Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but there's a lot to think about. With so many choices and decisions to be made it can all feel a wee bit overwhelming at times, so I thought I'd try to take away some of the stress and answer some questions about choosing your cake. After all, it's the most important (and most expensive!) cake you'll ever buy, so it deserves some consideration.
1. Where do we start?
Get on the socials. Instagram, Pinterest and Google are awash with images of wedding cakes, and you'll be able to pull together a collection of cake ideas that catch your eye. Start a mood board of your favourite designs (you don't have to love the whole cake, maybe just one element stood out) and you'll soon see a theme developing. Follow cake designers whose style appeals to you, and ask around for recommendations in your local area.
2. How do we decide on a design?
With so many ideas buzzing around, it can be difficult to settle on just one. If you're struggling to pin it down, think about other elements of your styling. For example, a woodland wedding might inspire a design that's a little wild and unrefined, whereas a castle or stately home might suit something more formal and elegant.
Think about carrying your wedding colour scheme into your cake design, and including it in the decoration or even the cake itself - it doesn't have to be all white!
Consider using your cake design to really say something about you. Perhaps a particular place or event played a special part in your relationship, and could be incorporated into your design using colour or texture.
3. Which cake maker do we choose?
It's always good to have personal recommendations, but one of the most important factors is choosing a cake maker whose style fits your wedding vision. If you're looking for something abstract and heavily textured, the cake maker who does ruffles and sparkle may not be the best match!
I strongly recommend booking a wedding cake consultation. This will give you a chance to meet the cake maker and see if you 'click'. You'll be able to chat about all your ideas, ask any questions you have, and get their expert advice. You'll also get to taste some cake samples, because you need to know that your cake will not only look amazing, but will taste delicious too.
Which all leads nicely to my next few pointers . . .
4. What flavour should it be?
In the dim & distant past, when I was a wee girl, wedding cake was rich fruit cake, end of. Thankfully, we've broadened our tastes since then and your cake can be almost any flavour you want (including fruit cake!). You can choose your own combination of sponges & fillings, and if you're having a tiered cake each tier could be a different flavour. Most cake makers will have their own menu of flavours, but don't be scared to make a special request.
5. How big should it be?
The size of your cake is determined by how many people it needs to feed, and your cake maker will be able to advise on the best size of cake for you. Not every guest will want cake (weird, I know, but what can you do?), and there's always someone who likes the odd wee corner piece which is more icing than sponge. Your cake maker will also be able to offer options to help you balance your design ideas with guest numbers and your budget. For example, if you have a small guest list but like the idea of a large tiered cake, then perhaps dummy tiers could be used to give the look of an elaborate cake without lots of wastage. Or if your budget doesn't allow for a huge cake, then a smaller cake on display can be paired with some 'secret' undecorated cakes which go straight to the kitchen for cutting.
6. How much will it cost?
Cost is definitely an issue, and it's worth looking at cake makers websites to get an idea of their prices. Do have a budget in mind and discuss it with your cake maker at your consultation. This means they can produce a design which is realistically within your budget, and suggest alternatives and tweaks to give you a cake you can afford which still meets your brief. This is the most expensive cake you're ever going to buy. Please remember you're not just paying for sugar, butter, eggs & flour, but also for your cake maker's skill, individuality, passion and time. Handcrafted decorative elements will significantly increase the price because of the time and skill required to produce them. But that's what will make your cake a one-off, standout celebration centrepiece, a talking point and a magnet for your guests' cameras.
7. When should we book it?
Diaries fill up quickly, so it's a good idea to secure your booking as soon as you've found the cake maker you want to work with. Don't worry if you haven't decided on an exact design, or on your flavours, you can finalise those later. Just secure the date, so you know you'll have someone you trust bringing your cake vision to life.
8. Weather
It's not hot weather that makes cake makers sweat. Oh no. It's the thought of four tiers of chocolate ganache covered, buttercream filled sponges fighting for survival in a conservatory in July. Your cake maker will be able to advise whether any of the components of your chosen design will be susceptible to weather conditions, and can suggest alternatives or a work-around to suit your venue
9. Aaaaaaaaand relax!
You can hand your cake maker all the responsibility for your edible showstopper. They know the most appropriate way to deliver and display your cake, and have the knowledge and skill to fix any issues if there's a mishap during transport or set up. They can also liaise with your venue to make sure your cake takes pride of place and is shown off in all its glory.
10. Finally, remember . . .
This is YOUR day, so have YOUR cake, YOUR flavour, YOUR design, YOUR way. And ENJOY!
I hope you've found this useful, and that it makes choosing your cake a bit more straightforward. Fill in my contact form if you'd like to chat about your dream wedding cake.
Gail x
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