The Best Places To Buy Wedding Cakes

There are many options available for couples looking to buy a wedding cake. Some bakeries offer custom-made cakes, allowing couples to choose the size, flavour, and decorations. These bakeries may also provide additional services such as cake delivery and setup, as well as custom cake toppers and consultations to ensure the cake aligns with the wedding theme and colours. Couples can also opt for nationwide delivery services, which offer carefully packaged treats that arrive fresh and ready to be enjoyed. These services often provide expedited shipping for last-minute orders. When choosing a wedding cake, it is essential to consider factors such as the number of guests, budget, and any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Where to Buy Wedding Cakes

Customisation options

Customisation is an important aspect of wedding cakes, as it allows couples to reflect their personalities, tell their love story, or simply enjoy a delicious and unique cake.

When it comes to customisation options, the possibilities are endless. You can choose from a variety of cake flavours, such as dark chocolate and sea salt, red fruits with cream, lavender and honey, or orange and thyme. You can also opt for a simple and minimalist design, with neutral colours and understated decorations. The "naked cake" effect, where each layer of the cake is visible, is also a popular choice.

If you're looking for something more elaborate, you can choose a cake topper to add a creative and original touch to your cake. Cake toppers can be a great way to add depth to your cake, especially if you've chosen a relatively simple design. They can also be used to convey a special message or express something meaningful to you.

You can also customise your cake by choosing the number of tiers, the shape, and the size. Whether you prefer a small and intimate cake or a grand and impressive display, you can find options to suit your needs.

Additionally, you have the option to customise the icing and fillings. Buttercream, chocolate buttercream, chocolate fudge, rolled fondant, and wedding cream cheese (a blend of buttercream and cream cheese) are all popular choices for icing. For fillings, you can choose from a variety of fruit, decadent, or custard options, such as cherry, lemon-raspberry, cannoli, or vanilla custard.

If you have specific dietary restrictions, customisation options are also available to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a slice of cake.

Finally, don't forget about the presentation! You can choose an elegant stand or a dedicated table to showcase your cake. Playing with lighting can also enhance the overall effect and make your cake a true centrepiece.

Delivery and pick-up

When it comes to wedding cake delivery and pick-up, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process. Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and book a delivery service in advance, especially if your order requires delicate handling, such as a multi-layered cake. Same-day delivery services are also available for urgent orders.

If you are picking up the cake yourself, it is crucial to have the appropriate vehicle and equipment to safely transport the cake. This includes a vehicle with enough space, such as an SUV or hatchback, and materials like coolers or ice packs to maintain the cake's temperature.

When delivering or picking up a wedding cake, it is recommended to contact the venue in advance to confirm the address, delivery times, and any specific instructions or requirements they may have. It is also a good idea to arrive at the venue early, allowing for any potential delays and providing ample time for set-up.

Some bakeries offer both delivery and pick-up options, while others may only provide one or the other. It is important to clarify this with your chosen bakery and be aware of any additional fees that may be incurred for delivery services.

In some cases, you may also want to consider hiring a professional cake delivery service, especially for intricate cakes that require careful handling. These services specialise in transporting delicate cakes and will ensure that your cake arrives safely and on time. They will also communicate with the bakers to follow any special handling and delivery instructions.

Additionally, it is essential to have a plan for storing the cake, especially if it is picked up the day before the wedding. The baker can provide guidance on the best way to store the cake to ensure it stays fresh and tastes its best.

Flavours and fillings

Vanilla or vanilla bean cake is a versatile choice that lends itself to a variety of fillings and frostings. Vanilla cake can be paired with a mixed berry compote and strawberry buttercream, or with tequila buttercream swirled with passionfruit curd. Vanilla cake with passionfruit buttercream and passionfruit caramel is another unexpected, yet beloved option.

Lemon cake is a popular choice for a late spring or summer wedding. This flavour can be paired with elderflower buttercream and blackcurrant jam, or with lemon curd, a raspberry filling, berry frosting, or even lavender.

Chocolate cake is another classic option that is usually the second or third most requested flavour. Chocolate cake can be paired with salted caramel sauce and crème fraiche buttercream, or with espresso buttercream and dulce de leche.

Carrot cake is also a popular choice, especially in spring and autumn. This flavour can be paired with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a fluffy vanilla frosting with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

White chocolate cake is another option, which can be paired with raspberry for a modern twist on a Victoria sponge.

Spice cake is a great choice for a fall wedding. This flavour can be paired with fluffy vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting, or something different like dulce de leche or maple frosting.

Fruit cake, covered with marzipan and fondant icing, is a traditional choice for wedding cakes in the UK. However, this flavour has fallen out of favour in recent years, with only a small percentage of couples opting for it.

Other unique flavour combinations to consider include pistachio and dark chocolate, almond and Nutella, pecan, date, apricot and raisin, macadamia and caramel, walnut and matcha, and hazelnut, caramel and cream cheese.

When choosing flavours and fillings for your wedding cake, it's important to consider your own taste preferences, as well as those of your partner and guests. You can also get creative and choose flavours that tell a story or reflect your cultural background.

Timing and availability

It is essential to plan ahead and be mindful of the bakery's lead time to ensure the availability of your desired wedding cake. Some bakeries, like Publix Super Markets, offer complimentary cake tastings as part of their consultation services, which should also be factored into your timeline.

Additionally, consider the pickup and delivery options offered by the bakery. For instance, The Cakewalk Shop offers pickup options from Tuesday through Saturday, with specific time slots, and is closed on Sundays. Similarly, Publix Super Markets provides delivery and pickup services, with additional fees and specific time frames.

When planning your wedding cake order, be sure to account for the bakery's lead time, any consultations or tastings, and the pickup or delivery logistics to ensure a smooth and timely process.

Discounts

Wedding cakes can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. One option is to look for grocery store deals. Many grocery stores have bakeries that offer custom wedding cakes at a lower price point than traditional bakeries. For example, a 2-tier wedding cake from Walmart starts at $68, and a 3-tier cake from Sam's Club costs $73. Costco also offers discounted wedding flowers and honeymoon packages, so a membership could be beneficial for those planning a wedding.

Another way to save money is to avoid mentioning the word "wedding" when ordering a custom cake. "Wedding cakes" often come with a hefty price tag, so asking for a "custom white cake" may result in a lower quote.

Some stores offer discounts on additional sheet cakes to match the design of your wedding cake. For instance, Walmart offers half-sheet cakes starting at $34.96, serving 48 additional guests, while Sam's Club offers half-sheet cakes for $20.98, which can be added to a 3-tier cake order.

If you're looking for a simple option, Wegmans offers a standard sheet cake that serves 72 people for $54.

For those who want a unique and personalized cake, Daan Go Cake Lab in Toronto offers a cake tasting pick-up for $35, which includes 10 flavours to try. The price of the tasting will be deducted from the final cost of the cake if you decide to book with them.

Additionally, Publix offers a free wedding cake tasting with a wide range of flavour combinations to choose from. However, their 3-tier wedding cakes start at $300, making them the most expensive option on this list.

When it comes to decorations, it's worth noting that adding your own flowers or other personal touches can make a grocery-store cake more elaborate and special. This can also help you save money, as some bakeries charge extra for fresh flowers or sugar flowers.

With a little creativity and flexibility, you can find ways to reduce the cost of your wedding cake without sacrificing taste or presentation.

Frequently asked questions