The Ultimate Wedding Cake: Taste, Style, And Cost

When it comes to choosing a wedding cake, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to finalise your wedding details such as the date, venue, and number of guests before selecting a cake, as these factors can impact the design, size, and delivery logistics. Secondly, it is advisable to book a cake tasting to sample different flavours and fillings, keeping in mind the preferences of both the couple and the guests. Thirdly, the cake's design should complement the wedding theme, colour schemes, and the couple's personal style. Finally, it is crucial to plan the cake-cutting moment during the reception, as it often serves as a silent cue for guests who wish to depart early.

Budget

When determining your budget, it is also worth considering that some catering companies and reception venues include wedding cakes in their event packages, so be sure to check this before reaching out to a separate cake baker.

If you are budget-conscious, you can ask bakeries for price estimates on different designs in advance. This will allow you to get an idea of what designs are feasible within your budget. You can also opt for a simpler cake design, such as a naked wedding cake or a simple frosted cake, as these are less labour-intensive and therefore tend to be more affordable.

If you are working with a tight budget, you may also want to consider enlisting the help of a friend or family member to pick up the cake and bring it to the venue, as delivery services often come with an additional fee.

Finally, remember that the most important thing about your wedding cake is that it tastes good. If you are unsure about what type of cake to choose, you can ask your baker for recommendations. They will be able to suggest wedding cake flavours that are generally well-liked by guests.

Timing

Booking and Tasting

It is recommended to book your cake vendor at least six months in advance, and up to 12 months if your wedding falls during peak season. This gives you ample time to research vendors whose style, design, and pricing match your vision and budget. Once you've found your dream vendor, schedule a tasting. This is when the fun begins! You'll get to sample different flavours and fillings, and discuss design ideas with your baker.

Finalizing Details

Before your cake tasting, it's important to have certain wedding details finalized. These include your wedding date, venue, and estimated number of guests. Knowing your wedding date will help the bakery determine their availability, as wedding seasons can get busy. The venue is important for delivery purposes, and the number of guests will help determine the size of the cake.

Cake Design

The design of your cake should complement your wedding's colour schemes, theme, and your own personal style. It's a good idea to decide on these details before finalizing your cake design. This ensures your cake visually aligns with the rest of your wedding. However, don't focus solely on aesthetics; be sure to prioritize flavour and enjoy the tasting process!

Cake Delivery

Discuss delivery logistics with your baker well in advance. Complex cakes may require extra time for assembly, and your baker will need to account for travel and potential traffic. Typically, cakes are delivered a few hours before the event. This allows time for any final touches and for the cake to come to room temperature after being refrigerated.

Cake Cutting

The timing of your cake cutting holds symbolic importance and plays a role in signalling the end of the reception's formalities. Traditionally, the cake is cut shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins. This timing provides a subtle cue for guests, especially older guests with children, that they can depart if they aren't planning to stay for the party.

Anniversary Cake

If you plan to save the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary, be sure to properly preserve and wrap it. You can also ask your baker to provide a fresh anniversary cake, made with the same flavours as your wedding cake.

Remember, while timing is important, don't stress too much about the little details. Enjoy the process, and savour every moment (and every bite) of your special day!

Design

The design of your wedding cake is a crucial aspect of the big day, reflecting your style and taste. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning and memorable wedding cake design:

• Theme and Colour Scheme: Before finalising the cake design, ensure you have decided on the wedding theme and colour scheme. This includes the colour of the wedding gown, flower arrangements, and venue decor. The cake should complement and accentuate these elements.
• Personalisation: Make the cake personal to you and your partner. You can incorporate your wedding colours, add custom cake toppers, or even hide secret messages in the design, such as a hand-painted message in Morse code.
• Seasonal Elements: Consider the season of your wedding when designing the cake. For instance, a lemon cake would be an excellent choice for a spring wedding, while a pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is perfect for autumn.
• Floral Accents: Fresh flowers or sugar flowers can be used to decorate the cake. If using fresh blooms, choose flowers that are in season and match your wedding colours. Sugar flowers are an excellent alternative if your desired flowers are not in season, as they look incredibly realistic and add a gorgeous design element.
• Contrast and Variety: Play with design elements like lace, appliqués, textures, and florals. Mix metallics with clean lines, and don't be afraid to contrast colours.
• Tier Design: Wedding cakes with multiple tiers offer an opportunity to get creative. You can have different flavours and designs for each tier, satisfying a variety of tastes. Consider combining different shapes, such as round and square tiers, or playing with tier heights to create a unique and dynamic structure.
• Lighting and Display: Ensure your cake is well-lit and showcased at the reception. Designate a special table to display the cake, perhaps in front of a window or with a spotlight. A round table is ideal for a circular cake, while a linear design or additional desserts might call for a rectangular table.
• Delivery and Assembly: Discuss delivery and assembly logistics with your baker. Complex cakes may require on-site assembly, and your baker will need to factor in travel time and potential traffic delays.
• Budget: Finally, keep your budget in mind when designing your cake. More intricate designs and custom elements can increase the cost. Ask your baker for a portfolio of past designs and their pricing to help you make informed decisions.

Size

The size of your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you are inviting to your wedding. A small 3-tier cake (6x8x10 round) will feed 74 guests, while a larger 3-tier cake will serve between 50 to 100 guests. If you are inviting more guests, you can add tiers to your cake to accommodate.

However, it is important to keep in mind that not every guest will have a slice of cake, and some guests may not RSVP. Therefore, it is recommended to order your cake after you have finalised your guest list.

Wedding cakes are often priced by the slice, ranging from $6 to $15 per slice, so it is essential to consider your budget when deciding on the size of your cake.

If you have a small number of guests but still want a large wedding cake, you can ask the bakery about a "dummy tier". This means that one or more of the tiers are made of plastic foam and decorated to look like the other tiers.

To ensure that you order the correct size of cake, it is recommended to consult with a professional baker, who can help you determine the appropriate size based on the number of guests and your budget.

Delivery

It is recommended to order your wedding cake at least six months in advance, and up to 12 months if you're getting married during peak wedding season. This will ensure your chosen baker has the availability to take your order. The cake should be delivered to the venue two to three hours before the event to allow time for any final assembly and for the cake to come to room temperature.

Transportation

Wedding cakes are typically transported in a refrigerated van to ensure they remain fresh. If you are handling the delivery yourself, ensure your vehicle has enough space and that you have a secure way to fix the cake in place so it doesn't slide around during transport.

Final Assembly

Some complex cakes may require final assembly on-site. In this case, your baker will need to build in extra time for this, in addition to travel and potential traffic delays.

Who Receives the Delivery?

Discuss with your baker whether you or your wedding planner/trusted loved one need to be on-site to approve the delivery. If fresh flowers are being added to the cake, the florist will usually provide these, and the baker will place them on the cake upon delivery.

Storage

If you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, as per tradition, make sure to inform your baker and caterer in advance. Immediately after the event, the top tier should be wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

Leftovers

If you have leftover cake, consider serving it at a gathering while friends and family are still in town, or provide favour boxes for guests to take slices home.

Frequently asked questions