Setting Up The Wedding Cake: Perfect Timing And Display

Setting up a wedding cake is a delicate task, and there are many factors to consider. The cake should be ordered at least six months in advance, and ideally, you should book your cake vendor with a deposit four to six months before the wedding. The cake delivery should be coordinated with the baker, and it's recommended to have it delivered about one to two hours before the ceremony starts. If the cake is complex or needs to be assembled on-site, the baker may require extra time. It's also important to confirm delivery details with the venue a few weeks in advance. On the day of the wedding, the cake should be set up in its own designated area, preferably in a spotlight or surrounded by candles, to be admired by the guests. The cake cutting usually takes place shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins.

Initial cake vendor research and inquiry

The first step in the wedding cake process is to research cake vendors. You should start this process around six to nine months before your wedding. Begin by searching for vendors whose style, design, and pricing align with your vision and budget. It is important to do thorough research to ensure that you find a vendor that matches your needs and wants.

Once you have found a few potential vendors, you can make an initial inquiry. This is when you will want to provide the vendor with some initial design details so they can get an idea of the desired design and create a sample proposal. This proposal will help ensure that their style is in line with your vision and that the cost meets your expectations.

After receiving your inquiry, some vendors may send you an FAQ, menu, and look book to help you make your decision. This can be helpful in narrowing down your options and choosing the right vendor for you. It is also a good idea to schedule a tasting with each vendor to try their cakes and fully plan your cake design.

When scheduling a tasting, be sure to bring a list of questions to ask the vendor. Some important questions to consider include:

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

By asking these questions and doing your research, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect cake vendor for your wedding!

Cake tasting and design

Preparation

Before reaching out to vendors, couples should have an idea of their wedding date, venue, number of guests, flavour ideas, design ideas, and budget. It is also important to be aware of any dietary requirements, such as vegan or gluten-free options. Couples should also be mindful of the seasonality of flavours and the availability of fresh fruit.

Timing

The sweet spot for reaching out to vendors is around the six or seven-month mark before the wedding. This gives enough time to discuss design ideas and schedule a tasting. The tasting itself should take place around four to six months before the wedding.

The Tasting

There are a few different ways to approach the tasting. Some bakers offer slices of cake or cupcakes, while others may create mini cakes. Couples can expect to sample around three different flavours, each with a different buttercream type and filling. It is a good idea to vary the buttercreams, offering at least one American and one Swiss Meringue. Bakers may also provide different containers of buttercream and filling so that the couple can mix and match to find their favourite combination.

Cost

There is often a fee for wedding cake tastings, usually around $25-$35 per session. Some bakers will waive this fee or apply it to the final cost of the cake if the couple chooses to book with them.

Design

Couples should go to the tasting with some design ideas in mind. It is helpful to have an overall vision for the wedding, including any floral or décor themes, and the colour scheme. Bakers can then create a cake that matches the style and colour of the wedding. If the couple has something specific in mind for the cake topper, they should mention this at the tasting so that the baker can design the cake with this in mind.

Final Details

After the tasting, the couple should follow up to confirm their choices and any additional details. It is important to leave extra time for the baker to make any last-minute adjustments before the wedding. The cake should be delivered to the venue around one to two hours before the reception begins.

Booking the cake vendor

• Start by researching cake vendors: Look for professionals whose style, design, and pricing align with your vision and budget. Take the time to explore their websites, portfolios, and reviews to find a vendor that matches your criteria.
• Reach out to your preferred vendors: The sweet spot for making your initial inquiry is around the six to nine-month mark before your wedding. Contact your chosen vendors to introduce yourself and express your interest. Be prepared to provide initial details about your wedding, such as the guest count, theme, and any design ideas you may have.
• Schedule a cake tasting: Typically, this step occurs four to six months before your wedding. During the tasting, you will discuss flavor combinations and overall cake design with the baker. This is also when you can select your cake topper and any other customisations. Remember to bring your list of questions to the tasting to ensure you cover all your bases.
• Book your chosen vendor: If you are satisfied with the design details and proposal, it's time to book your vendor. This step usually involves signing a contract, outlining policies, responsibilities, and payment terms. A deposit is typically due at the time of booking to secure your order.
• Finalise the details: Work closely with your chosen vendor to finalise any remaining details, such as cake accents, delivery plans, and confirmation of delivery details. This is also the time to coordinate with other vendors, such as your florist, if you plan to have fresh flowers on your cake.

