The Perfect Timing For Your Wedding Cake Decision

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but deciding on a wedding cake is a fun and tasty process. It's best to start thinking about your wedding cake at least six months in advance, and even earlier if you're getting married during peak wedding season. Before deciding on the cake design, it's important to finalise the colour schemes for your wedding gown, flower arrangements, and venue. You should also consider the number of guests, as wedding cakes are usually priced by the slice. The cake design should complement your wedding style and season – for example, a lemon cake for a spring wedding. If you're stuck for ideas, Pinterest and Instagram are great sources of inspiration. Once you've found a vendor whose style, design, and pricing match your vision, it's time to book a tasting and let your taste buds take over!

Finalise wedding details before the tasting

Finalising the wedding details before the tasting is crucial for a smooth process and a cake that aligns with your vision. Here are some essential details to lock down:

• Date and Venue: Knowing your wedding date and venue is vital before approaching bakers. They need to know their availability and delivery logistics. The date also matters as certain flavours or designs may be more suitable for specific seasons.
• Guest Count: Finalising the estimated number of guests helps determine the cake size. Bakers often price cakes by the slice, so the guest count directly impacts the cost. It also ensures you order enough cake, avoiding the catastrophe of running out!
• Theme, Colours, and Budget: Having a clear idea of your wedding theme, colour scheme, and budget helps bakers design a cake that complements your special day. It ensures the cake aesthetically matches the venue, your dress, and flower arrangements.
• Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Informing your baker about any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests is essential for creating an inclusive menu. This allows bakers to accommodate these needs and suggest suitable alternatives.
• Design Preferences: While you don't need to finalise the exact cake design, having some design preferences in mind streamlines the process. Collect images of cakes you admire, and consider the overall style you want, such as whimsical, romantic, or rustic.
• Delivery and Setup: Discuss delivery and setup logistics with your baker. Complex cakes may require additional time for assembly on-site, and you may need to coordinate with your venue to ensure a smooth process.

By finalising these wedding details, you'll be well-prepared for your cake tasting and design consultation. It ensures a stress-free experience, allowing you to focus on the fun aspects of choosing a cake that delights both you and your guests.

Order at least six months in advance

Wedding cakes should be ordered at at least six months in advance, according to expert bakers Tasha Taylor and Darcy Lynn. This gives the baker ample time to work their magic and ensures availability, especially during the high wedding season. Ordering early can also benefit the rest of your wedding planning, allowing more time to spread out vendor deposits and avoiding last-minute pressures.

It is recommended to schedule cake tastings and baker selection right after finalising the dress, venue, and caterer. This helps to avoid potential clashes and provides a stress-free experience when paying vendors. It also allows time to adjust if the baker cancels for any reason.

When deciding on the amount of cake to order, it is important to consider the number of guests. A small 3-tier cake can feed around 50 to 74 guests, and wedding cakes are often priced by the slice, typically ranging from $6 to $15 per slice. It is advisable to order the cake after finalising the guest list to ensure there is enough cake for everyone.

The flavour of the wedding cake is an important decision. It is suggested to choose the cake flavour after deciding on the wedding theme, as different flavours may be more appropriate for different seasons. For example, a lemon cake would be a delightful choice for a spring wedding. Couples can also get creative and choose multiple flavours to satisfy a variety of tastes.

When it comes to cake design, it is beneficial to have a general idea of the wedding's look and feel. This includes considering colour schemes, the wedding gown, flower arrangements, and the venue itself. A cake design that complements these elements can be selected, and a consultation and tasting can help finalise the decision.

In conclusion, ordering the wedding cake at least six months in advance is crucial for a well-planned wedding. It ensures the availability of the baker, aligns with other wedding preparations, and allows for a thoughtful selection of cake flavour and design to make the day truly special.

Pick a cake that matches your wedding theme

Picking a cake that matches your wedding theme is an important part of the wedding planning process. The cake will likely be displayed during the reception, so it's a great opportunity to make a statement that ties in with the rest of your wedding.

