Shouldn't choosing your wedding day dessert be a piece of... cake? It's fine to have some fun and enjoy this delicious task, but here are a few tips to help you pick out the perfect cake, just for you!
1) Don't choose the style of your cake right away, & wait until some other major style choices have been made - It's tempting to dive into cake tastings headfirst (face first?), but hold on a minute! Consider your venue, decor, and color choices first, because those style choices will directly impact your vision for the sweet ending to your wedding day. In fact, it's recommended that when you meet with a baker to discuss your cake wish list, you should come in with an idea of what you are looking for, even bringing pictures of designs you've seen and loved, florals you've already selected, or design inspirations that can help your baker bring your ideas to life.
2) Know Your Budget - Cost can vary for wedding cakes and confections, so it's important to be aware of what you're able to afford, and to be up front with potential vendors so that they can advise you of the best options available for your budget. Some things that might impact the price tag include multiple flavors, design elements such as handmade flowers and accents, choosing between fondant and buttercream, number of tiers, and more. The average cost for a wedding cake in the US is around $500, which is something to keep in mind when planning your overall wedding budget.
3) Know What You Want (or Don't Want), but Don't be Afraid to Hear Suggestions - You may know exactly what you want your wedding cake to be, or you may have no clue. Either is fine, and when in doubt, ask your baker! They've made all kinds of combinations that may sound unexpected, but are a match made in heaven. Go for something classic and timeless like fresh strawberries and cream, or do something a little different like a bananas foster inspired pairing of butter cake with caramel and banana filling. Looking for a few more fun and funky combinations? Check out this article from Brides.com!
4) Book your Tasting Well in Advance of Wedding Day - Make sure you select a baker far enough in advance to ensure you get exactly what you want for your wedding day. Many bakeries suggest booking at least 6 months in advance, but it isn't a bad thing to book earlier (especially in peak wedding season).
5) Get the Facts on Frosting Options - There’s more to your wedding cake than just cake! Consider the various options you have for frosting, whether it’s buttercream, ganache, cream cheese, fondant, or otherwise. The flavor and texture of your frosting can vastly change your cake, so don’t ignore this important element. It is also important to consider the practical side of cake frosting and decor - for example, buttercream and whipped cream may not be ideal for your outdoor summer wedding, because they melt more easily than fondant. Talk to your baker about icing options and for tips and ideas to make sure your cake can stand the heat.
6) Have a Delivery Plan in Place - Cake delivery takes timing, coordination, and occasionally a refrigerated van - so if possible and practical, make arrangements with your baker to deliver. They're far more likely to get everything to your venue in one pretty piece, and they're also able to repair any minor damages that may occur in transit. It's also important to recognize that some larger cakes won't necessarily come in their final, assembled state, so make sure that there is plenty of available time and space to allow for final assembly and placement. The moral of the story is, discuss your delivery plan in great depth with your baker and be sure any delivery details are clearly stated and agreed upon when signing the contract.
Looking for some decadent inspiration? Here are a few gorgeous design ideas that look as good as they taste:
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