Today’s post is written by our guest, Katie Pierce!
From buying your wedding bands to picking your wedding dress, there’s a long list of things to do before your big day. But out of all of them, picking your wedding cake is probably the best part (think of all the cake you’ll get to eat!).
While choosing a cake may seem fairly straightforward, it’s a decision you shouldn’t rush into. When choosing a wedding cake, there are a couple of things you need to consider. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. Here’s how to make picking a cake a piece of cake:
1. Sort out the details first
It can be tempting to go on Pinterest for wedding cake inspirations right after your proposal. However, choosing a wedding cake should be one of the last things on your to-do list. Remember that your wedding should be made up of multiple elements that, when put together, tell a story. Don’t choose a wedding cake before you’ve made crucial decisions such as the colors, reception decor, etc., otherwise, your cake will end up sticking out in a bad way.
Sort out the details first — that way, you can make sure your cake’s design complements the rest of your wedding elements, from the flowers to the wedding dress. For instance, if you’re going for a Halloween-themed wedding, you could pick a pumpkin spice cake. Or, if you’re throwing a garden wedding, you might want to pick a spring-inspired cake. Similarly, if you’re designing your wedding around your promise ring or engagement ring, show a picture to your baker. Your cake should go with your wedding, not the other way around.
2. Work with a baker you can count on
You can Google for “wedding bakers near me”, but one of the best ways to choose a baker is by asking around. Do you know anyone who recently said their “I dos”? Ask them about their baker and whether or not they can recommend them.
Another way to choose a baker is by going to wedding cake tastings. It’s a great way to get to know a potential baker and test their abilities, especially if you’re going for a cake with complex flavors. Be sure to ask for their portfolio and whether or not they have a specialty (some bakers work solely with fondant, while others create nothing but naked cakes). If they have a website, check out the previous cakes they’ve made and read the reviews.
3. Cake decorations can bump up the price
Your wedding cake’s price tag will be dependent on two things: the design and the number of slices. In general, wedding cakes are priced per slice, but the price can go up if more flavors are involved and if its construction is complicated. For instance, cakes made from fondant tend to cost more. In addition, cakes with handmade elements (e.g. sugar paste petals) can raise the rate, and complex flavors are more expensive.
Your baker can give you a general idea of how much you’ll have to set aside for your dream cake design. If their estimate is too steep, don’t worry — they’ll be more than happy to change one or two ingredients to meet your budget. For instance, they might use real flowers or fruits to reduce the cost.
4. There are more flavors than vanilla
Even if you think you know what cake you want, you should still be open to exploring other options. Going to a tasting is a great way to discover new flavors as you’ll get to taste-test a variety of wedding cakes.
Whatever you do, don’t choose a cake flavor because it’s what your guests would want. It is your wedding after all, so go for something that suits you and your partner’s palates. Don’t be afraid to say no to “safe” flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet. Experiment with uncommon (but still delectable) combinations such as coconut and banana or raspberries and lemon.
5. You can choose your cake topper
The “bride-and-groom” cake topper is an ever-popular choice, but if it’s not your style, it doesn’t have to be on your cake. Since it’s your wedding cake, you’re free to choose any cake topper you want, whether it’s a figurine of your dog, a monogram, or foliage.
Another tip is to take inspiration from your theme. A snowflake topper is perfect for a winter wedding, while cascading sugar flowers are great for garden ceremonies. You could even get rid of it — some cake designs look classier without a topper.
6. Design the cake according to the space and guest list
This is another reason why you should choose your wedding cake last. The number of guests will determine how many tiers your cake should be. Generally, a three-tier cake serves about 50 to 100 people, so you’ll likely need to add more tiers if you’ve invited more guests. Even if not everyone will have cake, it’s still a good idea to have enough slices (keep in mind that some guests might go for seconds, too!).
Also, since your cake is a work of art, it should be able to stand out in any space without overshadowing the rest of the style elements. The key is to design your wedding cake around the dimensions of the room. For instance, if you’re throwing your wedding in a grand ballroom with tall ceilings, go for a big cake with multiple tiers.
Are you worried about the price tag? We’ll let you in on a little secret: you can ask your baker to use styrofoam to create fake cake tiers! That way, you won’t have to pay per slice!
You May Also Enjoy:
- Coral & Gold Wedding Cake for Modern Brides
- 10 Creative Book Lover Wedding Cakes That Are Pin-Worthy
- Top 21 Truly Unique Black Wedding Cakes
- 11 Unique and Elegant Marble Wedding Cake Ideas
Wrapping Up
Choosing a cake may not be as much of a big decision as choosing, say, your dress, but it’s still an important part of your big day. If you’re saying your “I dos” soon, be sure to keep these tips in mind as you pick your cake. And if you ever find yourself in need of inspiration, feel free to check out our cake recipes. From the fancy to the fun, we’ve got a wide range of wedding cake ideas that are sure to impress your guests!
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