Wedding Cake Conundrum: Buying In Johannesburg

Planning a wedding in Johannesburg? One of the most exciting parts of the process is choosing a wedding cake. Whether you're looking for something simple and elegant or a unique and quirky design, there are plenty of talented bakers in Johannesburg who can bring your dream cake to life. From traditional fruit and red velvet to more adventurous flavours like spiced chai, there's a cake flavour to suit every taste.

- The Big Day Cake Studio

- Sweetly Detailed Bespoke Cakery

- Dirty Peach Cake Boutique

- Oh My Cake!

- Baked by Nataleen

- Honey Bee Baker

- Melinda's Kitchen

- Kelly Jayne's Cake Boutique

Wedding cake prices in Johannesburg

Oh My Cake!

Oh My Cake! offers competitive wedding cake prices in Johannesburg. Their wedding cakes start at R2000 and can cost up to R5000 or more, depending on the number of guests and the level of detail. They offer a range of flavours, including vanilla, chocolate, carrot, red velvet, and spiced chai, with various fillings such as earl grey ganache, strawberry buttercream, and dulce de leche.

Melinda's Kitchen

Melinda's Kitchen provides a simplistic wedding cake with a smooth or rustic finish, sold as a blank canvas for customisation. Their prices range from R1195 for a single tier (15cm, 16 servings) to R4985 for a three-tier (15cm, 20cm, 25cm, 120 servings) cake. Melinda's Kitchen recommends ordering wedding cakes at least 3 months in advance, especially for summer weddings.

Honey Bee Baker

Honey Bee Baker offers a No Fuss/Semi-Naked Wedding Cake in 2-tier and 3-tier options. Their cakes vary in height and diameter, with portions ranging from 20-152. While specific prices are not listed, their website provides detailed information on cake sizes and portions.

Charly's Bakery

Charly's Bakery showcases a range of wedding cakes on their website, including vintage heart, floral, and metallic designs. While prices are not listed, their contact information is provided for inquiries and custom orders.

Baked by Nataleen

Baked by Nataleen offers a wide variety of wedding cakes, including 1-tier, 2-tier, 3-tier, and 4-tier options in various colours and themes, such as floral, emerald green and gold, satin and lace, and traditional white. They also offer wedding cakes with cupcakes. While prices are not listed, their contact information is available for inquiries.

Kelly Jayne's Cake Boutique

Kelly Jayne's Cake Boutique, located in Pretoria, creates bespoke wedding cakes with exceptional quality and design. They use the highest-quality ingredients and zero preservatives. While prices are not listed, their website provides a request a quote feature for inquiries.

Wedding cake styles and designs

Wedding cakes come in a variety of styles and designs, from simple and elegant to bold and colourful. Here are some popular wedding cake styles and designs to consider:

Simple and Elegant

These wedding cakes are proof that sometimes less is more. A simple design can be a beautiful choice, especially when paired with subtle elements like delicate flowers or soft, natural hues. A white wedding cake with subtle gold accents or a semi-naked cake with fresh flowers are both elegant and sophisticated options.

Rustic

Rustic wedding cakes are perfect for couples seeking a natural and simple look. These cakes often feature buttercream frosting, edible flowers, and cascading florals. A naked cake with a touch of greenery or a semi-naked cake adorned with pink sugar flowers or fresh roses are great options for a rustic-themed wedding.

Floral

Floral wedding cakes are a popular choice, with brides adding real flowers to their cakes for a natural and elegant touch. Imagine a multi-tiered cake, each layer embellished with vibrant tropical flowers or subtle white blooms. For a more minimalist approach, a semi-naked cake with a few fresh flowers is a chic choice.

Boho

Boho-style wedding cakes are relaxed and effortless. Ferns, baby's breath, and dried grasses are popular choices for decorations, adding a bohemian vibe to the dessert. A semi-naked cake with ferns and baby's breath or a beige and white cake with dried grasses and fresh roses are perfect examples of boho-inspired designs.

Modern

Modern wedding cakes push the envelope and challenge tradition. These cakes often feature unique designs, such as hand-painted accents, textured buttercream, or fondant finishing touches. A minimalist all-white cake or a colourful ombré cake with gold details are modern and artistic choices.

Classic

Classic wedding cakes are timeless and elegant. A white cake with fresh roses or sugar flowers is a traditional choice. You can also add a touch of colour with yellow flowers or pink roses and peonies. Classic cakes often have a simple base with the flowers as the star of the show.

These are just a few examples of wedding cake styles and designs. Couples can also choose from luxurious, tropical, creative, seasonal, and many other themes to match their wedding vision and personality.

Bakeries in Johannesburg

Planning a wedding in Johannesburg? The bakeries in this city can bake incredible wedding cakes that will make your big day even more special.

If you're looking for a bakery that offers a wide range of customisation options, Oh My Cake! in Fourways is a great choice. They have endless designs and colours to choose from, and they can create jaw-dropping birthday and wedding cakes. You can select from their signature Raw-Edged Watercolour cakes, add fresh flowers, or opt for something more whimsical, like their Tropical Unicorn cake. They also offer competitive prices, with wedding cakes starting at R2000.

For a unique, semi-naked wedding cake, Melinda's Kitchen is an excellent option. Their simplistic wedding cake comes in two finishes: smooth or rustic. You can customise it with decorations and flowers, either supplied by your florist or sourced by Melinda's Kitchen for an additional cost.

If you're looking for a bakery that specialises in patisserie and sugar artwork, Gill's Cake Studio is a perfect choice. Gillian Pope, a qualified Cordon Bleu Chef, will create a cake with love and ensure your special day is unforgettable.

Other popular bakeries in Johannesburg include The Big Day Cake Studio, Sweetly Detailed Bespoke Cakery, Dirty Peach Cake Boutique, and Baked by Nataleen, which offers a variety of wedding cake designs, from floral to traditional.

Remember to book your wedding cake in advance to avoid disappointment and consider a cake tasting to find your favourite flavours and designs.

Choosing a wedding cake flavour

Consider your preferences:

Think about your favourite flavours and what you and your partner love to eat. If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to go for something rich and decadent, like chocolate or red velvet. If you prefer something more subtle, a classic vanilla sponge or simple buttercream cake could be a better option.

Think about your guests:

While it's your special day, you also want to ensure your guests enjoy the cake. Consider choosing a flavour that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Vanilla, for example, is a safe option that most people enjoy. If you want to get more creative, you could opt for something like carrot cake or a fruity option like lemon.

Seasonality:

Consider the time of year you're getting married. For a summer wedding, a light and refreshing flavour like lemon or strawberry might be more appropriate. For a winter wedding, richer flavours like chocolate or spice cake could be a better choice.

Cake tasting:

Don't be afraid to ask for a cake tasting! Many bakeries in Johannesburg offer this service, and it's a great way to try different flavours and decide which one you prefer. You can also use this opportunity to discuss any custom flavour combinations you have in mind.

Popular options:

If you're unsure where to start, consider some of the most popular wedding cake flavours. Chocolate, vanilla, carrot, and red velvet are classic choices that are always well-received. For something a little different, you might want to try a spiced chai cake or a fruit cake.

Remember, your wedding cake should be a reflection of your taste and personality. Take the time to explore different options, and don't be afraid to get creative. With so many talented bakeries in Johannesburg, you're sure to find the perfect cake to make your big day even more memorable.

Wedding cake decorations

Flowers

Flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. You can opt for fresh flowers supplied by your florist or provided by the bakery at an additional cost. Fresh blooms add a romantic and whimsical touch to your cake. Alternatively, sugar flowers crafted by a skilled baker can be a beautiful and tasty addition.

Fondant or Buttercream

The base of your cake is also a form of decoration. A smooth fondant covering provides a blank canvas for additional decorations and a more modern look. Buttercream, on the other hand, offers a rustic or semi-naked cake appearance, which is perfect for a simple and elegant design.

Accents and Details

Add a touch of glamour with metallic accents, or opt for intricate wafer paper details. For something more playful and whimsical, consider sprinkles or edible gold leaf. Macarons, chocolate flourishes, and candy are also delightful decorations that will impress your guests.

Stands and Toppers

Enhance the overall presentation of your wedding cake with a beautiful stand. It will elevate your cake, making it a true centrepiece. Additionally, a well-chosen cake topper can take your cake to the next level, whether it's a simple monogram or a more intricate design.

Customisation

Don't be afraid to get creative and customise your cake. Whether it's a unique flavour combination or a specific colour scheme, work with your baker to bring your vision to life. The key is to book your cake maker in advance and communicate your ideas and budget clearly.

Recommended Cake Decorators in Johannesburg

If you're looking for talented cake decorators in Johannesburg, consider the following:

• The Cake Genie – Master cake decorator Deon and his team create extravagant and delicious cakes.
• Gill's Cake Studio – Gillian Pope, a qualified Cordon Bleu Chef, crafts cakes with love, ensuring they are masterpieces for your special day.
• The Big Day Cake Studio – Nestled in Pretoria, this bakery offers handcrafted cake decor with fresh ingredients.
• Kelly Jayne's Cake Boutique – A talented mother-daughter duo creating bespoke cakes with exceptional quality and design.

Frequently asked questions