The Perfect Timing For Ordering Your M&S Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be expensive, and the cake is often a good place to start cutting costs. M&S wedding cakes are a popular choice for couples on a budget. The cakes are available in a variety of styles and sizes, accommodating up to 198 guests, and costing around £200. They offer three types of cakes: fruit, sponge, or chocolate, which can be customised with fresh fruit, chocolates, or flowers. Most cakes will be ready for collection in-store within 21 days, and they remain fresh for up to 5 days after collection or up to 14 days for fruit cakes.

Cake collection and transportation

M&S wedding cakes are available in a variety of styles and sizes, accommodating up to 198 guests and costing around £200. You can choose from a selection of modern and traditional cakes in a variety of sizes and combinations. All cakes are made to order and can be collected in-store from your local M&S. Most cakes will be ready in around 21 days and will remain fresh for 5 days after collection or up to 14 days for fruit cakes.

When collecting your cake, it is important to ensure that you have a suitable vehicle for transportation. Place the cake on a flat surface in your vehicle, filling any void gaps around it and ensuring that there are no free-moving items that can roll towards the cake. Drive carefully and avoid sharp turns, hard breaks, and speed bumps as these can cause damage to the cake.

If you are transporting a tiered cake, it is recommended to package each tier separately in its own box and assemble it on-site. This will make it easier to lift and manoeuvre the cake, especially if it is heavy or fragile. Bring a toolkit with you, including piping bags, palette knives, paintbrushes, and ingredients such as royal icing, edible glue, sprinkles, or buttercream for any last-minute touch-ups.

If you are transporting cupcakes, a muffin or cupcake tin covered in foil can work well to prevent them from slipping around. Alternatively, you can use a cardboard box, ensuring that it is strong enough to support the weight of the cupcakes without sagging or bending. Frost and decorate the cupcakes a few hours in advance to allow the frosting to set, and keep them in a cool place to prevent melting.

For all types of cakes, it is important to plan the route to the venue in advance and allocate enough time for transportation. Check the ingredients for any dietary requirements and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment for setting up the cake at the venue, such as a trolley, electrical sockets, or a sink.

How far in advance to order

Ordering your wedding cake in advance is crucial to ensure it arrives on time and fresh for your big day. While M&S offers a range of wedding cakes to choose from, the delivery time may vary depending on the cake design you select.

Most traditional wedding cakes and cupcakes from M&S are delivered within seven days of placing your order, provided it is placed before 5 pm. However, some of their more complex cake designs may require up to 21 days for delivery. Therefore, it is recommended to check the delivery information for your specific cake choice on their website.

Ideally, you should aim to have your M&S wedding cake delivered at least one day before your wedding. This allows for any unexpected delays and ensures that your cake is fresh and ready for your celebration. To guarantee timely delivery, you can place your order online, at a food information desk in any participating M&S store, or by calling their customer service line.

Additionally, M&S provides taster cakes for £4 each, allowing you to sample their various flavours before making your final decision. This option ensures that you are confident in your choice and satisfied with the taste of your wedding cake.

Flavour options

M&S offers a range of wedding cakes in various flavours, including fruit cake, sponge cake, and chocolate cake. Here is a detailed description of the flavour options:

Fruit Cake

The fruit cake option is a classic choice for wedding cakes. It is made with vine fruits, nuts, and cherries laced with brandy, and includes a layer of marzipan. This cake is suitable for vegetarians but not for those with nut or peanut allergies. It has a longer shelf life compared to the other options, remaining fresh for up to 14 days.

Sponge Cake

The sponge cake is a versatile option, filled with buttercream and offering a lighter alternative to the fruit cake. It is suitable for vegetarians but not for those with nut or peanut allergies. The sponge cake is best consumed within 5 days of collection to ensure freshness.

Chocolate Cake

The chocolate cake is a rich and indulgent option, made with chocolate ganache. It is suitable for vegetarians but not for those with nut or peanut allergies. Like the sponge cake, it is best enjoyed within 5 days of collection.

In addition to these traditional options, M&S also offers more unique flavours for their special occasion cakes, such as Luscious Lemon Cake, Red Velvet Cake, and Carrot Cake. These cakes serve smaller groups and are perfect for more intimate weddings or celebrations.

Dietary requirements

If you or your guests have other dietary requirements, such as nut or peanut allergies, it is essential to check the ingredients of the cake carefully. For example, the Flower Festival Tulip Cake from M&S is not suitable for nut and peanut allergy sufferers, but it is suitable for vegetarians.

Additionally, if you have guests with dietary restrictions, you may want to consider providing alternative dessert options or a separate cake to accommodate their needs. For instance, Ryan and Lucy Morley, who chose Colin the Caterpillar cakes for their wedding, also purchased a smaller 'Free From' Colin cake for guests with dietary requirements.

It is worth noting that M&S recommends ordering your cake to arrive at least one day before your wedding or event. This will allow you to address any last-minute issues or unexpected delays and ensure that your cake is fresh and ready for your special day.

Cost

The cost of a wedding cake is a major factor to consider when deciding on the perfect cake for your special day. Wedding cakes can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing style or taste.

Supermarket Wedding Cakes

Supermarket wedding cakes, such as those offered by Marks & Spencer, are a great option for couples looking to save money. These cakes can start from as little as £45, which is significantly more affordable than a specially-designed cake. M&S offers a range of modern and traditional cakes in different styles, sizes, and combinations, accommodating up to 198 guests. Their cakes are made to order, ensuring freshness and quality. You can choose from fruit, sponge, or chocolate cake, with prices averaging around £200.

Bespoke Wedding Cakes

Bespoke wedding cakes, on the other hand, can be much more expensive. The cost of a bespoke cake typically starts at a minimum of £350, with extremely skilled artisan bakers charging at least £550. The price can go up to £600 on average and even exceed £1,000, depending on the complexity of the design.

Factors Affecting Cost

The price of a wedding cake is influenced by various factors, including the size, number of tiers, and design elements. A larger cake with more tiers and elaborate decorations, such as sugar flowers or fondant details, will naturally be more expensive. The type of frosting also matters, with fondant-covered cakes costing more than buttercream-covered cakes.

If you're looking to save money on your wedding cake, consider opting for a simpler design. A small, streamlined cake decorated with buttercream icing and fresh flowers can be more affordable without sacrificing elegance. You can also ask your baker to create a sheet cake to ensure enough servings for your guests, rather than opting for a large, pricey cake.

In summary, the cost of an M&S wedding cake can range from £45 to £200, depending on the style and size you choose. Bespoke cakes can start at £350 and go upwards of £1,000, so supermarket options are a great way to have a beautiful and delicious cake without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions