Wedding Cake Orders: Timing Is Everything For The Big Day

Planning a wedding involves a lot of preparation, and ordering a wedding cake is one of the most important tasks. The general recommendation is to order your wedding cake at least four to six months before the wedding, with some sources suggesting up to 12 months in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons. This lead time allows the baker to work their magic and ensures availability, as they often have limited orders per day. It's also essential to do your research, ask questions about flavours, fillings, pricing, and delivery, and be prepared with details about your wedding, such as the date, venue, and number of guests.

Order 4-6 months in advance, or 12 months if during peak season

Ordering your wedding cake 4-6 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. This gives you time to research and consult with your chosen baker, and for them to source any non-edible supplies and create custom sugar work. It's also a good idea to try out different flavours in advance, so you know what you want. Final payments are usually made 2-3 weeks before the wedding, and the cake itself is made in the days leading up to the event so it stays fresh.

However, if you're getting married during peak season, it's recommended that you order your wedding cake up to 12 months in advance. This is because the most popular months for weddings—March to May and September to November—will book up quickly. It's also worth noting that, with COVID, most wedding-related things need to be booked further in advance.

If you're not too fussy about which baker you use, you might be able to order your cake a little later. Some bakeries will only take orders a couple of months in advance, and bigger bakeries are more likely to be able to accommodate last-minute requests. However, it's always better to book as soon as possible.

Research cake styles and flavours

Researching cake styles and flavours is an important part of the wedding planning process. Knowing what you want in advance will speed up the wedding cake design process. There are tons of blogs and social media accounts that detail every step of the wedding planning process, including cake styles and flavours.

Pinterest boards and photos are perfect to share with your cake decorators for inspiration. Take the time to note styles and decorations you like the most and present them during your order consultation.

Naked Cakes

Naked cakes first became popular in 2013 and remain a popular choice, especially for rustic-themed weddings. This style of cake highlights the layers instead of just the frosting.

Lambeth-Style Cakes

This style of cake uses a royal icing over-piping technique that creates depth using layers of icing. It is also referred to as "overpiping" and is known for its dramatic yet elegant use of overlapping scrolls, details, and garlands.

Drip Cakes

Drip cakes are a show-stopping design choice. This style uses ganache or caramel to drip artistically down the edges of the cake, providing a modern and visually striking aesthetic.

Eco-Friendly Cakes

Eco-friendly cakes are becoming increasingly popular, with couples opting for sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. These cakes are often plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making them suitable for all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Traditional Cake Flavours

Traditional wedding cakes are typically made with fruit cake, covered with marzipan and fondant icing. Other classic flavours include chocolate, vanilla, Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle, and red velvet.

Unique Cake Flavours

The possibilities are endless when it comes to unique cake flavours. Some unusual combinations include wasabi and white chocolate, vanilla cake with African star apple, pistachio and dark chocolate, almond and Nutella, and banana and poppy seed.

Seasonal Cake Flavours

Consider incorporating seasonal flavours into your wedding cake. For a summer wedding, a refreshing passion fruit flavour with light buttercream frosting is a good choice. For autumn weddings, rich decadence and the taste of berries combined with dark chocolate are perfect.

Alcoholic Cake Flavours

Alcoholic cake flavours can be a fun way to embrace the British fondness for a tipple. Some options include champagne and crème de cassis, chocolate Guinness and blackcurrant, and vanilla sponge and Pimms jam.

Remember, the possibilities for cake styles and flavours are endless, so get creative and choose something that reflects your unique style and taste preferences!

Determine your budget

Wedding cakes can be expensive, so it's important to determine your budget before placing an order. The average cost of a wedding cake in the United States in 2023 was $500, with most couples spending between $300 and $700. However, in larger cities like New York City, the average cost can exceed $1,000, and high-end bakeries often offer bespoke wedding cakes starting at $2,000.

When determining your budget, consider the following factors that can influence the cost of a wedding cake:

• Size and number of tiers: Larger cakes with more tiers generally cost more due to the increased amount of ingredients and labor required.
• Complexity of design: Intricate designs, custom decorations, and detailed icing work will add to the cost. Fondant cakes, for example, often cost more than buttercream cakes due to the labor-intensive process of creating a smooth, polished finish.
• Quality of ingredients: Exotic flavors, premium ingredients, and multiple fillings can increase the price.
• Baker's skill set: A luxury cake artist who uses premium ingredients and creates intricate, unique designs will likely cost more than a baker specializing in simpler, budget-friendly options.
• Delivery and setup: Transporting a wedding cake, especially over long distances, can incur significant delivery fees. Some bakers may also charge a setup fee.
• Cake stand and decorations: You may need to rent or purchase a cake stand, as well as any additional decorations such as a cake topper.
• Number of guests: The number of guests you'll need to serve is a major factor in determining the cost of the cake. Most bakers recommend ordering enough cake to serve 75-85% of your guests.
• Timing: Planning ahead and giving your baker ample time to prepare can help keep costs down. Rush orders often come with a higher price tag.

