Wedding Cake Orders: Timing Is Everything

Ordering a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is recommended that couples book their wedding cake at least 3 to 6 months in advance, with some sources suggesting that 12 months is ideal, especially for weddings during peak season. Couples should also consider the popularity of the baker, as well-known bakers may require bookings up to 1.5 years in advance. It is also important to consider the day of the week, as Saturdays tend to be more popular and may require earlier booking. When choosing a vendor, couples should research styles, designs, and pricing to find a cake that aligns with their wedding checklist. Before booking, couples can schedule a tasting and come prepared with a list of questions, including flavour options, pricing, cake size, and delivery details.

Book your baker as soon as possible

Booking your wedding cake vendor as soon as possible is a good idea for several reasons. Wedding cake bakers are in high demand, and their availability is limited. They can only take a certain number of special orders per day, and you don't want to find out that the bakery you like is booked up, especially if your wedding is on a Saturday. Remember, you're not just competing with other weddings, but also with birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

It's a good idea to start researching and reaching out to potential bakers at least 4-6 months before your wedding. Some sources recommend booking even earlier, especially if you have a specific baker in mind or if your wedding is during peak season (typically March to May and September to November).

Booking early will also help the rest of your wedding planning process go more smoothly. It will give you more time to spread out vendor deposits and avoid last-minute stress if your chosen baker cancels. It's also a good idea to schedule your cake tasting and baker selection right after finalizing your dress, venue, and caterer. This way, you can make stress-free payments to your vendors and have enough time to find a replacement if needed.

When booking your baker, there are a few key questions to ask, such as:

• What flavors and fillings do you offer?
• Is a tasting included in the fee?
• How big should the cake be to feed our guests?
• Do you have a portfolio of past designs?
• How do you price your cakes?
• How many cakes do you deliver on the same day?

So, if you've set a date and found your venue, don't delay—start your search for the perfect wedding cake baker today!

Research vendors and book a tasting

Researching vendors and booking a tasting is an important step in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Research Different Bakeries

It is essential to research and compare multiple bakeries before booking a tasting. Take the time to review their portfolios, read testimonials from previous clients, and consider their style, budget, and location. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a vendor that aligns with your vision and requirements.

Schedule Your Appointment

When scheduling a wedding cake tasting, ensure you allocate ample time, ideally 1-2 hours, to fully enjoy the experience. This allows you to savour the cakes, ask questions, and take notes without feeling rushed.

Prepare a List of Questions

Before the tasting, create a list of questions to ask the baker. Some important topics to cover include flavours, pricing, delivery options, customisation, ingredients, and cake structure. Here are some example questions:

• What type of cakes do you offer?
• How long have you been in business?
• Do you offer organic or gluten-free options?
• Can I customise the cake with different flavours and decorations?
• What kind of ingredients do you use?
• Do you provide delivery services, and are there associated fees?
• How many servings does a standard cake provide?

Taste a Variety of Flavours

Use the tasting as an opportunity to explore different flavour combinations. Even if you have a preference for a particular flavour, such as vanilla, be open to trying both classic and unique options. You might be surprised by what you and your partner enjoy!

Take Notes and Stay Hydrated

Bring a notepad and pencil to jot down your impressions of each cake's flavours, textures, and overall appeal. Taking notes will help you compare options when making your final decision. Additionally, staying hydrated during the tasting is crucial. Drinking water between samples will help cleanse your palate, ensuring you accurately judge each cake's flavour. It will also keep you alert and focused throughout the process.

Timing of the Tasting

It is recommended to book a cake tasting six to twelve months before your wedding date, especially if you are using a baker unaffiliated with your caterer or venue. Some bakers hold tastings only once a month or have limited availability, so it's important to plan ahead.

Final Thoughts

Remember, while it's essential to be thorough in your research and decision-making, don't forget to enjoy the process! Wedding cake tastings are meant to be fun and exciting, so savour the experience and choose the cake that delights your taste buds.

Finalise the cake design and decorations

Finalising the design and decorations of your wedding cake is an important step in the process. Here are some tips to help you finalise the details and ensure your cake is both delicious and beautiful.

Basic Details

Before the cake tasting, it is important to finalise some basic wedding details that will influence the design of your cake. These include the guest count, venue location, wedding theme or colours, budget, and any allergies or dietary restrictions. Having this information prepared will help the cake consultation run smoothly and ensure that your cake complements your wedding theme and venue.