Remember to allow yourself enough time to make decisions and enjoy the process of creating your dream wedding cake!

Finalising cake details and delivery

Finalising the details of your wedding cake and its delivery is an important step in the process. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

4 to 6 months before the wedding: Cake tasting and booking

Around four to six months before your wedding, schedule a cake tasting appointment. This is a fun part of the planning process, where you get to sample different flavours and fully plan your cake design. It is also a good time to discuss overall design elements, including flowers, display options, and any cake topper you may want. If you are satisfied with the design details and proposal, you can book your cake vendor and pay a deposit.

2 to 3 months before the wedding: Secure cake accents and confirm delivery

If you plan to have a custom cake topper, this is the time to order it, along with any other non-edible accents or ribbons that your baker may require you to supply. Be sure to confirm with your florist if you plan to have fresh flowers on your cake. Also, confirm delivery details with your baker and the wedding venue. Discuss the ceremony and reception times, venue address, and guest count.

2 to 3 weeks before the wedding: Final confirmation

Most bakeries will call a few weeks before the wedding to confirm the details. This is also a good opportunity to confirm the guest count and discuss any additional servings that may be required. If your bakery does not initiate this confirmation, be sure to contact them to finalise the delivery time and include it in your wedding-day timeline.

Wedding day: Cake delivery and setup

On your wedding day, the cake will typically be delivered about one to two hours before the ceremony starts. If your cake has multiple tiers, it may be delivered in separate pieces and stacked onsite. This is because large cakes can be extremely heavy and challenging to transport. Allow enough time for your baker to do any necessary repairs, touch-ups, or final additions.

One day post-wedding: Freeze the top tier

If you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it is essential to get it in the freezer as soon as possible. Wrap the chilled cake in plastic wrap, then place it in the bakery box provided by your baker. Finally, wrap the box in plastic wrap and store it in the back of your freezer.

Cake cutting and serving

Traditionally, the cake is cut between dinner and dancing at a wedding. This provides a silent cue for guests with young children or older guests to leave if they don't plan on staying for the party. The cake is usually cut by the newlywed couple as a symbolic gesture and photo opportunity. However, some couples prefer to have the maid of honour, a friend or family member, or staff at the venue do the honours.

The cake cutting is typically followed by the couple feeding each other a slice of cake, sometimes smashing it into each other's faces. This is a fun and memorable moment for guests to witness. After the couple has cut the first slice, the remainder of the cake is cut and served on plates by caterers or venue staff.

To ensure the cake is served to guests, it is recommended to cut the cake early in the reception timeline. This can be done right after the couple's first dance, and caterers can cut the rest of the cake while guests are eating dinner. It is important to confirm with the caterers how many slices to cut and how big each slice should be to avoid leftovers or running out of cake too early.

When it comes to cutting the cake, it is essential to use the right utensils. Start by cutting the cake from the bottom tier with a knife, and then use the knife to slide the cake onto the server to place it on a plate. Be sure to choose a wedding cake knife and server set that you will cherish for years to come.

Some venues or catering companies charge a cake-cutting fee per slice, so it is important to inquire about this in advance. Additionally, don't forget to bring a cake stand, if needed, and any other servingware such as champagne flutes, personalised napkins, and serving plates and forks that match the wedding aesthetic.

For a three-tier rustic-style buttercream cake, it is recommended to transport the tiers separately and set up onsite. This will ensure the cake is stable during transport and reduce the risk of damage. It is ideal to set up the cake about two hours before the start of the reception to allow it to come to room temperature and to give yourself enough time to do so without feeling rushed.

If you plan on saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it is important to get it in the freezer as soon as possible after the wedding. Wrap the chilled cake in plastic wrap and then place it in the bakery box provided by your baker. Finally, wrap the bakery box in plastic wrap and store it in the back of your freezer.

Frequently asked questions