Choosing a wedding cake is an exciting and delicious part of the wedding planning process. It’s an opportunity to make your day that much sweeter, while being able to select cake’s shape, size, flavor, and overall style to be as individual as your love.
Unfortunately, all these choices can lead to some confusion. The following 10 tips will set you up for success and help you fall head over heels for your wedding cake.
You definitely don’t want to leave the cake to the last minute. This will only lead to unnecessary stress in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Broadly speaking, three to six months before the wedding is enough time to plan for the cake. Being in advance allows for a comfortable amount of time to find your bakery and select the right style and design, without feeling pressured to settle for less because of short-notice.
If you are planning to have your wedding during spring or summer, then this extra time becomes even more important because it will be “wedding season” and wedding cakes will be in high demand. The last thing you want is to find most bakeries fully booked out for your time frame.
Choosing the right wedding cake style for your big day is just as meaningful as the table cloths or flower arrangements because they are a focal element of the décor that people will remember.
Wedding cakes come in many styles and designs. Make sure you have an idea of the overall style of your wedding and some useful reference images of cake designs that you like. These will be helpful tools when you go to your favorite baker to talk about your dream wedding cake and they will help define your cake’s unique style.
Here are some fun and popular search-terms to help with your search:
· Monogrammed wedding cake
· Buttercream wedding cakes
· Ombre wedding cakes
· Sugar flower bouquet cakes
· Rosette wedding cakes
· Woodland wedding cakes
· Naked cakes
· Metallic cakes
The design of a wedding cake is just as important as the yummy inside.
If you want to make sure that your baker fully understands your vision, try drawing down what you see in your mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just a quick sketch of the most important elements of your dream cake can make all the difference. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
When deciding the size of your wedding cake, the first step is to consider your guest count. Normally, three tiers will serve 50 to 100 guests. You will likely need 5 layers for 200 guestsor more.
The size of your wedding cake also depends on if you would like to other dessert options at your wedding. You won’t need as much cake if there is other options being offered.
When it comes to budgeting for your wedding cake, it can be difficult to set aside a specific amount of money. This is because there are many factors that go into pricing a wedding cake,including which baker, cake size, and design complexity you select.
In the U.S., the average cost of a wedding cake is around $500 with most couples spending between $300 and $689.
If there’s one thing couples look forward to when it comes to wedding planning, it’s the wedding cake tasting. Begin your cake tasting expedition by booking appointments with your favorite local bakeries.
While most bakers don’t charge for an appointment, some could bill you for a tasting. Make sure you ask about this detail before booking so you aren’t left stuck with an extra cost at the end ofthe day.
Here are some more questions youcan ask your baker before an appointment:
· How are your wedding cakes priced?
· Does the pricing include the top tier?
· What are my filling choices?
· What’s the delivery process?
Once you are done tasting cakes,the next step is to select a bakery or cake vendor. There are several things you should consider. For example, their level of experience and your budget.
If they are not suited to your needs, keep shopping around until you find the right one. This is why Tip 1 is so important, time will help make sure your choice isn’t rushed or forced.
Are you considering having an outdoor wedding? If so, stay away from buttercream, meringue and whipped cream (they melt). Ask your cake vendor about options that hold up against heat like fondant-covered cake.
If your budget allows, then youcould make your wedding cake extra special by adding some extra details. Thesedetails are often more expensive because of the time required to make them. Theseadd-ons include things like lace points, chocolate-molded flowers, and marzipanfruits.
Before signing the contract, youwant to discuss all thedelivery details with your baker. If your cake is complex, make sure toallow time and space for its assembly. In addition, ensure the masterpiece hasa reserved spot at thevenue (particularly if the cake requires refrigeration).
The wedding cake is more than flourand fondant; it represents a significant moment shared between the bride andgroom. With a bit of luck, this guide will help you pick the perfect weddingcake for your big day!
