velvet, lemon, or even chocolate chip. You can also get creative with frostings, fillings, and flavorings, adding extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut to the frosting.
• Therapeutic activity: Baking can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity, especially if you enjoy it and have experience. It can be a way to unwind and de-stress before the wedding, as long as you don't feel pressured or stressed by the task.

Cons:

• Time and effort: Making a wedding cake is a significant commitment. It requires a lot of planning, time, and a specific skill set. If you've never baked a tiered cake before, it's important to practice and allow yourself enough time to prepare.
• Stress and anxiety: If you're not comfortable with baking or don't have the necessary skills, attempting to make your own wedding cake can add a lot of stress to your wedding day. It's important to be realistic about your abilities and consider the amount of effort required.
• Transportation and logistics: Transporting a wedding cake can be challenging, especially if you don't have a suitable vehicle or the proper supplies. You'll need to plan how you'll get the cake to the venue, including having a sturdy cake box and a flat surface to place it on during transport.
• Venue restrictions: Some wedding venues have restrictions on bringing in outside cakes or may charge a cutting fee. It's important to check with your venue beforehand to ensure that bringing your own cake is allowed.
• Time management: Baking and decorating a wedding cake can be time-consuming, especially if you're doing it alone. Consider enlisting help or delegating tasks to ensure you don't spend all your time in the kitchen.

Ultimately, the decision to bake your own wedding cake depends on your skills, time availability, and preferences. While it can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to ensure it doesn't become a source of stress or anxiety.

Choosing a simple design

One option is to decorate your cake with fresh flowers. Using the same flowers that are in the bridal bouquets can help tie the whole wedding theme together. To attach the flowers to the cake, simply wrap the stems with floral tape and secure some of the stems into the cake with straws. This way, you avoid the tedious task of creating sugar flowers and can focus on baking a delicious cake.

Another option for a simple design is to use a naked cake style with flowers and berries as decoration. This style does not require a lot of frosting and allows the beauty of the cake itself to shine through. You can also add a crumb coat, which is a thin layer of frosting around the cake, to protect the outer layer from catching any crumbs.

If you want to add some texture to your frosting, consider using a bench scraper to create a ruffled look. This technique is easy to achieve and gives your cake a beautiful, elegant finish. You can also pipe dots of frosting with a round piping tip to create a pretty pearl effect.

Remember, a simple design does not mean sacrificing taste or elegance. By choosing a simple design that you are comfortable with, you can focus on creating a delicious and stunning wedding cake that you and your guests will enjoy.

Planning and practicing

Planning:

Before you embark on baking your own wedding cake, it's important to assess your skills and abilities. Ask yourself questions like: Can I bake? Do I enjoy baking? Are my cakes tasty and pretty? Am I a calm and confident baker? Being honest with yourself will help you decide if baking your own wedding cake is the right decision.

If you decide to go ahead, choose a simple cake design with easy decorations. A complex and intricate cake design may add unnecessary stress, especially if you're not an experienced baker. Opt for a simple, rustic, or traditional design that you can confidently execute.

Additionally, consider the size of your wedding and the number of servings you'll need. Wedding cake slices are typically smaller than those served at birthday parties. Calculate the number of guests you expect and plan accordingly. You may need to adjust the recipe or make multiple cakes to ensure you have enough servings.

Practicing:

Once you've decided on a cake design and determined the number of servings, it's time to practice! Commit to making at least one practice cake, ideally using the same flavors, frosting, and decorations you plan to use for your wedding cake. This will help you refine your recipe, adjust baking times, and increase your confidence.

If you're making a traditional white cake, consider freezing your egg whites beforehand. Egg whites freeze well, and you can save them anytime you use a recipe that only calls for yolks. Measure and freeze them separately, and then use them for your Swiss meringue buttercream.

Practice icing and decorating your test cakes. If you plan to use fresh flowers or other edible decorations, practice placing them on the cake to get a sense of the final presentation.

Transporting your wedding cake is another important aspect to consider. Plan how you will get the cake from your home to the venue, and ensure you have the necessary boxes, supports, and tools to safely transport it. Practice assembling the cake tiers at home and then transport the assembled cake to get a sense of the process and any challenges you may encounter.

By planning ahead and practicing, you'll be well on your way to successfully baking and presenting your own wedding cake!

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a nerve-wracking task, but with careful planning, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips for transporting the cake:

• Plan the transportation in advance: Ensure you have a suitable vehicle for transporting the cake, such as a large car or SUV with a flat surface in the back or trunk.
• Use a sturdy cake box: Invest in a sturdy cake box, such as a large moving box from a hardware store. The box should be large enough to accommodate the cake comfortably and prevent it from sliding around during transport.
• Assemble the cake before transportation: It is usually less stressful to assemble the cake before transporting it. This allows you to fill in any gaps between the tiers and ensure the cake is stable. However, some people prefer to stack the tiers on-site, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
• Use cake dowels for support: Properly supporting your cake is crucial. Use cake dowels or bubble tea straws to provide stability and ensure the cake can bear its weight. Place four dowels in the bottom tier to support the top tier.
• Measure and cut the dowels: Measure the height of the bottom cake and cut the dowels accordingly. Insert the dowels into the cake, spacing them evenly apart to form the corners of a square.
• Use a cake board: A cake board between the tiers adds support and stability. It also ensures that when you cut into the top tier, the whole cake doesn't sink.
• Transport the cake carefully: Place the cake box on a flat, non-slip surface in the vehicle. If possible, have someone accompany you to help navigate twists and turns and ensure the cake stays centred.
• Keep the cake chilled: If possible, transport the cake in a chilled vehicle, especially if it is buttercream or cream cheese-based, to prevent melting.
• Practice transporting cakes: If you're nervous about transporting the cake, practice by delivering smaller cakes to friends and family. This will help you perfect your technique and build your confidence.

Cost considerations

The cost of a wedding cake can quickly add up, with prices ranging from $4 to $6 per serving. If you're planning to have a large wedding, the cost of the cake can be a significant expense. Baking your own wedding cake can be a great way to save money, especially if you're comfortable with baking and have some experience making tiered cakes. However, it's important to consider the cost of ingredients and supplies, which can also add up, depending on the size and complexity of your cake.

If you're charging for your cake-making services, it's essential to factor in the cost of ingredients, supplies, and your time. Call local bakeries to find out the cost per slice and whether there are additional fees, such as delivery charges. Make a list of all the tools and ingredients you'll need, and calculate the total cost. Don't forget to include the cost of any equipment you don't already own, such as cake pans, mixing bowls, and decorating tools.

Even if you're not charging for the cake, it's still important to consider the cost of ingredients and supplies. Compare the prices of ingredients and tools at different stores to find the best deals. Buying in bulk or ordering supplies online can also help reduce costs. Additionally, consider the time and effort required to make the cake. If you're short on time or don't enjoy baking, it might be more cost-effective to order a cake from a professional baker.

Another cost-saving option is to make several individual cakes, cupcake displays, donut towers, or even a cookie table. These alternatives can be more affordable than a traditional tiered wedding cake, especially if you're handy in the kitchen. However, keep in mind that these options may still require a significant amount of time and ingredients, so be sure to calculate the costs beforehand.

When deciding whether to bake your own wedding cake, consider your budget and the overall cost of ingredients, supplies, and your time. By doing careful research and planning, you can make an informed decision that fits within your financial constraints.

Frequently asked questions