Choosing A Wedding Cake: Things You Must Know

Picking a wedding cake is a hefty task, but it can be fun! There are endless options, from buttercream to ganache, sugar flowers and piping. Before choosing a vendor, it's important to do your research and find a bakery that fits your style, design, and budget. It's also a good idea to book your vendor at least six months in advance, and ideally, 4 to 6 months before your wedding. During your consultation, you'll discuss flavour combinations and design. You can also ask about delivery options, as some bakeries offer this service for an additional fee. If you're picking up the cake yourself, it's best to do it the day before the wedding to avoid any last-minute stress.

Picking the right vendor: Research bakers whose style, design and pricing align with your wedding checklist

Picking the right vendor is a crucial step in the wedding cake selection process. Here are some tips to help you choose a vendor that aligns with your vision and budget:

• Research and compare multiple vendors: Look for bakers who have a style and design aesthetic that resonates with your vision for the wedding cake. Compare pricing, designs, and customer reviews from different vendors to find the best fit for your needs.
• Consider your wedding checklist: Before approaching vendors, have a clear idea of your wedding date, venue, and estimated number of guests. This information is essential for bakers to determine their availability and provide accurate quotes.
• Ask about pricing and payment: Wedding cakes are often priced by the slice, so understanding the pricing structure is crucial. Inquire about the cost per slice, minimum order requirements, and payment schedules to ensure it aligns with your budget.
• Schedule a tasting and consultation: Taste tests and consultations are essential for understanding the vendor's capabilities and customising your cake. During the tasting, discuss flavour options, fillings, and design ideas. Ask about the possibility of a complimentary tasting or if it is included in the overall fee.
• Inquire about delivery and setup: Discuss delivery options, fees, and timing with the vendor. Some bakers may offer complimentary delivery within a certain radius, while others may charge an additional fee. Ensure they can deliver the cake to your venue and set it up safely.
• Review their portfolio and past designs: Ask to see the vendor's portfolio or photos of their previous wedding cake designs. This will give you a sense of their skill, creativity, and ability to execute your vision.
• Book your vendor in advance: Wedding cake vendors, especially popular ones, tend to get booked quickly, especially during peak wedding season. It is recommended to order your wedding cake at least six months in advance, or even earlier if possible, to secure your preferred vendor.

Timing: Order your cake at least six months in advance, or 4-6 months for a winter wedding

Timing is a crucial aspect of ordering your wedding cake. It is recommended to place your order at least six months before the wedding, especially if your wedding is during the peak season. This allows your baker sufficient time to work their magic and create your dream cake.

If your wedding day details are already finalised, some bakers suggest ordering up to 12 months in advance to secure your date. This is also beneficial for your overall wedding planning, as it gives you more time to manage your budget and avoid last-minute stress.

For winter weddings, the recommended timeline is slightly shorter, with a suggested lead time of 4-6 months. This is because winter is a less busy season for weddings, so bakeries may have more flexibility and availability.

Regardless of the season, it is essential to have your wedding date, venue, and estimated number of guests confirmed before reaching out to bakers. This information will be crucial in determining the availability of your chosen baker and the size of your cake.

Remember, wedding cake bakers tend to get booked up quickly, especially during the high season. Therefore, it is advisable to place your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment and ensure a stress-free experience.

Budget: Wedding cakes are often priced by the slice

Wedding cakes are generally priced by the slice, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $12 per slice. The final price of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the number of tiers, ingredients used, decorations, and your location.

The average wedding cake cost in the United States is around $600, with couples typically spending between $600 and $900 on their cakes. However, prices can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of guests you need to serve. The more guests you invite, the more you'll spend on the cake.

When determining your wedding cake budget, consider the following factors:

• Cake size and number of tiers: The bigger the cake, the more ingredients and labour are required, increasing the cost.
• Labour and delivery: You are paying for the cake designer's talents, time, labour, storage, and delivery.
• Wedding cake decorations: Intricate designs, such as handmade sugar flowers, fondant details, or edible gold leaf, will increase the price.
• Cake flavour and fillings: Unique or specialty flavours, such as homemade fruit compote or liquor-infused sponge, may impact the cost.

