Wedding Cake
Choosing your wedding cake can be one of the most fun (and yummiest) parts of the planning process. There are so many flavors and designs to choose from, and very talented cake makers, that your wedding guests are sure to be impressed. If fancy wedding cakes are not your thing, then there is no need to worry. Modern couples are coming up with many fantastic alternatives to the classic wedding cake, so you will have no problem finding a dessert option that will satisfy any sweet tooth. No matter what you choose, make sure your photographers get a good shot of the wedding cake so you can remember it long after it is eaten!
Booking your cake baker
There are many options for finding your wedding cake maker. There are many bakeries that specialize in gourmet wedding cakes, so if you have a particularly fancy or specific idea of how you want your cake to match your wedding colors then this would be a good way to go. Also, many caterers and wedding locations provide cakes as well, so check with them if this is part of their package before booking elsewhere. Although booking your cake maker might not seem like a very urgent item on the checklist, you should still start looking into this about 4-6 months in advance. Many bakeries limit the amount of wedding cakes they provide per week and popular wedding dates can fill-up quickly.
Some good questions to ask when choosing your cake baker:
1. What flavors and fillings do you supply?
It is always a good idea to check with the bakery that they have the flavors that you want, especially if it is something out of the ordinary. Some flavors may be seasonal, especially if the contain fruit or berries, so double-check that the flavor you want is available for your wedding date as well.
2. Do you provide transportation to the wedding location?
Most bakeries provide delivery and set-up service for a fee, but some will ask that the cake be picked-up beforehand. If you are having the cake delivered, ask what time you can expect the cake to arrive and if the person delivering will be able to make any touch-ups to frosting that was damaged during the transportation. Make sure that your wedding planner or the reception location will be ready to meet the delivery person.
3. How far in advance will the cake be baked?
Due to the complexity of wedding cakes, they realistically take 3-5 days to be baked, so don't be surprised if the cake is not baked just a day before. Of course, the closer to the date, the fresher the cake will taste so you do not want it baked too far in advance.
4. How do you price the cake?
Most wedding cakes are priced per slice whereas some are priced based on total headcount. Intricate designs and unusual flavors will increase the final price as well. Be careful if you are on a budget to allocate enough of your budget to cover the cake.
5. Do you accept custom designs?
Not all bakers are willing to work with custom designs, so make sure to ask if this is a big priority for you. Most bakers have a portfolio of previous cakes that they have done and will gladly do a variation for you to match your vision and wedding colors.
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6. Do you provide cake toppers and the cake stand? Will I be charged for this? Some bakeries will include any cake toppers, stands, and cutting utensils with your wedding cake, but other will charge separately for this. Ask in advance to avoid some surprising charges on your bill.
7. Can you coordinate with my florist to use fresh flowers?
If a bakery typically supplies wedding cakes, then they are used to working with florists so that the flowers on the cake match the flowers used in the bouquets and centerpieces. Some bakeries may ask you to provide the flowers yourself instead of coordinating with your florist, so check beforehand if you need to have someone deliver the flowers for you.
Choosing Flavor and Design
Meeting with your cake baker and designer is sure to be a highlight of the planning process. Both the bride and groom should attend, and any other friends, family members, or members of the wedding party that you want to treat to a fun time. At the cake tasting, the baker will provide you with either bites or slices of sample wedding cake flavors and work with you to figure out your favorite flavor combination. This will also be when you choose your actual wedding cake design. Most bakers have a portfolio of cakes they have done in the past that you can choose from, and many will be happy to do variations of previous designs. If you have a very specific design in mind, bring any relevant photos or drawings so you can work with the designer to create your dream cake.
When choosing the cake flavor and design, there are some factors that should be considered. First, whether your cake design is appropriate to the rest of your wedding atmosphere. If you are planning a very traditional wedding, then a funky polka-dot design might stand out for the wrong reasons. Also, if you are having an outdoor wedding, then certain frostings may melt easily on a hot summer day. Many bakeries will also adjust the cake to coordinate with your wedding colors, the food your caterers will serve, and whether there are children at your wedding.
Groom's Cake
A fun tradition that originated in the American south is to have a groom's cake. This is a fun addition to the traditional wedding cake, and can be a gift from the bride to the groom. The cake can be served at the rehearsal dinner or the actual wedding, as well as cut up at the reception and put into boxes for wedding guests to take home as wedding favors. Some fun groom's cake ideas reflect the groom's favorite hobbies or sports team, and the flavor is typically chocolate, liquor-soaked or cheesecake.
Alternatives to the wedding cake
If cake is just not your thing or you have dietary restrictions, many couples are opting to not do the wedding cake and having an alternative dessert for their wedding guests to enjoy. This could be anything from cupcakes, to a chocolate fondue fountain, candy buffets, or even ice cream sundaes.
