Choosing A Wedding Cake: Key Considerations For Couples

There are many things to consider when choosing a wedding cake, from the size of your cake to the flavour and type of icing. Wedding cakes are often intricate and complex, so it's important to start planning early. You should also consider your budget and how many guests you'll be serving. It's a good idea to find a reputable baker who specialises in the type of cake you want and to provide them with details about your wedding theme, colours and venue. You may also want to think about the delivery and setup process, as well as any cake accessories or decorations you'd like to include.

Budget

The cost of a wedding cake depends on the number of servings and the intricacy of the design. Sugar flowers, for example, can significantly increase the price of a cake because they are handcrafted and time-consuming to make. The number of tiers will also impact the cost, with three layers typically serving up to 100 guests and five or more layers serving 200 or more. If you're having a large wedding, you may want to consider a dessert bar or other types of dessert in addition to the cake.

It's important to start planning and budgeting for your wedding cake early, as bakers can book up far in advance and may only take on one or two cakes per week. When creating your budget, consider the cost of the cake itself, as well as any additional costs such as delivery, setup, and accessories like a cake topper or serving set.

To save money, you may want to consider a simpler design or a cake with fewer tiers. You can also ask your baker about different flavour options, as certain premium flavours and fillings may come at an extra cost. If you're having a small wedding, you might opt for a single-tier cake or a smaller cake with a crowd-pleasing flavour.

Remember to factor in the cost of cake cutting and serving staff, as well as any additional charges for things like fresh flowers or a cake-cutting set. If you plan to save the top tier of the cake for your first anniversary, you'll also need to budget for proper storage and wrapping to keep it fresh.

Discuss your budget openly with your baker, as they can offer helpful suggestions to keep costs within your range while still meeting your aesthetic needs. They may also be able to suggest alternatives or workarounds to achieve your desired look without breaking the bank.

Baker

When it comes to choosing a baker for your wedding cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to start your search early as bakers, especially popular ones, tend to get booked up far in advance. It's also a good idea to ask for referrals from friends and family, or even the couple whose wedding cake you liked. Wedding fairs are also a great way to meet local bakers and sample their cakes without committing to a private consultation.

When choosing a baker, it's important to look at their portfolio, whether that's on their website or social media, to see if you like their style. It's also reassuring if the baker has won awards for their work. If you have a very specific design in mind, for example, a teapot cake, it's important to find a baker who can create that for you.

Another thing to consider is the baker's location. If they are based far away from your venue, you'll need to think about how well the cake can travel and discuss this with the baker. It's also a good idea to ask your venue for recommendations as they may have worked with bakers who are familiar with the venue and its requirements.

Once you've found a baker you like, it's time to schedule a meeting and a tasting. Come prepared with questions and inspiration photos, but not too many, as this may make it difficult to narrow things down. It's also helpful to provide the baker with details such as your wedding date, venue, estimated headcount, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Finally, don't forget to consider the cost. The price of a wedding cake depends on the number of servings and the complexity of the design. Sugar flowers, for example, can significantly increase the cost. Be sure to discuss any cost upgrades during the tasting so that you don't get surprised by surcharges later.

Flavour

Firstly, decide whether you want to have more than one flavour. If you have multiple tiers, you can absolutely choose a different flavour for each. You could even have multiple types of sponge within a tier, with alternating layers.

When it comes to choosing your flavours, it's worth noting that there are no set rules. Every cake maker will have their own list of options, with some sticking to a core menu and others offering a wider, more adaptable selection. If you're unsure, consider having at least one tier in a traditional flavour that will be a crowd-pleaser, and another with fruit flavours. Be sure to choose something you like, too—if you want something a little unusual, perhaps make this the top tier, which has the fewest servings, and ask for slices to be put aside for you to share later. Remember, the bigger the tier, the more slices of that flavour you'll get.

If you're having a hard time deciding, your baker may offer a tasting session, where you can try a variety of flavours and fillings. You can also ask them for guidance, as many designers use multiple flavours in one cake. Some bakers charge extra for premium flavours and fillings, so be sure to establish any cost upgrades at your tasting.

Finally, don't forget to consider the time of year. If you're getting married in the summer, delicate buttercream icing might not withstand the heat as well as sturdier fondant.

Size

When it comes to the size of your wedding cake, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to think about the number of guests you'll be serving. While it's not necessary to have a cake large enough to feed every single guest, especially if you're expecting several hundred people, you should also avoid having a massive and extravagant wedding cake if you only have a few guests, as you'll be eating leftover cake for weeks! As a general rule, three layers of cake will typically serve up to 100 guests, while five or more layers will feed 200 or more.

Another factor to consider when determining the size of your wedding cake is whether you'll be offering other desserts. If you plan to have a dessert bar or other dessert options, you may want to opt for a smaller cake. On the other hand, if you want your cake to be the main dessert, you'll need to ensure it's large enough to serve most of your guests. It's worth noting that you don't need to account for a cake size that will feed every guest, as some people may not have cake, especially if there are other dessert options.

The size of your wedding cake will also depend on the shape and design you choose. For example, if you opt for a cake with multiple tiers or layers, this will increase the overall size and serving capacity of the cake. Additionally, if you're having a cake with deep tiers, you may want to discuss having more than one type of sponge in each tier, creating a unique and varied flavour experience for your guests.

The venue's ceiling height can also influence the size of your cake. If the venue has high ceilings, consider adding columns between the layers to make the cake appear larger and more impressive.

Finally, it's important to consider the portion size when determining the size of your wedding cake. Wedding cake portions are typically smaller than party-sized slices, and your caterers should be able to guide you on how many slices to cut and how big each slice should be. However, if you plan to serve the cake as a dessert, the portions may need to be larger, and it's a good idea to have a few extra slices in case of accidents.

Design

When it comes to the design of your wedding cake, there are many factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose a design that reflects your personal style and the theme of your wedding. If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, for instance, a naked cake with vivid colours would be a great choice. You could also choose flowers that complement the ones used in the ceremony. For a traditional wedding, a simple white cake with minimal ornamentation is always a safe bet.

Another key consideration is the size of your cake. The number of guests you invite will play a role in determining the size, as will the presence of other desserts or a dessert bar. If you have high ceilings at your venue, adding columns between the layers of the cake can make it look larger.

The shape of your cake is another design element to think about. There are many options to choose from, and while there's no wrong choice, it's still an important decision.

The icing and decorations are also key components of the design. Delicate buttercream icing, for example, may not withstand the heat of an outdoor summer wedding as well as sturdier fondant. Sugar flowers can be a beautiful addition but can also be costly as they are handcrafted. Fresh flowers are another option, which can be provided by your florist to ensure they match the rest of the room.

Finally, don't forget to consider the practicalities of delivery and setup. Discuss with your baker whether the cake will be delivered in parts and assembled on-site, and whether it will need to be refrigerated. Leave enough time for any necessary repairs, touch-ups, or additions, and consider whether you or your wedding planner will need to be on-site to approve the delivery.

Frequently asked questions