Choosing a wedding cake is a significant part of wedding planning. The cake isn't just a dessert; it's a centrepiece that reflects the theme and style of your wedding.
The first wedding cakes date back to ancient Rome, where a simple cake of wheat or barley was broken over the bride's head to symbolise fertility and prosperity. Thankfully we have moved on and wedding cakes have evolved into an aesthetic part of the day that are often one of the highlights of the wedding reception.
From classic tiered cakes to modern designs, the choosing your wedding cake is likely to be one of the most important decisions you’ll have have to make whilst wedding planning. Plus it’s likely to be memorable too – with all of that yummy cake to try.
Here's my guide to help you select the perfect wedding cake.
Determine Your Budget
Establish how much you're willing to spend on your wedding cake.
Prices can vary significantly based on size, ingredients, design complexity, and your baker's reputation.
Consider delivery fees, cake stands, and additional decorative elements which may incur extra costs when setting your budget.
Start Early
Begin your search at least 8 months before the wedding. Popular bakers can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. When researching a baker, start by gathering recommendations from friends, family, and wedding planners. Online reviews and social media
pages can provide a good look at a baker's reputation and style. Look for a small business or baker that not only has strong reviews but also demonstrates creativity and attention to detail in their portfolio.
During your consultation, discuss your vision, budget, and any specific dietary requirements. A good baker should be able to offer suggestions that fit your theme and preferences. Additionally, consider the baker's ability to provide a tasting session to sample flavours and fillings. Consider the flexibility and how good they have been with their communication when making your decision.
Choosing a small business often means receiving more personalised service. Look for bakers who are enthusiastic about your ideas and willing to customize their offerings. Supporting a small business can also add a unique and personal touch to your wedding, making your special day even more memorable.
Choose the Style
Your cake should complement the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding. To achieve this, start by gathering inspiration from various sources such as wedding magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram. Bring these inspiration photos, mood boards and any colour swatches you have to your consultations with potential bakers. This will help you to explain what your likes easily and ensure that your cake not only fits in but enhances everything else in your wedding too.
When deciding on the shape of your cake, consider the overall style of your wedding. A round cake is timeless and classic, while a square cake can add a modern touch. You can also consider a tiered cake, which can range from two to five tiers or even more, depending on your guest count and desired impact. The number of tiers can also allow for a variety of flavours – perfect if you can’t decide what flavour to have!
Decorative elements play a crucial role in making your wedding cake stand out. Fresh flowers can add a natural and romantic touch, while sugar flowers offer a more polished and edible option. Ribbons can be used to add a splash of colour or match the fabric of your wedding dress or bridesmaids' dresses. Custom toppers are another way to personalise your cake, whether it's a traditional bride and groom figurine, a monogram, or a unique design that represents something special to you as a couple.
Additionally, think about incorporating other design elements that reflect your wedding's theme. For a rustic wedding, consider a naked cake with minimal icing and fresh berries. For a glamorous wedding, metallic accents or edible glitter can add a touch of sparkle. If your wedding has a seasonal theme, incorporate seasonal fruits or flowers.
Lastly, don't forget about the presentation. Discuss with your baker how the cake will be displayed at the venue. A beautiful cake stand and table setup can enhance the overall look and ensure your wedding cake is a stunning focal point at your reception.
Flavour and Fillings
Schedule a tasting session with your baker to sample different flavours and fillings. Popular choices include classic vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, but you may wish to try more adventurous options like lemon or lavender.
When choosing your wedding cake flavour consider a variety of flavours to accommodate different tastes Discuss with your chosen baker any dietary requirements you have and ask if they can be accommodated. You may wish to have additional options available for guests with dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan.
Calculate the number of guests to determine the size of the cake. Some bakers suggest having additional sheet cakes to serve large parties.
Typically, a three-tier cake serves about 50-100 guests, but confirm with your baker based on their specific portion sizes.
Final Touches
Many couples save the top tier of their cake to enjoy on their first anniversary, make sure that the kitchen at your venue are make aware so that they can ensure it is properly wrapped and stored to preserve its freshness.
Cutting the cake is still one of the more traditional elements of a wedding reception.
It symbolises the couple's first act of sharing and unity. The best time to perform the cake cutting is typically after the main meal and before the dance floor opens, providing a natural transition from dining to dancing.
This timing ensures that guests are still seated and attentive, making it a focal point of the evening. Ensure your cake is placed in a well-lit area and isn’t just put up against a wall. Make it a focal point for your wedding and as part of your overall decor too.
Choosing your wedding cake involves quite a few decisions to say the least! But by planning early and keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your wedding cake will be a beautiful and delicious centrepiece that complements your special day.
My very warmest wishes for a wonderful wedding day!
James
South Wales Celebrant
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