A Cake Guide
Cakes have many purposes in weddings, and that fact alone can make the order process feel daunting. I’m here to guide you through the process, give you some tips, and help you feel more at ease about starting this process.
Let’s begin!
Step 1: Define Your Cake’s Purpose
The most important question I always ask my couples to first think about is: “What is the purpose of our wedding cake?” This purpose could be:
A statement piece
A conversation starter for guests
A cake that will feed everyone
A small cake to just be cut by the couple
A cake to bring home after the wedding
Once you figure out your cake’s purpose, it becomes much easier to decide on all the details that follow.
Step 2: Identify Your Wedding Style and Budget
Consider the following questions:
What cake styles might fit our venue?
Do we prefer a traditional wedding cake or a trendy/detailed design?
Do we have cake inspiration or a relevant color scheme?
Do we have an idea of how many servings we need or the cake’s size?
Do we have a cake budget and is it realistic for our cake’s purpose?
Not all of these questions need answers, but they are great to think about before reaching out to a wedding vendor.
Next, review your caker’s portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your vision. I love projects that push my creativity, and many vendors do best when given creative freedom. Look to see if your caker’s style is one you’d enjoy! While looking at their portfolio, this is a great time to look at their starting pricing to ensure it matches your cake budget.
Step 3: Decide on Flavors
How much does flavor mean to you? Couples often have differing preferences. Some love the same flavors, others know exactly what they want, and some have very specific texture preferences. All of these opinions are valid, which is why cake tastings are so valuable.
Finding a cake you love adds that extra magical memory to your wedding day. Here are some wedding cake-tasting tips:
Book your cake tasting sooner rather than later if you want one.
Check if your caker offers monthly wedding tastings or personalized tasting boxes. Bucko Bakery offers both!
Confirm your wedding date is available before booking a tasting.
Step 4: Discuss Details with Your Caker
Once you’ve decided on your cake’s purpose, vibe, and flavor, it’s time to start chatting details with your caker. We’ll guide you through the rest of the way!
Tip: Plan Your Cake’s Presentation
As we know, most cakes are made of buttercream, and buttercream… well, it melts. To keep your cake looking its best:
Limit the time it’s out at room temperature to no more than 1.5 hours.
Ensure your cake table is ready before the cake arrives.
When deciding on the cake placement:
What background do you want for cake-cutting photos?
Will the cake be exposed to direct sun or a heat source?
Is the cake table in a spot where guests won’t accidentally bump it?
Is there natural lighting to showcase the cake’s colors?
Tip: To Save or Not to Save the Top Tier
While I love this tradition, I don’t always recommend it. Instead, consider asking your caker if they offer mini cakes for your one-year anniversary. This way, you can enjoy fresh cake and keep the tradition alive without worrying about freezer burn or accidental disposal. Fresh cake is always the best policy!
With these steps in mind, you’re now ready to embark on your wedding cake journey with confidence. Let’s create something beautiful and delicious for your special day!
Thanks
Aria @ Bucko Bakery
Utah Wedding Venue | Utah Weddings
