Choosing The Best Bakery For Your Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and choosing the perfect wedding cake is no exception. Couples spend weeks or even months trying to find a bakery that can make their dream cake. The timing of the order often depends on the wedding date and the bakery's popularity. It is recommended to order a wedding cake between 4 to 6 months in advance to ensure availability and allow for customization. Final payments are typically made a few weeks before the wedding, and the cake is freshly baked just days prior to the event. When choosing a bakery, it is essential to consider their specialization in wedding cakes and read reviews to ensure satisfaction. Couples should also research cake ideas and flavors in advance to speed up the design process and schedule tastings to find their favorite flavors.

How far in advance to order

Ordering your wedding cake in advance is crucial to ensuring that you get the cake you want for your special day. The general consensus is that couples should order their wedding cake between four to six months before the wedding. This gives the bakery enough time to plan, design, and create your dream cake.

However, the timing of your order may vary depending on the popularity and availability of the bakery, the season of your wedding, and the complexity of your cake design. For instance, summer and fall are popular wedding seasons, so bakeries tend to be busier during these periods. If you're planning a wedding during these seasons, it's advisable to book your bakery even earlier, especially if your heart is set on a particular baker.

Some couples have shared that they booked their bakeries up to a year or even a year and a half in advance, especially if the baker is in high demand. On the other hand, some bakeries may only accept bookings a few months ahead of time, so it's always good to check with your desired bakery about their booking policies.

Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the wedding industry, with many vendors, including bakeries, requiring more advanced bookings.

To ensure that you get your preferred bakery and cake design, it's recommended to start researching and reaching out to bakeries as soon as possible. This will allow you to secure your spot and give you ample time to discuss design ideas, sample flavors, and finalize the details of your wedding cake.

How to research and choose a vendor

Choosing a vendor for your wedding cake is an important task. Here are some tips on how to research and choose a vendor to ensure you get the perfect cake for your special day:

• Start by determining your requirements and preferences. Consider the style, design, and pricing that align with your wedding checklist. Do you want a simple cake or something more elaborate? What is your budget? Do you have any specific flavour or filling preferences? Knowing what you want will help you narrow down your search.
• Research, research, research! Look for vendors who specialise in wedding cakes and read reviews from previous customers. Check out their websites and social media accounts to get a sense of their style and the quality of their cakes.
• Once you've found a few potential vendors, reach out to them to discuss your requirements and ask any questions you may have. Find out about their process, timing, and availability. It's important to book your vendor well in advance, especially if your wedding is during a popular season like summer or fall.
• Schedule a tasting. This is a fun part of the process where you get to sample different cakes and decide on the perfect flavour and design. Be sure to ask about pricing and delivery options.
• Finalise the details and place your order. Confirm the design, flavour, size, and any custom decorations. Discuss delivery timing and set up, and make sure you have a clear understanding of the final cost, including any additional fees.
• Enjoy your wedding cake! On your big day, you can relax and savour the delicious cake you've chosen, knowing that you've done your research and selected a vendor who meets your needs and expectations.

Remember, it's never too early to start researching and booking your wedding vendors. The cake is an important part of your wedding, and you want to ensure you find a vendor who can create a delicious and beautiful cake that your guests will enjoy.

Cake size and guest count

The size of your wedding cake depends on the number of guests you plan to cater to and the size of the slice you wish to serve.

A good rule of thumb is to cater to 90% of your total guest count, as not everyone will want a slice of cake. If you have a guest list of 80, you would want a three-tier cake to cater to around 70 guests.

The size of the slice can vary depending on when you plan to serve the cake. Dessert portions are typically larger, served at 2 x 1 x 4 inches, and are often provided as dessert at the wedding breakfast. Finger portions, on the other hand, are smaller at 1 x 1 x 4 inches and are usually served casually later in the evening.

• 6-inch round cake: About 10-12 portions
• 8-inch round cake: About 20-24 portions
• 10-inch round cake: About 30-38 portions
• 12-inch round cake: About 40-50 portions

If you opt for a multi-tiered cake, the number of servings will increase. A two-tier cake can serve 40-60 guests, a three-tier cake can serve 70-90 guests, a four-tier cake can accommodate 100-150 guests, and so on.

You can also consider adding a sheet cake, which is typically rectangular and kept in the catering kitchen, to provide additional servings without adding more tiers to your main cake.

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first wedding anniversary, be sure to factor that into your calculations as well.

Consulting with a professional baker is always recommended, as they can provide guidance based on their experience and expertise.

Flavour and filling options

Firstly, consider the season of your wedding. For example, lemon is a delicious option for a spring wedding, while rich chocolate flavours might be better suited to a winter celebration.

Some popular flavour combinations include:

• Vanilla with buttercream frosting and raspberry jam
• Red velvet with cream cheese frosting
• Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and candied pecans
• Chocolate with chocolate or white chocolate buttercream frosting
• Lemon with vanilla buttercream and lemon curd filling, topped with raspberry jam
• Pink champagne with Bavarian cream frosting and strawberries
• White chocolate raspberry with white chocolate buttercream and raspberry jam filling

You can also mix and match flavours and fillings to create a unique cake. Play around with different combinations and don't be afraid to think outside the box.

If you're having a hard time deciding, a good rule of thumb is to choose your cake flavour after you've decided on your wedding theme. This will help guide your decision and ensure your cake complements the overall style of your wedding.

Don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions your guests may have. For example, you may need to include vegan or gluten-free options.

Lastly, don't leave it too late to book your baker. Popular bakeries can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. It's recommended to order your cake between 4 to 6 months before your wedding, but the earlier, the better.

Cake cutting and serving

The cutting of the wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. It symbolises the newlyweds' first act as a married couple, setting the tone for their future together. The cake is typically cut after the last course of a full-course meal or shortly after the start of the reception for couples opting for finger food and small appetisers.

Who Cuts the Cake?

Traditionally, the bride makes the first cut, often with the groom's hand over hers, followed by the couple feeding each other the first bite. This is considered a major photo opportunity. The rest of the cake is then cut and served by catering staff or designated helpers.

How to Cut the Cake

The couple makes the first cut at the front of the bottom tier, slicing a small, ceremonial piece. This is usually the only piece cut by the couple. The rest of the cake is then cut into servings for the guests.

For round cakes, cut an inch across the whole length from the bottom tier's outer edge and repeat this step until you reach the other side of the base. Then, turn the cake clockwise by 90 degrees and make a slice two inches in from the edge. Repeat until you reach the other side of the cake. Alternatively, you can cut the cake like a pizza, making triangles by vertically slicing the cake as you turn it slightly to the right or left, about one to two inches apart, until the base is fully cut.

For square cakes, make one-inch-wide cuts from the edge of the base and continue slicing until you cut all the way through. Then, turn the cake once clockwise and start cutting two-inch-wide slices. Repeat this process for each layer.

For two-tiered cakes, the couple should make the first cut on the bottom tier, as this is the portion served to guests. The top tier is typically saved for the couple's first anniversary.

Tips for Cutting the Cake

• Use a sharp, serrated knife to make clean, precise cuts.
• Cut the cake with a gentle sawing motion, rather than pressing down too hard.
• If the cake was refrigerated or frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting to ease slicing.
• Cut the cake from the back to the front, rather than straight down, to avoid crumbling the edges.
• Consider adding a cake-cutting set to your wedding registry.

Frequently asked questions