Do not choose a wedding cake before you’ve made all the major style decisions.
It’s important to choose a cake that matches the theme of the venue, the season and your wedding gown. It’s not necessary to have a detailed sketch ready for your cake consultation. However, it helps everyone to be familiar with basic terms. You can also bring your own inspiration, such as a piece of lace from your wedding dress or photos of your wedding china.
Be realistic about your budget.
A wedding cake is priced per slice. It can vary in cost, but the average price is between $3-$30 per slice (and more). You can easily be seduced by blood orange filling or multi-flavor cakes when you are surrounded with sugar buzz. But knowing your budget and what it will impact your decisions will allow you to make the best choices. More flavors mean more money. For example, handmade sugar flowers will cost more per slice than buttercream. Fondant frosting is typically more expensive than buttercream.
Make sure to match the cake height to your space.
For 200 guests or more, you will likely need five layers. Three tiers serve 50 to 100 people. You should make sure your cake fits the space. to add height.
You don’t have to choose the same flavor as everyone else.
The cake should be more than a showpiece. It should also taste delicious. Try many different flavors and textures when meeting with potential bakers. Do not be afraid to try other flavors than vanilla and chocolat. You should also try different fillings. There are many bakers who work with complex flavors like mango and guava, or hazelnuts and mocha.
Get the facts about frosting.
Fondant or buttercream? Buttercream is more popular. If you prefer the soft, almost surreal look of fondant, buttercream can be used first to frost the cake, and then you can add a layer of fondant on top. You should stick to the colors that your guests are most likely to enjoy, regardless of what type you use. A white cake with subtle green frosting accents is a good choice if you have blue and green wedding colors.
Weather is important.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in hot weather, avoid buttercream, meringue or whipped cream. They melt. Ask your baker to discuss summer icing options. Or, opt for fondant-covered cakes that are more resistant to heat.
Do budget for extra details.
Decoration costs vary widely. Fresh fruits or flowers are usually the most cost-effective option. Your florist may be able to apply them in certain cases for a nominal fee. Delicate gum-paste or Sugar-paste flowers are on the higher end. These are made by hand one petal at each. Here’s the bottom line. All add-ons (including chocolate-molded and marzipan fruit, lace points and lace flowers) will raise the rate. It’s a worthwhile investment.
Make sure to top it off.
There are so many creative and beautiful ways to decorate your cake. Your baker can help you incorporate an heirloom piece of porcelain, especially if it is a fine porcelain antique. It could double as your “something antique.” Another alternative is a bouquet made of sugar flowers, an assortment of icing ribbons and even a sugar block that has your monogram carved into it. Consider your locality. A coral cluster can be stunning for a beachside event, while fondant snowflake is great for a winter wedding. Don’t bother with a topper at all. Some designs work well without one.
A detailed delivery plan is necessary.
Delivery of cakes requires coordination (and often a refrigerated van). So if you want to feel secure, order your cake delivered. Complex cakes may not arrive in the final form. Allow enough time and space to assemble them. Also, ensure that the masterpiece is placed at the venue once it has been delivered. Bottom line: Talk with your baker about all delivery details before you sign the contract.
Don’t forget to give your cake the spotlight.
The cake will most likely be on display prior to being cut and eaten. It is important to have a well-lit table so that your cake can be displayed in its best light. A rectangular table might be better for round cakes. But a circular table is ideal for rectangular cakes. Use luxurious fabrics to cover the table and decorate it with flowers, motifs and colors that complement the theme of your wedding.
Do not forget to eat the cake. ).
Couples rarely get the chance to have their own wedding cake. Ask your caterer to make sure you have some extra. It can be shared with your new spouse as a late-night snack, or postwedding brunch dessert.
Don’t let freezer burn happen.
Even if your cakes are packaged carefully, it’s worth the effort to eat the top tier of your cake for your first anniversary. Consider treating yourself to a two-week- or one-month-long anniversary treat, then allowing yourself the opportunity to indulge in a fresh slice of the same cake once you have reached one year. If you have to stick to tradition, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in a baggie.