• Consider the overall event design: Think about how the cake can tie into the colour palette, florals, and personalised details of your wedding. For example, if you're having a garden wedding, you might want a cake with floral decorations or nature-inspired elements.
• Draw inspiration from your wedding dress: The gown can be a great source of inspiration for the cake design. For instance, you could incorporate similar colours, textures, or decorative elements.
• Think about the type of blooms you want: If you're hoping for a floral design, consider whether you want fresh flowers, pressed flowers, painted buttercream flowers, or sugar flowers. You can also choose to match the flowers in your bouquet or highlight a specific type of flower.
• Choose between frosting and fondant: Frosting, especially buttercream, is usually more popular for taste, while fondant provides an extra smooth finish. Other options include Italian or Swiss buttercream and chocolate ganache.
• Decide on the size and shape: The number of guests you'll be serving will help determine the number of tiers you need. Also, consider whether you want a traditional round cake or a more modern square cake.
• Make it personal: Think about activities and places you love, and try to incorporate them into the cake design. This could be a subtle nod to how you and your partner met, your favourite hobbies, or a meaningful location.
• Get creative with colours: While a white wedding cake is traditional, don't be afraid to explore other options. You can choose a pastel-hued buttercream, a dramatic black cake, or even a watercolour motif.

Remember, the key is to work with your event planner and cake artist to create a cake that matches your wedding theme and reflects your personal style.

Choose a cake flavour to match the season

Choosing a cake flavour that matches the season is a fun way to bring your wedding into harmony with nature's palette. Here are some ideas for each season:

Spring

Spring is a time of new beginnings, so why not choose a cake flavour that reflects the freshness and vibrancy of the season? Rhubarb is a lovely choice for spring, especially when paired with custard. If you're looking for something more classic, you can't go wrong with a bright white and colour-pop cake. A simple spring cake with floral decorations is also a delightful option.

Summer

Summer is the perfect time to embrace fruity and light flavours. Consider a lemon and blueberry cake, or a French vanilla cake with raspberry jam for a classic combination. If you're looking for something unique, try a peach olive oil cake with curd and salty vanilla Swiss meringue buttercream. For a vegan option, go for a lemon cake with raspberry compote filling and vanilla "butter" cream.

Autumn

Autumn is the season of warm spices and rich flavours. Embrace the season with a pumpkin spice cake, or a caramel-infused cake with apple compote filling and a caramel drizzle. If you're looking for something unique, try a chestnut and fig cake with fig compote filling. For a fun twist on a classic, opt for a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting and edible rose petals.

Winter

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in rich, comforting flavours. Surprise your guests with a butternut squash cake with candied hazelnuts and hazelnut praline buttercream. If you're looking for something more traditional, a chocolate cake with mocha buttercream and chocolate ganache is always a hit. To bring a touch of nostalgia to your wedding, consider a spiced carrot cake with white chocolate buttercream.

Pick a cake vendor that suits your style and budget

Picking a wedding cake vendor that suits your style and budget is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect cake vendor for your special day:

Determine Your Style and Budget:

Before interviewing vendors, discuss with your partner and decide on the type of cake you want. Consider whether you prefer a grand, multi-tiered creation or a simple, petite display cake. Also, think about the icing—do you prefer fondant or buttercream frosting? If you're unsure, a skilled baker can guide you through the options. Browse cake images online and create a collection of your favourite styles to help define your desired aesthetic. This step is crucial if you're interested in artistic elements like fondant flowers, metallic detailing, or hand painting, as you'll need to find a baker with specific skills.

Research and Recommendations:

Start your research by asking friends and family for personal recommendations. They may have connections with talented bakers or be able to facilitate introductions. Additionally, utilise online resources to find trusted vendor guides and reviews from other couples. Reading reviews can provide valuable insights as you explore different bakers' portfolios to find the best match for your style and budget.

Be Upfront About Your Budget:

Don't be shy about discussing your budget with potential vendors. If you have a specific cake vendor in mind but are concerned about their rates, don't dismiss them immediately. Many vendors are open to incorporating cost-saving techniques to work with your financial constraints. By clearly communicating your style preferences, vendors can provide more accurate quotes rather than ballpark figures.

Review Their Work and Ask for References:

Take advantage of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to access photos of vendors' past creations. Many vendors also have websites with more extensive portfolios or physical portfolios in their studios. As you review their work, don't hesitate to ask key questions about their experience, licensing, and wedding day logistics, including delivery and setup. If you want further assurance, request a list of client references so you can hear about their experiences working with the vendor.

In-Person Meeting and Cake Tasting:

An in-person meeting with a potential vendor serves two purposes. Firstly, it allows you to sample their cake options and experience their creations firsthand. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to assess whether your personalities mesh well and if they can effectively communicate and hear out your ideas. Remember, the collaboration process should be smooth and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions