The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Wedding Cake

Congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into wedding planning, selecting your wedding cake is an exciting and delicious milestone. To make the process smooth and stress-free, here are some essential tips and considerations for planning your perfect wedding cake.

Choosing a Cake Design

Your wedding cake should reflect your style as a couple. Start by gathering inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, and bridal magazines. Consider:

• Theme and Color Scheme: Match your cake design to your wedding’s theme, colors, and overall aesthetic.
• Seasonal Elements: Incorporate seasonal flowers or flavors for a cake that feels timely.
• Personal Touches: Add monograms, meaningful quotes, or designs that reflect your hobbies or love story.

To Groom’s Cake or Not to Groom’s Cake?

A groom’s cake is a fun and personal addition to your wedding’s dessert table. Typically smaller than the main cake, it’s often themed around the groom’s interests—think sports, hobbies, or favorite flavors. While not mandatory, it’s a creative way to add personality and variety to your celebration.

What to Look for in a Baker

Your wedding cake is a centerpiece, so choosing the right baker is critical. In addition to finding a cake that tastes delicious, look for someone who:

• Has a Proven Track Record: Check reviews, testimonials, and a portfolio of their past work.
• Is Fully Licensed and Insured: This ensures they meet health and safety standards.
• Has a Reliable Team: A bakery with multiple staff members can handle unexpected circumstances like illness or emergencies.
• Offers Delivery Services: Confirm they can deliver your cake to the venue on your wedding day.

Calculating Your Cake Servings

When planning your cake, you’ll need to estimate the number of servings. Here’s a quick guide:

• Main Cake: Plan for enough servings to cover at least 80% your guest count.
• Kitchen Cakes: These are additional sheet cakes kept in the kitchen to ensure there’s enough for everyone without compromising the design of your main cake.
• Dessert Bars: If you’re including other desserts like cupcakes, cookies, or a dessert buffet, you may need fewer cake servings.

Exploring Dessert Options

While the traditional tiered cake remains a classic choice, many couples are embracing alternative dessert options. Consider:

• Cupcakes: Perfect for easy serving and customization.
• Dessert Bars: Think charcuterie…but dessert! Offer a variety of treats like macarons, donuts, cookies, cake balls, chocolate dipped fruit or brownies.
• Non-Traditional Cakes: A cookie bar or even a donut tower can add a unique twist.

Timing is Everything

To ensure you get the baker of your dreams, follow this timeline:

• Book Your Tasting: Schedule a tasting 6-10 months before your wedding to finalize flavors and discuss designs.
• Secure Your Bakery: Book your baker 6-8 months in advance to ensure they’re available on your date.
• Prime Dates: This timeline is based on booking a prime wedding date in April, May, June or October. If you’re getting married in a less popular month, you may be able to book 1-6 months in advance.

Delivery Matters

Having your cake delivered ensures it arrives safely and on time. Choose a bakery experienced in delivering wedding cakes and confirm the delivery logistics, including setup at your venue.

Final Thoughts

Planning your wedding cake should be a joyful experience. By choosing a reputable baker, exploring creative dessert options, and timing your decisions carefully, you’ll have a stunning and delicious cake to wow your guests.

At All Things Cake, we’re here to make your wedding cake dreams come true. With 15 years of experience, customizable flavors, and top-notch decorators, we’re ready to craft a cake as unique as your love story. Contact us today to schedule your tasting and let’s create something unforgettable!