To save money on your wedding cake, consider the following tips:

• Opt for a simpler design: A minimalist buttercream cake can be just as beautiful as an intricate fondant creation, but will likely cost less.
• Choose a smaller display cake: Consider ordering a smaller cake for cutting and serving guests from sheet cakes of the same flavor, which are typically less expensive.
• Seasonal ingredients: Choose flavors that are in season to avoid the extra cost of out-of-season ingredients.
• Limit flavor options: Offering just one or two flavors can help reduce costs.
• Add your own decorations: If you have a creative streak, consider adding your own decorations, such as fresh flowers or a personalized cake topper.
• Reduce the number of guests: The easiest way to save money on the wedding cake is to have fewer guests.

Prepare a list of questions for the baker

Ordering a wedding cake is an important part of the wedding planning process. To ensure you get the cake of your dreams, it's essential to ask the right questions when selecting a baker. Here is a list of questions to prepare before meeting with prospective wedding cake bakers:

• What fillings and flavours are available? It is essential to know the options available to choose what suits your taste and the wedding theme.
• Will the cake design we have in mind work for our guest count? The number of guests will determine the size and tiers of the cake. Ask about the baker's experience in creating cakes for similar-sized weddings.
• Do you have a portfolio of past wedding cake designs? Viewing a baker's portfolio will give you an idea of their style, creativity, and skill. Look for designs that match your vision and ask about customisation options.
• How are your cakes priced? Pricing is crucial to ensure the cake fits within your budget. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including any additional fees for delivery, setup, or special decorations.
• When is the latest date I can order the wedding cake? Understanding the baker's timeline will help you plan accordingly. Ask about their booking process and if they have any upcoming promotions or discounts.
• Are there any decorations or embellishments you are unable to do? Some bakers may have limitations on specific types of decorations, such as sugar or fresh flowers. Clarify your desired decorations and ask if there are any challenges or additional costs associated with your request.
• Can you deliver and set up the cake at our wedding venue? Delivery and setup services are essential to ensure the safe and timely arrival of your cake. Ask about their process, including timing, transportation methods, and any additional fees.
• What are the payment terms? Understanding the payment terms will help you manage your budget. Ask about the deposit amount and when the final payment is due. Also, inquire about their refund or cancellation policy in case of any changes to your plans.
• How far in advance do we need to finalise the design and flavour? Knowing the timeline for finalising these details will help you make decisions and ensure the baker has enough time to prepare.
• Do you offer cake tastings, and is it included in the fee? Cake tastings are an important part of the process, allowing you to sample different flavours and make an informed decision. Ask if they offer this service and whether there is an additional cost.

Remember to take notes during your consultations and clarify any concerns you may have. It's also a good idea to compare quotes and services from multiple bakers before making your final decision.

Book a tasting

Booking a tasting is an important step in the wedding cake process. It's a chance to try different flavours and designs, and to ensure that your cake will be perfect for your big day. Here are some tips to help you book a tasting:

• Research and plan ahead: Before booking a tasting, take the time to research cake designs and flavours that appeal to you. This will help you communicate your vision to the baker and ensure that you're on the same page. It's also a good idea to finalise your wedding details, such as the theme, season, and reception menu, so that your cake complements your overall wedding aesthetic.
• Determine your budget: Be upfront about your budget for the cake. This will help the bakery create a cake that fits within your allocated funds.
• Ask the right questions: When booking a tasting, be prepared to ask the baker questions such as what fillings and flavours are available, whether they can accommodate your guest count, if they have a portfolio of past designs, their pricing structure, delivery options, and any embellishments they are unable to create.
• Book in advance: It is recommended to book your wedding cake at least four to six months in advance, and even earlier if your wedding is during peak season. This will ensure that you have a variety of options and that your chosen baker is available.
• Be flexible: Keep in mind that some bakeries may have different booking processes. While some may allow you to book a tasting months in advance, others may only open their bookings a few weeks beforehand. Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to the baker's schedule.
• Act promptly: Don't delay booking your tasting, especially if your wedding is during a busy season. Bakeries often have limited slots for special orders, and you don't want to miss out on your preferred baker.
• Consider multiple options: It's a good idea to book tastings with a few different bakers to explore various options and find the best fit for your taste and style.

Frequently asked questions