Choosing The Perfect Wedding Cake For Your Big Day

Wedding cakes are a long-standing tradition, with the first wedding cakes probably originating in ancient Greece. Today, wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes, and flavours, and are often chosen to reflect the couple's personality and love story.

While some couples opt for a simple, elegant design, others go for more extravagant creations adorned with intricate sugar work, fresh flowers, or even geode accents. The options are endless, and couples can work with bakers to create a cake that is truly unique to them.

In addition to being delicious and beautiful, wedding cakes also carry symbolic meaning. In some cultures, the cake is seen as a bringer of good luck and fortune for the couple. Cutting the cake is also a symbolic task, with some couples choosing to honour their parents by offering them the first slice.

However, amidst all the sweetness and symbolism, there is also room for a little mischief. Some grooms have been known to orchestrate wedding cake accidents, much to the horror (or amusement) of their new brides.

Whether it's a traditional tiered cake or a modern creation, the wedding cake remains a beloved part of the wedding celebration, often taking centre stage at the reception.

Wedding cake flavours and fillings

Wedding cakes have evolved from the traditional fruit cake, which was often tiered and topped with marzipan and icing. Today, there are endless possibilities for wedding cake flavours and fillings, with couples opting for unique combinations that reflect their personalities and tastes. Here are some popular and unique options for wedding cake flavours and fillings:

Traditional Flavours:

• Fruit cake: The traditional choice, often made with sultanas, currants, and other fruits. It has a long shelf life and can be fed with alcohol.
• Chocolate: A classic choice that is usually a close second or third in terms of popularity. Can be paired with various fillings such as salted caramel or espresso buttercream.
• Vanilla: A versatile option that serves as a blank canvas for different fillings and frostings. Can be paired with mixed berry compote, strawberry buttercream, or tequila buttercream and passionfruit curd.
• Lemon: A popular choice for spring or summer weddings, often paired with elderflower, blueberry, lavender, or raspberry fillings.
• Red velvet: A classic flavour that has fallen out of favour in recent years but still makes an elegant choice.

Unique and Trendy Flavours:

• Passionfruit: An unexpected but beloved option, often paired with vanilla cake and buttercream.
• Strawberry yuzu or lychee: An underrated combination that is sure to surprise and delight guests.
• Carrot cake: A popular choice that can be paired with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a fluffy vanilla frosting.
• White chocolate: A modern twist on the traditional Victoria sponge, often paired with raspberry for a touch of fruit.
• Spice cake or pumpkin: Perfect for fall or winter weddings, with cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, and ginger. Can be paired with vanilla frosting, cream cheese frosting, or dulce de leche.
• Ube: A unique purple yam cake popular in the Philippines.
• Italian Rum: A popular choice for those who want a boozy kick.
• Almond: A less common but delicious option, which can be paired with apricot filling.
• Lavender: A unique floral flavour that can be paired with honey or strawberry.
• Matcha: A trendy and unique flavour that can be used in the cake or buttercream.
• Olive oil: An unusual infusion that has gained popularity.

These are just a few examples of the endless possibilities for wedding cake flavours and fillings. Couples can get creative and choose combinations that reflect their tastes, cultural backgrounds, or even tell a story about their relationship.

Wedding cake decorations

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations, adding a natural, elegant touch. Sugar flowers, which can be crafted in a wide range of colours and styles, are also a common option. These can be crafted from materials such as fondant, gum paste, or royal icing. For a more understated look, pressed flowers can be incorporated into the cake's design.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers are a fun way to personalise a wedding cake. Traditional toppers feature a bride and groom, but modern variations include acrylic displays with catchy phrases or customised figures that reflect the couple's hobbies, cultures, or sense of humour.

Edible Decorations

Edible decorations can add a touch of luxury to a wedding cake. Gold leaf, sequins, flakes, edible fabric, and sugar gems are just a few options to consider. These decorations can be used to create intricate patterns or designs that complement the overall theme of the wedding.

Venue Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from the wedding venue is another approach to cake decoration. The cake's design can incorporate colours, textures, or architectural details from the venue, creating a cohesive and memorable dessert display.

Flavour Accents

In addition to visual decorations, the flavour and filling of a wedding cake can be used as a form of decoration. Fresh fruit, such as slices of citrus or berries, can be used to add a pop of colour and a unique flavour profile to the cake.

Tiered Designs

The structure of a tiered cake can also be considered a form of decoration. Tiered cakes can be separated by flowers, columns, or separators like jewels, shells, or flowers to add visual interest and height.

Ultimately, the decorations chosen for a wedding cake should reflect the couple's style and preferences, creating a delicious and beautiful centrepiece for their special day.

Wedding cake size

The size of your wedding cake will depend on several factors, including the number of guests, the type of cake, and your budget.

Number of Guests

Estimating the total number of guests attending your wedding is crucial for determining the appropriate cake size. It is essential to ensure that there is enough cake for everyone, especially if the cake is the only dessert option.

Type of Cake

The type of cake you choose will also influence the size. Wedding cakes are typically taller than regular cakes, allowing for larger portions and accommodating more intricate decorations or flowers.

Portion Size

The standard wedding cake portion sizes are coffee (1x1 inch) and dessert (1x2 inches). However, it's worth noting that not all guests may want a slice of cake, and some might prefer other dessert options.

Budget

Your budget will play a role in determining the size of your wedding cake. Larger and more elaborate cakes will generally be more expensive.

Cake Tiers

The number of tiers on a wedding cake also varies. Here are some general guidelines for different tier options:

• A two-tier cake typically serves 60 guests.
• A three-tier cake usually serves 100 guests.
• A four-tier cake generally serves 150 guests.

For larger weddings, you can consider adding more tiers or supplementing the main cake with a sheet cake.

Cake as the Only Dessert

If the wedding cake is the main dessert, ensure it is large enough for all your guests. You may need to adjust the size if you plan to serve other desserts alongside the cake.

Decorations

Intricate cake designs and decorations may require a larger cake to ensure that each guest receives an adequately decorated slice.

In summary, choosing the right wedding cake size depends on various factors, including the number of guests, the type of cake, portion sizes, your budget, and the number of tiers. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your wedding cake is not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece that complements your special day.

Wedding cake timing

The wedding cake is a significant part of the big day and is often the centrepiece of the reception. The timing of the cake-cutting ceremony is important and can vary depending on the couple's preferences and cultural or religious reasons.

Before the Wedding

It is recommended to decide on the wedding cake design and flavours around six months before the wedding. This allows enough time to design a cake that complements the wedding style and colour schemes. It is also important to book a consultation and tasting to sample the different options available.

On the Wedding Day

The cake-cutting ceremony can take place before or after dinner. Traditionally, the cake is cut towards the end of the reception, signalling the end of the festivities. However, some couples may choose to cut the cake before dinner to ensure all guests are present, especially older guests who may want to depart earlier.

If the cake-cutting takes place after dinner, it is usually done towards the end of the meal, just before dancing begins. This allows guests to finish their dinner and socialise before the dance party starts. For example, if dinner is served at 6 pm, the cake-cutting could be scheduled for around 7:45 pm.

During the Ceremony

The cake-cutting ceremony is usually announced by the emcee or DJ, who will let guests know the timing and location. The couple may also choose to play specific songs during the ceremony, such as a few wedding songs before the cutting begins and their favourite songs during the ceremony itself.

After the Ceremony

The cake is typically served to the guests as a plated dessert course before the dancing starts. Alternatively, the cake can be cut and distributed during dinner, allowing guests to eat it with their meal.

For couples who want to preserve the top tier of the cake for their first anniversary, it is important to inform the baker and caterer in advance. This ensures the top tier is not accidentally served and can be properly stored for future enjoyment.

Wedding cake alternatives

Wedding cakes have been a tradition for centuries, but they are not for everyone. Here are some alternative ideas for your wedding day:

The non-cake cake

If you like the idea of a tiered cake but are not a fan of the traditional cake, why not try something different? You could have a tower of doughnuts, macarons, or even cheese wheels. You could also create a cake-like structure from other foods, such as pancakes, waffles, or rice crispy treats.

Individual treats

Instead of a large cake, you could offer your guests a selection of smaller treats. This could include cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cake pops, or even ice cream. You could also offer a variety of flavours and colours to match your wedding theme.

Cultural alternatives

Take inspiration from other cultures and countries. For example, croquembouche (a tower of cream puffs and caramel) is commonly served at weddings in France, while Spanish weddings often feature wide, custard-filled cakes. Italian weddings might include cannolis or millefoglie (a dessert with layers of custard cream, puff pastry, and fresh fruit).

Savoury options

If you and your partner are not fans of sweet treats, you could offer savoury alternatives. This could include a charcuterie board or even a steak and potatoes cake!

Seasonal treats

Consider the season in which you are getting married and offer treats to match. For example, you could offer mini pies or tarts filled with seasonal fruits, or a stack of pancakes for a brunch wedding.

Alternative displays

If you still want to offer cake but want to present it in a unique way, you could hang pieces of cheesecake and cookies from the ceiling, or create a wall of treats. Alternatively, you could create a display with a variety of desserts, such as pies, cookies, and brownies, or fill glass containers with candy.

Frequently asked questions