Decorative Accessories

Discuss your desired cake decorations with your baker in advance. This includes fresh flowers, cake toppers, and serving sets. If you plan to use fresh flowers, your florist can provide blooms that match your wedding colours and theme. The florist will deliver the flowers to the cake table, and the baker will place them on the cake upon delivery.

Other decorations, such as the cake topper and serving set, should be brought directly to the venue on the wedding day. You can designate a member of your wedding party or your wedding planner to handle these details and ensure they are ready for the baker.

Delivery Plan

Be sure to discuss the delivery plan for your wedding cake with your baker in advance. Wedding cake delivery requires coordination and may involve a refrigerated van. Complex cakes may require extra time for assembly, and your baker will need to account for travel and potential traffic delays. Ask your baker if you need to be on-site to approve the delivery or if you can designate someone else to handle it.

Cake Spotlight

Your wedding cake is a unique creation, so be sure to give it the spotlight it deserves at the reception. Designate a table at the reception to showcase your cake and allow guests to admire it before it is cut and served. Choose a round table for circular cakes or a rectangular table for a linear design or additional desserts like cupcakes and cookies. Drape the table with matching linens and add flower arrangements or other details to match your wedding style.

Cake Cutting

Consider the timing of cake cutting to avoid leftover slices. Traditionally, the newlywed couple cuts the first slice of the cake together as a symbolic gesture and photo opportunity. After that, the caterers or venue staff will cut and serve the rest of the cake. Cutting the cake early, right after the first dance, ensures that guests know it is available and can enjoy it for dessert.

Cake Preservation

If you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, proper preservation is key. Completely cover the cake with multiple layers of Saran wrap and store it in a plastic bag in the freezer. Alternatively, many bakers will provide a freshly made version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, so you can enjoy a delicious treat without the hassle of storage.

Order the cake at least six months in advance

Ordering your wedding cake at least six months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This will give you enough time to find a baker whose style, design, and pricing fit your vision and budget. It is also important to remember that bakeries can only handle a certain number of special orders per day, and you may be competing with other events like birthdays and anniversaries for their services.

Booking early will also give you more time to plan the rest of your wedding, as you can spread out vendor deposits and avoid the stress of finding a baker at the last minute. It is recommended that you schedule your cake tasting and baker selection right after you have chosen your dress, venue, and caterer. This way, you can take your time to make decisions and pay your vendors without feeling rushed.

When booking your baker, it is a good idea to ask about their lead times and how many cakes they deliver per day. Some bakeries may only open their order books a few months in advance, while others can accommodate orders up to a year or more ahead of time. If you have a specific date in mind, it is best to reach out to your desired bakeries as soon as possible to check their availability.

Additionally, consider the size of your guest list when ordering your cake. A small 3-tier cake can feed around 74 guests, while a larger 3-tier cake can serve between 50 to 100 guests. Ordering your cake after finalizing your guest list will ensure that you have enough to serve everyone.

Finally, don't forget to bring a list of questions to your cake tasting appointment. Ask about flavors, fillings, pricing, cake size, and portfolio of past designs. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you get the cake of your dreams.

Plan the delivery and cutting of the cake

Planning the delivery and cutting of the cake is an important part of your wedding preparations. Here are some tips to help you with this process:

Delivery

It is important to discuss all the details with your baker before the wedding day to ensure a smooth delivery. Wedding cake delivery requires coordination and usually a refrigerated van. Complex cakes may be assembled on-site, so your baker may need extra time for this, as well as for travel and possible traffic delays. Ask your baker if you need to be on-site to approve the delivery, or if you can designate someone else, such as your wedding planner, to be there.

The cake will need to be delivered a few hours before the event to allow time for any final touches and for the cake to come to room temperature. If your cake is large, it may be delivered in multiple pieces and assembled on-site.

Cutting

Traditionally, the cake is cut between dinner and dancing. This provides a silent cue for those with young children or older guests to leave if they don't plan to stay for the party. The newlywed couple usually cuts the first slice of the cake together as a symbolic gesture and a memorable photo opportunity. The rest of the cake is then cut and served by caterers or venue staff.

To avoid leftovers, it is best to cut the cake early, so it can be served as dessert. You may want to cut the cake straight after your first dance, and have caterers cut and serve the rest of the cake during dinner.

If you want to save the top tier of your cake for your first wedding anniversary, remember to wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Alternatively, your baker may provide a freshly made version of your wedding cake for your anniversary.

Frequently asked questions