It’s said that wedding cakes evolved from a medieval tradition of breaking bread over the bride’s head to bring the couple good fortune. (If you ask us, that was just asking for trouble – not good fortune.) Luckily we now have delicious cake, which the newlyweds may or may not smash in each other’s faces.
Today, wedding cakes are as synonymous with weddings as wedding singers or tossing the bouquet. Choosing the right cake is important, since it’s usually a focal point at your reception. It should reflect your style in both appearance and taste. Where do you begin?
Know your Budget
You should know how much you can spend on your wedding cake before you ever meet with bakers, and then when you do meet with them, be upfront about your budget. It’s too easy to commit to a cake that’s way out of your budget if you don’t know what your price range is. Check out this Free Printable Wedding Planning Budget Worksheet to plan out how much you can spend on each aspect of your wedding.
Interview Bakers
Don’t just interview one baker – interview several. When meeting, you’ll need to know the number of guests, and also provide the date, time, and location of your wedding reception. If you have some basic design ideas in mind (multi-tiered, round, square, ornate designs), discuss those. If you’ve saved wedding cake ideas on Pinterest, look at your board together. Tearing out ideas from magazines? Bring ‘em! We also have some wedding cake ideas to make your cake unique and stand out such as this DIY Wedding Cake Swing.
Set up Tastings
Sampling cake will either be complimentary or part of the baker's fee. White cake is traditional, but you can mix and match your favorite flavors. Popular choices include carrot, red velvet and chocolate. Fillings to consider could include fruit, chocolate, cream cheese icing, Swiss meringue, and many others. Frosting is either buttercream or fondant (which is more expensive and less tasty but easier to decorate) and can be decorated with piping, marzipan, meringue, or flowers (sugar or real) among other things. A wedding cake can take a big bite out of your wedding budget. Don’t fret – there are ways to save some money on your wedding cake:
Downsize
Wedding cake prices are based on labor and hours spent designing it. To save money, choose less elaborate designs or start with a smaller cake and have your caterer cut 3/4-sized portions instead of full slices. Another option is to have your baker create faux tiers with only two real tiers – one to cut and one to save for your anniversary. If you choose this option, guests will be served slices from a more affordable sheet cake – and they’ll be just as happy!
Minimal Cake Decorations There’s nothing wrong with ordering a simple cake and letting your cake topper (either store bought or DIY) serve as the decorative element. In fact, the result can be quite beautiful!
Ditch the Cake What? No wedding cake? What will your guests say?! If you choose to serve a more economical dessert like cupcakes, cookies, donuts, or pie, your guests will just think you’re unique and creative and they’ll be thrilled with your dessert option. You can always have a small ceremonial cake to cut and display on the table with the other sweets. Check out these Tasty Wedding Food Bars You'll Love to give you ideas like this glam cookie bar!
Popular cake alternatives include:
- Donuts: Donut walls are popular right now, along with displaying them on a tiered stand to create a cake-like look. This trendy Modern Wedding Donut Wall is a great example.
- Pie Pops: That's right - mini pies on a stick!
- Cupcakes: Mix and match flavors and colors for both an aesthetic display and a tasty dessert. Check out this cupcake display for an idea.
- Ice Cream: Make your own sundae bars are always popular. Another unique idea is incorporating these DIY Ice Cream Sandwiches!
- Dessert Bar: Serve a variety of bite-sized treats, like cheesecake, brownies, creampuffs and cobblers.
- Milk & Cookies: It's the perfect evening snack. These Edible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Wedding Favors could be a guest fav!
If the venue or caterer aren’t already providing them, you’ll also want to make sure you have a cake/dessert table and linens, dessert plates, forks, cocktail napkins, cake stands and a serving set. And if you’re using one, don’t forget your cake topper!
Whether the cake you choose is large or small, simple or ornate, or even not a cake at all, remember to work with your baker or caterer to find a cake (or alternative dessert) that expresses your own unique wedding style and keeps your budget in check.
Five months until the wedding; there's no stopping you now! Now that you’ve found your wedding cake, start planning your rehearsal dinner and decide if you want to use a calligrapher for your invitations or signage. And before you mail your invitations, check out these tips!
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process.
Article written by: Heather Clark
