Choosing The Perfect Wedding Cake: A Guide

Cutting the wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition that symbolises the start of a couple's life together. While it is traditionally done at the end of the wedding reception, some couples now opt to cut the cake earlier in the day, allowing them to use it as a dessert and freeing up time for guests to head straight to the dance floor after dinner.

The bride and groom cut a small slice from the bottom tier of the cake, which is usually made up of multiple tiers, and feed each other a bite. They may then serve a piece to their new in-laws. The cake is then taken away to be cut into slices for the guests.

Some couples choose to have a small cake for the ceremonial cutting and serve their guests cupcakes or sheet cake. This can be a more budget-friendly option, as well as a practical one, as it can be easier for guests to simply pick up a cupcake than to have to cut and serve a large cake.

Cake flavours and fillings

Flavours and fillings are a key part of any wedding cake. There are endless combinations to choose from, so you can be sure to find something to suit your taste.

If you're a fan of chocolate, you could opt for a chocolate cake with either a chocolate or white-chocolate buttercream frosting. Or, for something a little different, try a chocolate cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Chocolate orange is another great combination, and you can even make this vegan-friendly!

For a fruity twist, you might choose a lemon cake with a vanilla buttercream frosting and a lemon curd filling, topped with raspberry jam. Or, for something more exotic, a white-chocolate and raspberry cake with a white-chocolate buttercream and raspberry jam filling. Red velvet cake is another popular choice, often paired with a cream cheese frosting.

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could try a unique combination such as olive oil cake with lemon curd and raspberry cream, or a mocha spice cake with chocolate buttercream.

When it comes to fillings, you can choose from a variety of options such as cream, buttercream, jam, curd, or even fresh fruit. You could also add a cake soak to your layers for an extra touch of flavour and moisture.

Cake toppers

• Fresh flowers: Adding a bouquet of fresh flowers to your cake is a beautiful way to incorporate your wedding colours or theme. You can choose flowers that are in season to ensure they look their best.
• Family heirloom: If you have a special family heirloom that holds sentimental value, why not use it as your cake topper? It could be a cherished piece of jewellery, a vintage figurine, or even a family photo.
• Customised figurine: You can order customised cake toppers that look like you and your partner. These can be made from materials like polymer clay or sugar paste and can be designed to match your wedding outfits or reflect your hobbies and interests.
• Monogram or initials: A monogram or your initials is a classy and elegant way to top off your cake. You can order custom-made toppers in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or acrylic.
• Love quote: Adding a favourite love quote or a meaningful saying is a unique way to personalise your cake. You can write it directly on the cake or use letter toppers to spell out your chosen phrase.
• Something fun and quirky: If you want to add a touch of humour to your cake, go for a fun and quirky topper. It could be anything from a cute cartoon character to a funny inside joke that you share with your partner.

Remember, your cake topper should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and choose something that truly represents you.

Cake size

The size of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the number of guests you plan to serve and whether you want a single-tier or multi-tier cake. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, a single-tier cake may be sufficient, while larger weddings may require a multi-tier cake to ensure there is enough for everyone.

When determining the size of your cake, consider the height and width of each tier. The standard width for a round cake tier is between 4 and 6 inches, while the height can vary from 2 to 6 inches. If you're having a multi-tier cake, each tier can be a different size, with the bottom tier being the largest and the top tier the smallest.

For a single-tier cake, a good rule of thumb is to allow for a 1-inch slice per guest. So, if you have 50 guests, you would need a cake that is at least 50 inches in circumference. For a multi-tier cake, you can calculate the size of each tier based on the number of guests you want to serve from that tier. For example, if you have 100 guests and a three-tier cake, you could estimate that the bottom tier will serve 50 guests, the middle tier will serve 30 guests, and the top tier will serve the remaining 20 guests.

It's important to discuss your cake size and serving expectations with your baker to ensure they can create a cake that meets your needs. They will be able to guide you on the best size and configuration to ensure there is enough cake for everyone. Additionally, don't forget to consider the height of your wedding cake when choosing a cake stand or table. You'll want to make sure it's tall enough to accommodate the cake comfortably and that the table is sturdy and solid to avoid any accidents.

Cake cutting

The cake cutting ceremony is a symbolic moment and a much-beloved wedding tradition. It is one of the first official acts a couple does together as newlyweds, and it makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

Location

Choose a spot with a nice backdrop for photos, where the cake is easily seen and accessible to the couple. Ensure there is enough room for the couple to stand comfortably on either side of the cake, and that the surface is solid. Keep the cake out of direct sunlight, and well-lit.

Timing

The cake is usually cut just before the first dance, marking the end of the reception and the start of the party. However, some couples cut the cake after they have been announced at the reception, so it can be served as dessert.

Tools

You will need a suitable cake knife, and a plate to put the slice(s) on. You may also want to have two forks, and champagne flutes, if you plan to make a toast during the cake cutting.

The Cut

The couple should place both hands on the knife and cut about an inch into the cake, then cut a connecting line. They can then use the knife to lift the slice onto the plate. It is customary for the couple to only cut the first slice, leaving the rest to the caterers. The couple may choose to feed each other the first slice, or cut two slices and dig in at the same time.

Music

The song played during the cake cutting is down to personal preference. Some couples choose something fun and catchy, others prefer a romantic song.

Customisations

There are many ways to make the cake cutting ceremony more personal. You can add monograms, unique details, specialty flavours, and meaningful designs to the cake. You can also cut the cake with an axe or sword, or add something extra to the cake cutting, like an ice cream or donut bar.

Photography

Take your time during the cake cutting to ensure you get the perfect photos. Look at the cake, each other, and the photographer. Hold up the bites of cake before you feed them to each other and/or smash them into each other's faces (but be sure to discuss this with your partner beforehand!).

Cake delivery

The wedding cake is often delivered to the reception venue ahead of the ceremony, ensuring it is in place for the couple's grand entrance. This task is typically handled by the bakery providing the cake, with care taken to ensure the cake remains intact during transport.

For a seamless delivery, clear communication is key. The bakery should be provided with detailed information about the venue's location and a specific drop-off point, especially if access is restricted or challenging. It is also essential to confirm the delivery time, ensuring the cake's arrival aligns with the venue's schedule and the cake is safely stored until the reception.

Some couples opt for a cake reveal, presenting the cake to their guests in a dramatic fashion. In such cases, the cake may be delivered to a separate area, kept hidden until the designated time.

Upon delivery, it is standard to conduct a thorough inspection of the cake. This includes checking for any damage incurred during transit and confirming that the cake meets the agreed-upon design and specifications. It is advisable to have someone from the couple's wedding planning team or a trusted representative present during this inspection.

Finally, the cake should be carefully positioned on a sturdy table, ensuring it is secure and stable. This table should be chosen or decorated with the cake's backdrop in mind, as photos will be taken during the cake-cutting ceremony.

With the cake delivered and displayed, the stage is set for the couple to cut the cake together, symbolising the first of many acts they will perform as a married couple.

Frequently asked questions