Choosing the right wedding cake maker is an important decision for any couple planning their wedding. Not only is the cake a focal point of the reception, but it’s also a tasty treat that your guests will no doubt look forward to tasting. So, how to you select a perfect wedding cake?

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right baker and design for your cake and to know key information such as how far in advance should you order your cake, how much do you order and how to know how many tiers to have.

In this blog I’ll take you through the process of choosing and booking your wedding cake to choosing the perfect design. Whether you are looking for a traditional white wedding cake or something more unique, we’ll help to ensure your cake is not only beautiful but also delicious.

1. Are you having a wedding cake?

The first consideration is are you having a wedding cake? Not a fan of fruitcake? Perhaps you are someone who is sick of sponge? Maybe the thought of having a dessert you won’t enjoy at your wedding just isn’t for you?

Don’t worry. If you do not want a traditional wedding cake there are some amazing alternatives to inspire you. Consider savoury wedding cake alternatives, such as towers of cheese or pork pie towers! Alternatively, for something much sweeter, why not try macaroon towers or a brownie stack? Who says wedding cake has to be made from cake? These days, anything goes!

2. What ‘slice’ of your budget is for your wedding cake?

Shopping for your wedding cake is definitely one of the most enjoyable things on your wedding planning to do list. However, you need to have a budget in mind.

Prices can vary significantly depending on the kind of cake you’d like, the design and complexity of any styling. Finishes and flavours can all impact on the cost. As a result, budgets for a wedding cake are purely based on the individuality of the couple. If you wish your cake to play a significant role in your décor or overall wedding day, for example, it would be wise to allocate more of your budget for it.

Things that can affect the cost include:

• Size of cake
• Intricacy of your design
• Where the cake designer is based – will they need to transport your cake to your venue and set it up?
• Any special ingredients or flavours

3. Who do you book to make your cake?

When booking your perfect wedding cake make consider a few details.

• Are they someone you have experience with already? (you may have had other celebration cakes from them). Alternatively, you may be lucky enough to have a very talented friend or relative?
• Do they have great reviews or do they come recommended?
• Do they have a shop or website you can visit to view samples of their work?
• Are their advertised prices within budget?
• Do they offer a tasting session?
• Are they local to you or your venue?

When you are spending money on a cake, you want to be sure your investment is well placed!

4. Designs and Details

Decide whether you have a theme to your wedding. It may just be a colour theme you with to reflect in your wedding cake. Alternatively, you may have a more detailed theme, like Fairytale or rustic charm. If so, have a clear picture in mind of the style you want. Perhaps put together a mood board.

Design details aside, the type of cake you choose will make a difference too. Will you be opting for a vanilla sponge, or do you want multiple different flavours? Of course, remember, fruitcake or cakes containing premium flavours such as champagne or liquors would be more expensive than a sponge style cake. Likewise, the more tiers you have and the more complex the design the more the cake is likely to cost you. Of course, you need to ensure your cake is the right size to cater for your guests!

Do you actually want something a little different where your cake is made up of lots of smaller cupcakes? Are you going to stay with a round shape or do you want to look at alternatives like oval or square? There are lots of things to consider when it comes to style and design. Simple and minimalistic can look clean and elegant, but bright and colourful can be fun and create a focal point.

5. When to order your cake

You need to ensure you give your chosen baker plenty of time to plan and design your cake. Likewise you need to ensure they are not booked up for your special day. Therefore it is wise to book your wedding cake designer at least 6 months in advance.

Remember, a perfect wedding cake is as individual as you are. Just have a clear goal in mind regarding budget, size and design. Select the right baker for you and your wedding cake will be a delicious showstopper to be enjoyed by all. Of course, as a wedding photographer, I have the pleasure of photographing the wedding cake and you cutting it, so you have a lasting memory for all your hard work!