The Perfect Wedding Cake: A Guide To Choosing Yours

Planning a wedding is a hefty task in itself, and choosing the perfect wedding cake is no exception. From flavour to design, there are many factors to consider when selecting a cake for your special day.

Firstly, it is important to finalise your wedding date, venue, and estimated number of guests before making cake-tasting appointments. This will help you determine the size of the cake and whether the bakery has the capacity to deliver it on your chosen date.

When it comes to flavour, the options are endless. You can choose from a variety of cake bases, fillings, and frostings to create your dream combination. Some popular flavour combinations include vanilla with buttercream frosting and raspberry jam, red velvet with cream cheese frosting, and chocolate with chocolate or white chocolate buttercream frosting.

The design of your wedding cake should complement your wedding theme, season, and reception menu. You can opt for a simple, elegant, rustic, modern, or creative cake, among other styles. Consider incorporating decorative elements such as sugar flowers, fresh fruit, or fondant details.

Don't forget to think about the practical aspects, such as the cake-cutting fee, delivery plan, and whether you want to save the top tier for your first anniversary.

With so many options available, it's essential to research vendors, book appointments, and ask questions to ensure you find the perfect wedding cake for your big day.

Flavours and fillings

When it comes to flavours, you could opt for a simple yet classic choice like vanilla, lemon, or chocolate. Or, if you want something more adventurous, consider a funfetti, carrot, or red velvet cake. You could even have a cake that combines multiple flavours, like a vanilla cake with raspberry jam and white chocolate buttercream.

As for fillings, there are many options to choose from. Basic fillings include chocolate, vanilla, caramel, strawberry, raspberry, cream cheese, coconut, lemon, and mocha. If you want to get more creative, you can choose from spreads like jams, ganaches, salted caramel, Nutella, peanut butter, or lemon curd. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can go for fillings like crushed Oreos, Nerds, or cookie dough.

Don't be afraid to mix and match flavours and fillings to create your own unique combination. You can even have a cake with multiple tiers, each with a different flavour. This way, you can cater to a variety of tastes and give your guests a range of options.

Remember, the flavour and filling combinations are endless, so feel free to get creative and have fun with it! It's your special day, so choose something that you and your partner will love and remember.

Cake size

When it comes to wedding cakes, size matters. The cake should be big enough to feed all your guests, but not so big that you're left with a ton of leftovers. Here are some things to consider when determining the size of your wedding cake:

Number of Guests

The number of guests you're expecting will be the main factor in determining the size of your wedding cake. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one slice of cake per guest. However, keep in mind that not everyone may want cake, and some guests may RSVP "no". It's usually a good idea to order your cake after you have a finalized guest list.

Cake Tiers

The number of tiers on a wedding cake can be deceiving. A small 3-tier cake can feed around 50-74 guests. If you're having a larger wedding, you can add more tiers to accommodate the guest count. A four or five-tier cake is sure to make a statement and will feed a higher number of guests.

Cake Shape

The shape of your cake can also impact the number of servings. Round cakes tend to yield more slices than other shapes, such as square or hexagonal cakes. If you're opting for a non-traditional shape, be sure to discuss serving sizes with your baker.

When determining cake size, it's important to consider the size of the slices. A typical wedding cake slice is smaller than a slice of birthday cake. A good rule of thumb is to plan for slices that are about 1-inch wide and 4-inches long. This will ensure that your cake feeds the expected number of guests.

Cake Cutting

The way the cake is cut can also impact the number of servings. Be sure to provide your caterers or venue staff with a cutting chart or guidelines to ensure the correct portions are served. Incorrect cutting can result in leftover cake or not enough cake for all your guests.

Leftover Cake

While you don't want to be left with a ton of leftover cake, it's always better to have too much than not enough. If you do have leftovers, consider providing favor boxes for guests to take slices home. Alternatively, you can save the top tier of your cake to enjoy on your first wedding anniversary, which is a longstanding tradition.

In conclusion, when determining the size of your wedding cake, be sure to consider the number of guests, the number of tiers, the shape of the cake, the size of the slices, and the method of cutting. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your cake is the perfect size for your special day.

