Tasting Wedding Cakes: Best Places For Sampling

Wedding cake tasting is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is a chance for couples to sample different cakes and decide on the design and flavour of their wedding cake. While some bakeries offer free tastings, others charge a fee, so it is important to ask about this upfront. Couples should also be mindful of their budget and share this information with the baker, as well as any specific ideas or inspiration they have for their cake. It is also a good idea to book a cake tasting around six months in advance of the wedding, as this will give the couple time to finalise other details such as the venue and dinner menu, which can help inform the flavour and type of cake that will suit the big day.

Research and recommendations

Wedding cake tasting is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is a fun activity for couples to indulge in and also helps them decide on the cake they want for their reception. Here are some recommendations and things to keep in mind when planning a wedding cake tasting:

• Research: Start by doing some research on bakeries that service the area around your wedding venue. Look at their styles, portfolios, and reviews to narrow down your options. You can also ask your married friends or dessert-loving pals for recommendations.
• Consultation and Tasting: Schedule an in-person consultation and tasting with your top bakery choices. Some bakeries may charge a fee for the tasting, so be sure to ask about this beforehand.
• Budget: Know your budget before you meet with any bakers. Let them know how much you are willing to spend so they can suggest options within your price range.
• Ideas and Inspiration: Come to the tasting with plenty of ideas and inspiration. Share your favourite wedding cake flavours, icing styles, and textures with the baker so they can prepare samples for you to try. You can also bring images of cakes you like to give the baker an idea of your desired style.
• Don'ts: In addition to sharing what you like, let the baker know what you don't like. For example, if you love lemon but hate lime, make sure they are aware so they don't include it in your tasting options.
• Be Open-Minded: While it's great to know what you want, don't be closed off to suggestions. Your baker may offer unique ideas or flavours that surprise you and end up being perfect for your wedding.
• Timing: Book your cake tasting about six months before your wedding. By this time, you'll have many other wedding details worked out, such as location and dinner menu, which can help you decide on the best cake for your big day.
• Prepare for the Tasting: Don't go to your cake tasting on an empty stomach. This can obscure your palate and leave you feeling light-headed from a sugar rush. Instead, have a snack beforehand and drink water during the tasting to cleanse your palate and stay hydrated.
• Duration: Wedding cake tastings typically last around one to two hours, so plan accordingly. The baker will describe each flavour and offer notes or substitutions, so bring a pen and paper to take notes.
• Focus on Different Elements: Try to taste the different elements of the cake separately, such as the sponge, frosting, and decorations. This will help you better understand the flavours and make a more informed decision.
• Follow-up: Keep in touch with your baker after the tasting and leading up to your wedding, especially if you make changes to the cake. Make sure you have their contact information and preferred method of communication.
• Home Bakers: If you're working with a home baker, they may have different processes for tastings. For example, they may offer cupcakes or mini cakes for tasting to avoid wasting large cakes. They may also require you to schedule the tasting in advance and may charge a fee, especially if you haven't paid a deposit.

Budget and costs

The cost of a wedding cake can vary significantly due to various factors. The average cost of a wedding cake in the US in 2023 was $500 to $540, with most couples spending between $300 and $700. In larger cities like New York, the average cost can exceed $1,000, and high-end bakeries often offer bespoke wedding cakes starting at $2,000.

The size and number of tiers are important factors influencing the cost. Larger cakes with more tiers generally cost more due to the increased amount of ingredients and labour required. The complexity of the design, including intricate details, custom decorations, and fondant icing, can also add to the expense. Fondant cakes are often more expensive than buttercream cakes due to the labour-intensive process of creating a smooth, polished finish.

The quality of ingredients used also impacts the price. Exotic flavours, premium ingredients, and multiple fillings can increase the cost per slice. The skill set and reputation of the baker play a role, too; a luxury cake artist who uses premium ingredients and creates intricate designs will likely charge more than a baker specialising in simpler, budget-friendly cakes.

Additional costs to consider include cake tasting fees, keepsake sugar flowers, customisations, cake stand rental, delivery, setup, and taxes. Some venues may even charge a cake-cutting fee.

To save money, consider opting for a simpler design with fewer tiers and fresh flowers instead of intricate sugar flowers. A single-tier display cake with sheet cakes of the same flavour served to guests is another cost-effective option. Choosing seasonal and local ingredients, sticking to one or two flavours, and adding your own decorations can also reduce costs.

It's recommended to book your cake tasting about six months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to finalise the design, flavours, and any additional details. Be sure to ask about the cost of the tasting, as it may affect how many people you invite to join you.

Timing and availability

Booking in Advance

It is recommended to book your cake tasting six to twelve months before your wedding date. This allows you to have a lot of your other wedding details figured out, such as the location, dinner menu, and style, which can influence your cake choice. Some bakers suggest a tasting three to four months before the wedding. It's also good to keep in mind that some bakers don't offer tastings all the time, so booking in advance is crucial.

Scheduling with the Baker

Since weddings are rarely last-minute affairs, bakers usually have specific weeks or days when they conduct taste-testing. They may prefer non-busy days, and it's important to schedule an appointment with them ahead of time.

Availability of Flavors

Most bakers will ask you to choose a few flavors you are interested in trying, typically around three to five. This helps them prepare the samples accordingly. Some bakers may offer a large group tasting with many flavors, while others may only provide their most popular options or a select few for you to try.

Seasonal Flavors

Consider the season of your wedding when choosing flavors. For example, a cake with cinnamon might be perfect for a winter wedding. Bakers may also offer seasonal flavors that you can try.

Time for the Tasting

The tasting session itself usually lasts around one to two hours. It's a good idea to have a snack beforehand so that you don't go in on an empty stomach, which can affect your palate and leave you feeling light-headed from a sugar rush.

Other Considerations

• If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, be sure to communicate these to the baker before the tasting.
• Some bakers may charge a fee for the tasting, which may be applied to the final cost of the cake if you choose to book with them.
• You may also want to bring along your fiancé and other key people, like your wedding planner or parents, to the tasting.

Design and flavour

The design and flavour of your wedding cake are two of the most important elements and can be influenced by a number of factors.

Before your tasting, it's a good idea to do some research. Think about wedding cakes you've enjoyed in the past, and read reviews of bakeries online. It's also helpful to have some ideas about the desired look of your cake. Do you want sugar flowers? Real blooms? An elaborate watercolour design? Bring some images you've saved or just describe your vision.

You can also ask your baker to vary the buttercreams, serving at least one American and one Swiss Meringue, unless you request otherwise. You can also ask about seasonal flavours—for example, you may want a cake with more cinnamon flavour for a winter wedding.

If you're not set on a specific flavour, you can ask your baker to surprise you. They may offer a particular cake or flavour that surprises you and is perfect for your wedding.

If you know what flavours you like, let the bakery know before your tasting. That way, they can prepare samples of those flavours for you to try. You can let them know if you want to try options that are fruity and light or rich and chocolatey.

You can also try the different elements of the cake separately. Try the sponge, frosting, and decorations individually, and then try them in different combinations.

If you're set on a specific design, it's a good idea to share this with your baker before the tasting so they can let you know if it will work with the flavours you've chosen. For example, some designs won't hold up with certain types of cake.

Some couples know exactly what they want, but don't ignore your baker's advice if they offer suggestions. They may be able to make your cake even more amazing than you'd initially planned.

How to prepare for a tasting

Before you go to a tasting, it's a good idea to have a snack so that you don't go on an empty stomach. This will obscure your palate and may also leave you feeling light-headed from a sugar high.

It's also a good idea to bring your partner and any other key players, such as your wedding planner or parents, to the tasting.

What to ask your baker

• Do you have order minimums for wedding cakes?
• How many tiers do we need to feed our total guest list?
• Do you work with all different types of icing, or do you have a preference for a specific one, like buttercream, fondant, or ganache?
• Do you generally decorate cakes with fresh or sugar flowers?
• When do we have to finalise the design?
• Are you able to provide a smaller display cake for our cake-cutting ceremony and sheet cakes for slices? If so, how does this impact the price?
• Can you provide additional desserts along with the cake?
• Do you provide a cake stand?
• How will the cake be delivered on the wedding day?
• Are there applicable delivery fees?
• When are final payments due?

Logistics and delivery

The logistics of a wedding cake tasting can vary depending on whether you are a home baker or a commercial bakery. Here are some tips for both:

For home bakers:

• Schedule tastings ahead of time and try to do them on non-busy days.
• Offer the bride a few options for the tasting, such as cupcakes or mini cakes. This way, you don't have to bake a full-sized cake for the tasting.
• Charge a fee for the tasting, or include it as part of a non-refundable deposit that will be applied to the final cost of the cake.
• If possible, combine the tasting with a consultation where you can discuss the couple's ideas, give quotes, etc.
• Deliver the tasting in a simple but tasteful box, tied with a ribbon.
• Be prepared to receive feedback and be open to making changes if needed.

For commercial bakeries:

• Offer a variety of cake flavors, fillings, and frostings for the couple to taste.
• Tastings can be done in-person at the bakery, or you can provide a tasting box for the couple to take home.
• Some bakeries may charge a fee for the tasting, especially if it is not affiliated with the caterer or venue.
• Be prepared to discuss the design, size, and price of the cake during the tasting.
• If possible, try to get a sense of the couple's wedding plans, such as the venue, time of year, and number of guests, to ensure the cake will be suitable.

For couples:

• Do your research and narrow down your options before scheduling a tasting.
• Be mindful of your budget and communicate it to the baker upfront.
• Come to the tasting with ideas and inspiration for the design and flavor of your cake.
• Be open to suggestions and ask for options, even if they are variations on the same theme.
• Book your tasting about six months before your wedding, to allow time for any necessary follow-up appointments.
• Have a snack before the tasting and drink water during the tasting to cleanse your palate.
• Be prepared to spend about one to two hours at the tasting, taking notes on the different flavors and designs.

Frequently asked questions