Essential Tools For Decorating A Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are a labour of love, and there are many ways to decorate them. Whether you're a novice or a pro, there are a few things you'll need to consider when it comes to decorating a wedding cake. Firstly, the size of the cake and the number of tiers will depend on the number of guests. You'll also want to pick an achievable design and practice beforehand. When it comes to decorations, fresh flowers are a popular choice, but you can also get creative with icing, fondant, fruit, and other edible embellishments. Don't forget to think about lighting and scenery for the cake display, and consider using a colour or textured linen to make a white cake pop. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help – many hands make light work, especially when it comes to baking!

What Do I Need to Decorate a Wedding Cake?

Choosing a cake design

Consider the number of guests

The size of your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you are expecting. Different-sized tiers can be combined in various ways, offering flexibility in the number of servings. For example, a four-tier cake with 12", 10", 8", and 6" tiers can feed about 134 people.

Pick an attainable cake design

While the number of servings is essential, the look you're aiming for also matters. Some designs require extra space between tiers for decorations. It's crucial to pick a cake design you feel confident in making and executing well. If you're not experienced with tiered cakes, consider making a smaller practice cake first.

Use real, fresh flowers to decorate

Flowers are a common and beautiful way to decorate a wedding cake. Fresh flowers are a striking and easy way to decorate, and you can use the same blooms that are in your bouquet. Sugar paste flowers are fun but require a lot of work and skill. Buttercream flowers are also an option but take practice and are challenging to pipe.

Pick your favourite flavour

Choosing the flavour of your wedding cake is a personal decision that you and your partner should make. If you both love a particular flavour, consider making the whole cake that flavour. To keep things simple, it's recommended to stick to no more than two flavours.

Use a frosting you feel comfortable making and decorating with

The choice of frosting is essential, and it comes down to your taste and what you're comfortable using. American buttercream is a popular choice as it's easy to make, but it's also the sweetest type. Less sweet options include Swiss meringue buttercream and Italian buttercream, but they are more challenging to make.

Make the cake in advance

Cake layers and buttercream can be made weeks in advance and stored properly. This helps break up the workload and allows you to focus your creative energy on decorating the cake closer to the wedding date. It also gives you time to fix any issues that may arise.

Selecting a cake flavour

Prioritize Your Preferences

Since it's your special day, it's essential to serve a cake that you're excited to eat. Make a list of your favourite flavours and combinations, or think about the desserts you usually order at a restaurant. You can also compromise by featuring different flavours in each tier of the cake.

Consider Your Guests' Opinions

While it's important to choose a flavour that reflects your personality and palate, you also want to ensure that your guests will enjoy the cake. Ask a few friends and family members for their opinions, and consider crowd-pleasing favourites like chocolate and vanilla. If you have over 100 guests, it's a good idea to have three flavours: one vanilla/plain, one chocolate, and one seasonal fruit or spice.

Consult a Professional

Your cake baker is an expert and can guide you in choosing the right flavour. They will know the best-selling and most popular flavours, as well as provide advice on combining different flavours.

Seasonality

Consider the time of year for your wedding when choosing a cake flavour. Light and fruity flavours are perfect for spring and summer weddings, while warming and comforting flavours infused with spices are ideal for fall and winter celebrations.

Coordinate With Your Menu

You can coordinate your cake flavour with the other dishes on your wedding menu, such as your signature cocktails, appetizers, entrées, and side dishes. For example, if you're serving a mojito as your signature drink, you could incorporate a mint or lime filling into your cake.

Picking a frosting

Fondant

Fondant is a firm sugar icing that is commonly used for wedding cakes due to its versatility and neat appearance. It can be easily dyed, won't stain your guests' mouths, and serves as a great base for decorations such as edible illustrations, sugar crystals, and flowers. Fondant is also ideal for warmer temperatures as it keeps the cake fresh and stable. However, some people may find fondant too thick or sweet, and it is usually the most expensive option.

American Buttercream

American buttercream is a classic choice, made with a combination of confectioners' sugar, butter, and milk or cream. It is a good option for rustic or elegant designs and can be finished in various ways. It is generally more affordable than other frostings and works well for both indoor and outdoor weddings. However, some may find it too sweet, and it can be tricky to achieve smooth sides and sharp corners due to its gritty texture.

Italian and Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Italian and Swiss meringue buttercream are less sweet and have a light, fluffy, and exceptionally smooth texture. They give the cake a shiny finish and are perfect for couples who want a well-flavoured cake without the cloying sweetness. However, they are not suitable for outdoor summer weddings as they are susceptible to melting in moderate to high temperatures. They will also stain your guests' mouths if dyed a darker colour.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a rich and decadent option, made by mixing chocolate and cream to a thick, spreadable consistency. It holds colour and flavour well and can be easily adapted to different design ideas. Ganache holds up well in higher temperatures but is sensitive to temperature variations during transport and storage. The cost of ganache can be higher due to the use of high-quality chocolate.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Blend

Cream cheese buttercream blend is a tasty option, especially if you're considering flavours like carrot cake or red velvet. However, it can have a yellowish tint, so it may not be ideal if you're looking for a pure white frosting.

Whipped Cream Frosting

Whipped cream frosting is a delicious and light option, made with whipped cream and powdered sugar. However, it is only suitable for a smooth finish and has limited display time, making it less stable for outdoor weddings.

Adding decorations

The fun part! Decorating your wedding cake is a great way to express your personality and style. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh flowers: Flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations and can be used to match the colour scheme or theme of the wedding. You can use single-stem flowers to create the illusion that they are growing out of the cake, or opt for a cascade of blooms trailing down the tiers.
• Sugar flowers: If you're worried about real flowers wilting, sugar flowers are a great alternative. They can be hand-piped or moulded by a baker and will look just as beautiful.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit adds a splash of colour and a tasty flavour to your cake. Berries are a classic choice, but you can also use other types of fruit such as peach, plum, or apricot halves.
• Chocolate: Chocolate can be used to create a glamorous or rustic look, depending on how it's used. You can make big shards of thin chocolate to put around the cake or use tempered chocolate to create a shiny finish.
• Piping: Piping is a great way to add detail and texture to your cake. You can pipe borders, swirls, dots, flowers, or even just go crazy and embrace randomness!
• Ruffles: Sugar ruffles can be used to add texture and visual intrigue to your cake, especially if you're going for an all-white design.
• Gold leaf: Gold leaf is a surefire way to make your cake shine. It can be used as a subtle accent or to douse your entire dessert in gold.
• Cake topper: A cake topper is a traditional choice for wedding cake decorations. Modern toppers can be anything from classic monogram letters to clay animals or romantic phrases.
• Dried grasses: If you're having a bohemian-themed wedding, dried grasses and preserved blooms can be used to garnish your cake and reinforce the design aesthetic.
• Feathers: Feathers can be used to evoke a rustic or country vibe, especially when combined with dried and fresh flowers.

When adding decorations to your wedding cake, it's important to consider the overall design and theme of your wedding. You can also use decorations to conceal imperfections in your icing or to add height and drama to your cake. Practice your decorating techniques ahead of time and secure any fresh flowers or other perishable items as close to the wedding as possible.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure your cake arrives safely and in one piece:

Prepare the Vehicle:

Firstly, ensure that you have a suitable vehicle for transporting the cake. It should be clean and spacious enough to accommodate the cake comfortably. Clear out any unnecessary items from the vehicle to make room for the cake and create a stable surface to place the cake box. If possible, transport the cake in a car with a flat floor and avoid vehicles with bucket seats, as they can make it difficult to find a level surface.

Box and Secure the Cake:

Before placing the cake in the vehicle, ensure it is securely boxed. Use a sturdy cake box that is slightly larger than the cake to provide some extra room. Line the box with non-slip material such as rubber shelf liner or non-slip mats to prevent the cake from sliding. Place the cake on a non-slip surface inside the box and fill any gaps with scrunched-up tissue paper or bubble wrap for added stability. Secure the cake with packing materials such as foam or bubble wrap to prevent it from moving during transport.

Temperature Control:

Maintain a stable temperature inside the vehicle to prevent the cake from melting or spoiling. Avoid extreme weather conditions, especially if it is perishable. Use a cooler with ice packs to keep the cake chilled if necessary. Ensure the cake is not placed in direct sunlight, and keep the vehicle well-ventilated to prevent overheating.

Drive Smoothly:

When driving, take extra care to ensure a smooth journey. Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, or speeding. Drive slowly and carefully, especially over bumps or potholes. If possible, have someone else drive while you sit in the backseat with the cake to monitor its condition and make any necessary adjustments.

Plan the Route:

Plan your route to the venue in advance and consider the distance and traffic conditions. Choose a route that has good road conditions and minimal speed bumps or potholes. Allow for extra time in case of unexpected delays, and inform the venue that you are on your way, so they can be prepared to receive the cake.

Unloading and Setup:

When you arrive at the venue, carefully unload the cake and bring it to the designated setup area. Ensure there is a clear path to the display table, and communicate with the venue staff to ensure a smooth transition. Place the cake in its final location, and make any necessary touch-ups to the decorations before the event begins.

Remember, it is essential to plan ahead and practice transporting the cake to ensure a smooth and stress-free process on the day. By following these instructions, you can confidently deliver a beautiful and intact wedding cake that will impress the newlyweds and their guests.

Frequently asked questions