Cake design

The design of your wedding cake is an important consideration, as it will be a focal point of your reception and a chance to showcase your style and personality. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create a stunning wedding cake design:

• Keep it simple: A simple and elegant wedding cake can be just as impactful as a more elaborate one. Consider a minimalist design with smooth tiers, combed buttercream frosting, and a few delicate flowers or sprigs of greenery.
• Incorporate colour: Add a touch of colour to your wedding cake with pastel shades, vibrant hues, or a colourful ombré effect. You can also use coloured fondant or icing to create a marble or watercolour effect.
• Go for gold: Gold details can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your wedding cake. Consider gold leaf, gold edging, or a gold cake stand to make your cake shine.
• Think about texture: Textured buttercream, fondant ruffles, or edible paper decorations can give your wedding cake a unique and modern look. You can also use fresh or sugar flowers to add texture and dimension.
• Personalise it: Make your wedding cake meaningful by incorporating design elements that reflect your personality or theme of your wedding. This could include monogrammed cake toppers, custom wreaths, or even a secret message written in Morse code.
• Play with shapes: Wedding cakes don't have to be round! Consider square, hexagonal, or curvilinear tiers for a unique and contemporary look. You can also play with the height of each tier to create a staircase effect.
• Get creative with flavours: Don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to flavours. In addition to traditional options like vanilla and chocolate, consider unique combinations like olive oil cake with lemon curd and raspberry cream, or a cake inspired by your favourite tea blend.
• Think about the size: The size of your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you need to serve. If you have a small guest list, you can opt for a single-tier cake or a "dummy tier" cake with one or more tiers made of plastic foam.
• Consider the display: The way you display your wedding cake can also enhance its design. Use a cake stand that complements the style of your cake, such as a gold cake stand for a touch of elegance or a wooden cake stand for a rustic vibe. You can also surround your cake with flowers, candles, or other decorative elements to create a stunning visual display.

Timing and delivery

Booking and Ordering:

It is recommended to book your cake vendor as soon as your wedding date, venue, and estimated guest count are finalised. This ensures the availability of your preferred vendor and allows them to manage their schedule and deliveries effectively. Ideally, you should 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 lead time gives your baker ample time to work their magic and ensures you're not under pressure to find a last-minute replacement.

Delivery Logistics:

Discuss all delivery details with your baker to ensure a smooth process. Complex cakes may require on-site assembly, and your baker will need to account for travel time and potential traffic delays. Ask about their typical delivery timeframe – for instance, some bakers deliver cakes two to three hours before the event. If your baker is adding final touches or assembling the cake on-site, confirm how much extra time they'll need.

Day-of Coordination:

On your wedding day, ensure a designated person, such as your wedding planner or a trusted loved one, is available to coordinate with the baker and approve the delivery. This takes one task off your plate and ensures someone is present to handle any last-minute issues or adjustments.

Cake Cutting:

Traditionally, the newlywed couple cuts the first slice of the wedding cake together, which is a symbolic and memorable moment. The cake-cutting usually takes place shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins. It serves as an unofficial signal that the main reception events are over, and some guests with young children or older guests may start to leave. Therefore, it's essential to cut the cake early enough to avoid having leftover slices.

Leftover Cake:

While it's customary to save the top tier of the wedding cake for your first anniversary, proper planning is required to ensure it stays fresh. Ask your baker for instructions on how to preserve the cake, and designate someone to be responsible for wrapping and storing it correctly. Alternatively, many bakers offer a complimentary top-tier cake for your anniversary, freshly made to avoid freezer-burned cake.

Cake Spotlight:

Your wedding cake is a unique creation, so give it the spotlight it deserves. Designate a well-lit table at the reception to showcase the cake before it's cut and served. Enhance the presentation with matching linens, flower arrangements, and other decorative details that complement your wedding style.

In summary, timely booking, clear communication with your baker, and thoughtful coordination on the wedding day will ensure a smooth process for delivering and presenting your dream wedding cake.

Cake toppers and accessories

Styles and Themes

Cake toppers can be tailored to your wedding theme or style. For example, a rustic barn wedding could feature a wooden cake topper, while a formal affair might call for a sturdy ceramic topper. If you're having a country farm wedding, a slatted wood topper with your names or the date would be a lovely touch. For a chic, modern wedding, consider an acrylic topper with a fun phrase like "Best Day Ever" or "The Hunt is Over". You could also opt for a minimalist wire topper with your initials and a small heart.

Personalised Touches

Including personalised details, such as your names, initials, wedding date, or a special photo, will make your cake topper extra special. You can even find toppers that incorporate your pets or hobbies. For a unique keepsake, consider a handmade wooden peg doll topper, crafted to look just like you and your partner, or a topper featuring Lego figurines that resemble you.

Figurines and Silhouettes

Traditional cake toppers often feature a figurine of a couple. You can find a wide range of options, from a romantic dip to a funny silhouette. If you want something more playful, consider a superhero-themed topper or one inspired by your favourite movie or TV show, like Disney's "Up" or "Star Wars".

Accessories

In addition to the topper itself, you may want to consider accessories like a cake topper display stand to showcase your cherished topper long after the wedding. You can also add small accessories to the cake itself, such as flowers, foliage, or fruit, to complement the topper.

Remember, the cake topper should showcase your personal style and add a unique touch to your wedding day décor. It's a great opportunity to let your creativity shine!

Frequently asked questions