Your wedding cake is more than just dessert; it’s a centerpiece that adds sweetness and style to your big day. Whether you envision a traditional tiered cake or something modern and unique, ordering the right cake requires careful thought and planning. To help ensure your cake is as perfect as your wedding, here are five essential things to know when ordering a wedding cake.
1. Start Planning Early
Just like the venue, photographer, and dress, the wedding cake should be booked well in advance. Popular bakers can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. It’s recommended to start thinking about your cake 6 to 9 months before the wedding date.
This early planning allows you to meet with multiple cake designers, schedule tastings, and settle on the design and flavors that will suit your wedding theme. Waiting too long may limit your options or force you to compromise on what you truly want. Securing your baker early ensures that you get the cake of your dreams without unnecessary stress.
2. Consider Your Budget
Wedding cakes can range from simple and affordable to extravagant and pricey. Before you start visiting bakeries, it’s essential to determine how much of your budget you’re willing to allocate to the cake. This will give the baker a guideline to work within and help you avoid unexpected costs.
Keep in mind that multiple factors can influence the price, such as the complexity of the design, the number of tiers, the type of icing (fondant tends to be more expensive than buttercream), and whether you want specialty fillings or decorations. Ask your baker for a detailed breakdown of costs so you know what’s driving the price, and don’t forget to include delivery fees in your calculations.
3. Know Your Guest Count
When ordering your wedding cake, having an accurate guest count is crucial. Most wedding cakes are priced per slice, so the number of guests directly affects the size and cost of your cake. A good rule of thumb is to order enough cake for 80-90% of your guests, as not everyone may want a slice, especially if other desserts are being served.
Additionally, consider whether you’d like to have a separate cake for display and cutting, with sheet cakes served to guests, which can often be a more budget-friendly option. Discuss these options with your baker to find the most practical solution that accommodates your guest list.
4. Flavor and Filling Matter
While the look of your wedding cake is important, the taste is just as crucial. Don’t feel pressured to stick to traditional flavors like vanilla or chocolate. Many bakers offer a variety of unique and delicious flavors and fillings that can make your cake stand out.
At your cake tasting, try different combinations to find something that you and your guests will love. Consider offering multiple tiers with different flavors to please a broader range of tastes. Popular options include red velvet, lemon, or even salted caramel. When choosing fillings, balance flavors that complement the cake without being too rich or overwhelming.
5. Design and Theme Coordination
Your wedding cake should reflect the overall theme and style of your wedding. Whether you’re going for a rustic, vintage, modern, or romantic feel, the cake’s design should tie in with your color scheme, decor, and even the flowers. Bring your baker ideas or inspiration, such as photos, fabric swatches, or your invitation, to give them a sense of your vision.
If you’re opting for a traditional white cake, there are many ways to elevate the design with textured icing, metallic accents, or fresh flowers. On the other hand, if you want something bold and unconventional, communicate that clearly to your baker so they can bring your ideas to life. Custom toppers, edible lace, and intricate piping are just a few elements that can add a personal touch to the cake.
