Planning A Wedding Cake: Timing Is Everything

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and the wedding cake is a crucial component of the big day. The cake-cutting ceremony is a significant photo opportunity, so it's essential to plan the cake carefully. The timing of ordering your wedding cake depends on several factors, including the date of the wedding, the complexity of the design, and the popularity of the baker. Summer and fall weddings are popular, so bakeries tend to be busier during these seasons. It's recommended to order your cake at least four to six months in advance, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season. However, some couples book their bakers even earlier, up to a year or two in advance, to secure their preferred baker and avoid disappointment. The cost of the cake is another important consideration, with the average cost of a wedding cake in the US being around $500, but it can be much higher depending on the design and the number of guests. It's essential to allocate a budget for your cake and consider the overall cost of the wedding.

Order 4-6 months in advance, or 12 months if possible

Ordering your wedding cake 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This gives your baker plenty of time to work on the designing, custom sugar work, and non-edible supplies. It's also a good idea to have a tasting and consultation with your baker during this time, so you can discuss your design ideas, budget, and any specific requirements. If you're getting married during peak wedding season, it's recommended that you order your cake up to 12 months in advance to secure your date.

The popularity of your wedding date will also impact how far in advance you need to order your cake. Summer and fall weddings are very popular, so you'll need to give the bakery more time. If you're having a smaller wedding, 3-4 months may be sufficient, but for a larger wedding with a dessert table, it's best to aim for 5-6 months.

It's important to remember that bakeries can only accommodate a certain number of special orders per day, especially on Saturdays, so it's best not to leave it until the last minute. You don't want to find out that the bakery you like is already booked up! It's also a good idea to confirm all the details with your baker a few weeks in advance in case they need any additional information.

Ordering your cake sooner rather than later can help your wedding planning process go more smoothly. It gives you more time to spread out vendor deposits and eliminates the pressure of finding a baker at the last minute. It's also a good idea to bring any decorations, such as the cake topper or serving set, directly to your venue on the wedding day. If you have a wedding planner, they can ensure that these supplies are ready for your baker.

Research bakers and check reviews, portfolios and social media

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also an incredibly exciting time! The wedding cake is a crucial part of the big day and it's important to get it just right. Wedding cakes can be expensive, so it's worth doing your research to find a baker who understands your vision and can execute it flawlessly.

Start by researching bakers in your local area. Look for those who specialise in wedding cakes and check their reviews on sites like Google, Facebook, and wedding blogs. Reviews from previous customers will give you an idea of the baker's service, quality, and taste.

Next, check out the baker's portfolio and social media. A portfolio will showcase their previous work, giving you an idea of their style, skills, and experience. You can also check out their social media pages to see more of their creations and get a sense of their aesthetic and inspiration. Instagram, for example, is a great visual platform to see a baker's latest work and designs.

When reviewing portfolios and social media, consider the following:

• Do their cakes align with your vision and style?
• Are their cakes unique, or do they rely heavily on competitor's cakes for inspiration?
• Are their cakes personalised, and do they seem to understand the couple's vision?
• What is their level of experience? Do they have the skills to create your dream cake?
• Are their cakes presented well, and do they look delicious?

Remember, it's important to start this process early. Wedding cakes should be ordered at least six months in advance, and even up to 12 months if your wedding is during peak season. You don't want to miss out on your dream baker because they're already booked up!

Allocate 2-3% of your total wedding budget for the cake

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting. The wedding cake is an important part of the celebration and should be ordered at least six months in advance, with some recommending up to 12 months if your wedding falls during peak season. It is essential to allocate a suitable portion of your budget to the cake to ensure you get your dream dessert without breaking the bank.

The average cost of a wedding cake in the US is around $500, but this can vary significantly depending on the design and the number of guests. To ensure you stay within your budget, it is recommended to allocate about 2-3% of your total wedding budget to the cake. This allocation will allow you to have a beautiful and delicious cake without sacrificing other important aspects of your wedding.

When planning your budget, it is essential to consider the different categories of expenses, such as venue, catering, wedding planning, photography, and entertainment. By allocating a certain percentage of your budget to each category, you can ensure that your spending remains balanced. The venue and catering typically take up the largest portion of the budget, so it is crucial to find a venue that fits within your guest count and budget.

To save costs on your wedding cake, you can consider outsourcing the dessert from a bakery instead of using the venue's package deal. Additionally, you can ask your wedding planner to set aside a few extra slices of cake for you to enjoy the day after the wedding. This way, you can indulge in your wedding cake a little longer and savour the sweetness of your special day.

In conclusion, by allocating 2-3% of your total wedding budget to the cake, you can have your dream dessert without compromising other aspects of your wedding. Remember to order your cake in advance, sample different bakeries, and consider the different budget categories to ensure a well-planned and memorable celebration.

Practise cutting the cake and decide on a traditional or alternative method

Practising cutting the cake is a good idea, as it is a major photo opportunity and a milestone moment for you and your partner. It is worth deciding in advance if you will feed each other a piece or stick to a traditional slice. You may also want to consider a cake alternative, such as cupcakes, or a dessert table with the cake on display.

If you are set on a cake, you should choose a place to cut it that will look great in photos. This could be in front of a simple solid background, or a backdrop with drapery, flowers or twinkly lights.

There are a few cutting techniques to choose from, depending on the shape of your cake. The wedge method works well with round cakes: cut a small diagonal line into the cake, then cut another matching line to meet it. Gently lift out the cake with a serving knife and place it on a waiting plate. The box method is better for square cakes: cut a small straight line into the base, make another one parallel to it, then use the knife to connect the two parallel lines with a perpendicular one. Then, gently push the cake onto a plate.

If you want to stick to tradition, you could save the top layer of the cake for your first wedding anniversary. This is a long-standing tradition, but be sure to let your baker and caterers know so they can package it up and keep it safe.

If you want to do something a bit different, you could cut a block of cheese instead of the cake, or have your guests help to decorate it. You could also have a chroqembouche, a cake designed after the old tradition of the bride and groom kissing over a stack of cakes.

Finalise the guest count and cake size closer to the date

Finalising the guest count and cake size is an important step in planning your wedding cake. While it is recommended to order your wedding cake at least six months in advance, finalising the guest count can be done closer to the wedding date. This is because the number of guests attending may fluctuate, and you want to ensure you have an accurate count to order the appropriate cake size.

The general rule of thumb is to order enough cake for 75 to 85 per cent of your guests, as not everyone will want a slice. If you're serving other desserts or have a full dessert table, you may only need enough cake for 50 per cent of your guests and can supplement with other treats. To avoid waste, consider asking your baker about providing smaller slices.

If you have a large guest list, you may want to consider a combination of a display cake and sheet cakes. This way, you can have a beautiful, ornate display cake for photos and a simple, less expensive sheet cake to provide enough servings for all your guests.

Additionally, if you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, be sure to exclude it from your calculations when determining the cake size. This preserved tier is a traditional element of the wedding cake, and many couples choose to partake in this custom.

Finalising your guest count and cake size closer to the wedding date ensures you have the most accurate information to work with. It allows you to balance having enough cake to serve your guests without worrying about excessive leftovers or multiple tiers going to waste.

Frequently asked questions