Have Your Cake: All About Wedding Cakes
FEATURE PHOTO BY Izzy + Co. Photography | CAKES BY Vanilla and the Bean
Let’s talk about the sweetest part of your wedding day (literally) – the cake! Whether you dream of towering tiers wrapped in fondant or a cutting cake adorned with a cheeky phrase, your wedding cake is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. But with so many flavors, designs and bakers to choose from, the process can feel anything but a piece of cake. Don’t worry — we’re here to slice through the confusion and make this as smooth as buttercream. Let’s dig in!
GETTING STARTED
As you dive into the world of frosting and flavors, you’ll need to pin down a few essential details. These basics will help guide your cake journey:
1. Venue Vibes
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding, and your cake design can complement it beautifully. So before meeting with a cake artist, it’s a good idea to have your venue nailed down. A rustic barn wedding might inspire a naked cake adorned with fresh fruit, while a modern museum venue could call for sleek, geometric designs. Share your venue’s style with your cake designer — they’ll use it to craft a dessert that feels right at home.
2. Number of Guests
Don’t sweat just yet — you don’t need an exact headcount right away! However, having a rough estimate will help your designer determine the size of your cake. A little extra is always better than running out!
3. Flavor Ideas
Choosing flavors can be one of the tastiest steps. Classic options like vanilla and chocolate are crowd- pleasers, but don’t be afraid to consider branching out with unique combinations like lemon raspberry, matcha or toasted butter pecan. Can’t settle on one? Alternate tiers to reflect each of your favorites and give guests a variety to enjoy.
GET INSPIRED
When it comes to cake design, come to the kitchen with inspiration. Photos, fabric swatches or even pages from a magazine (wink, wink) can help convey your vision. Whether you’re drawn to towering elegance, bold architectural structures, or minimalist-chic cakes, clear ideas will help your designer bring your dream to life.
Think of your cake as edible art. Its design should reflect your wedding’s personality and fit your overall aesthetic. From vibrant ombré to delicate piped details, the options are as endless as your imagination.
SETTING A BUDGET
Budgeting for your wedding cake follows the same principles as working with any other vendor — it’s about balancing your vision with what’s realistic for your budget. As a rule of thumb, wedding cakes can range from $3 to $18+ per serving, depending on size, design complexity, flavor choices and your baker’s level of expertise.
Be upfront about your budget so your designer can create something within your price range. If certain designs or techniques push you over budget, don’t hesitate to ask for alternative techniques or products that capture the same essence.
FINDING YOUR DREAM CAKE MAKER
Once you’ve outlined the basics, it’s time to find your cake artist. Start by looking at portfolios, reading reviews and asking for recommendations from friends or your planner. When you’ve narrowed down some top contenders that match your desired style (and budget!), schedule tastings to get a feel for their style and, of course, their flavors. This step is as much about flavors as it is about building trust with your baker.
Finally, always confirm that your baker is licensed and insured. For liability reasons, your venue might insist on a licensed cake maker. You certainly don’t want an unlicensed vendor being turned away from the venue on the day of your wedding. And take your cake with them!
THE SWEETEST PART: TASTING
Now that you’ve chosen your dream cake artist and admired their portfolio, it’s time to ensure their cakes taste as amazing as they look — welcome to the tastiest part of wedding planning!
Most bakers offer a selection of flavors and fillings to showcase their expertise and range. If your ideal flavor isn’t on the tasting menu, don’t hesitate to ask if it can be prepared in advance. Don’t be afraid to get adventurous; after all, tastings are an opportunity to explore creative combinations and discover new favorites. While sampling, ask questions about flavor pairings, serving sizes and any customizations you’re considering. Your baker is there to guide you and help refine your vision.
Finally, remember there may be a small tasting fee, but that amount often will be credited toward your order if you book with that baker.
SPECIAL DELIVERY
Leave the transportation of your cake to the professionals. Cakes are delicate, and the last thing you want is a mishap on your big day. Coordinate delivery and setup details with your designer, including arrival times and storage options at your venue to keep the cake fresh and photo-ready.
SWEET SUCCESS
From the first tasting to the final forkful at your reception, your wedding cake can and should be as memorable as the day itself. With a little planning and a talented cake designer, you’ll have a cake that’s as delicious as it is dazzling. Here’s to sweet success!
Feeling inspired? Check out a gallery of some of our favorite wedding cakes here!