To save money on your wedding cake, consider the following options:

• Offer half-servings or smaller cake slices.
• Opt for a "dummy" cake: A display cake made of plastic foam or a "dummy tier" can be used for photos and cutting purposes, while a less expensive sheet cake is served to guests.
• Choose buttercream instead of fondant frosting, as it is typically more affordable.
• Select a simpler design and basic flavours like chocolate or vanilla.
• Provide your own wedding cake: Baking your own cake or having a talented friend make it for you can save costs, though it may add stress to your big day.

When budgeting for your wedding cake, be sure to factor in additional costs such as cake stands, toppers, and cutting fees charged by the venue or caterer. Research and compare prices from multiple bakeries to find the best option for your budget.

Cake size: A small 3-tier cake will feed 74 guests

When it comes to wedding cakes, the cake size is determined by the number of guests you plan to feed. A small 3-tier cake with tiers measuring 6x8x10 inches in diameter will feed approximately 74 guests. This calculation is based on the standard size of a slice of wedding cake, which is typically 4 inches tall, 2 inches long, and 1 inch wide.

It's important to note that the number of servings can vary depending on the height of the cake, the number of layers in each tier, and the amount of frosting or filling between the layers. Taller cakes or cakes with more layers and generous fillings will likely yield more servings.

When planning your wedding cake, it's advisable to have a clear idea of your guest count. This will help you determine the appropriate cake size and the number of tiers needed. Most bakeries are accommodating if your guest count fluctuates, allowing you to add or subtract a reasonable number of guests up to two weeks before the wedding.

Additionally, consider whether the cake will be served as a dessert or if the cake-cutting is more ceremonial. If it's meant to be a dessert, you may need to increase the serving size or order a larger cake to satisfy your guests' appetites.

When estimating the size of your 3-tier cake, it's recommended to use a specific cutting method to ensure neat and uniform pieces. Here's a general guide:

• Remove the top tier if it's meant to be kept for the couple's first anniversary.
• Cut a smooth, evenly spaced circle about 2 inches in from the second tier's outer edge.
• Cut the outer ring into slices approximately 1 inch across.
• Cut another circle 2 inches farther in and slice that ring into 1-inch pieces.
• Repeat this process until you've cut all the way to the center of the tier.
• Remove the cake board and dowels, if any, and repeat the process with the next tier.

By following this cutting guide, you can ensure that your small 3-tier cake will comfortably feed 74 guests, providing them with delicious memories of your special day.

Flavour: Choose a flavour that matches your wedding theme and season

Choosing a wedding cake flavour is an important decision, and one that you and your guests will remember. There are endless flavour combinations to choose from, so it can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose a flavour that matches your wedding theme and season:

• Consider the season: Lighter, more refreshing flavours like lemon, strawberry, and vanilla are perfect for spring and summer weddings. Richer, more decadent flavours like chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cake are ideal for autumn and winter weddings.
• Match your wedding theme: If you're having a rustic wedding, a naked cake or a carrot cake might be a good choice. For a tropical-themed wedding, consider a coconut cream cake or a mango cake.
• Think about your guest's preferences: If you have a less adventurous crowd, it's safe to go with classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet. If you want to please everyone, offer a couple of different flavours.
• Personalize your cake: Choose a flavour that holds special meaning for you and your partner. Maybe you both love blueberry jam or almond milk lattes. You can also incorporate multicultural elements into the cake by choosing flavours that represent your family heritages.
• Complement the wedding meal: Consider the other food options on your menu when choosing your cake flavour. For example, if you're serving a heavy meal, a light and fruity cake might be a better choice than a rich chocolate cake.
• Be creative: Don't be afraid to experiment with unique flavour combinations. For example, a chocolate cake with coffee caramel or a vanilla cake with caramelized peaches. You can also add a twist to classic flavours, like a hazelnut cake with chocolate buttercream or a pistachio cake with buttercream and caramelized pistachios.

Frequently asked questions