Planning your perfect cake starts here— with the ultimate wedding cake guide. A wedding cake is more than just a sweet note at the end of your celebration. It’s a symbol of your style, a centerpiece for your reception, and a delicious memory in the making. While taste is essential, the design itself can be just as meaningful, so keep in mind that whether you’re dreaming of a romantic three-tiered classic or an artistic, modern statement piece, your wedding cake should (bottom line!) reflect the tone of your day.
Award-winning cake studio Frost It Cakery has brought to life countless elaborate visions for custom wedding cakes and desserts (including this one from a Tulle photoshoot!). Known for their stunning artistry and commitment to flavor, the team at Frost It has seen it all— and they’re sharing their top tips for choosing your perfect wedding cake.
Keep scrolling for the Ultimate Wedding Cake Guide Every Bride Needs
Talk Budget First
Let’s start with the question on every couple’s mind: How much does a wedding cake cost?
The truth? It varies widely, and most people don’t have a clear sense of what’s typical until they start researching.
“Cake budget is tricky,” Frost It Cakery shares, “because most people have no idea what a wedding cake will cost.” That’s why it’s so helpful to come to your consultation with a few details in mind: your ideal cake size, number of tiers, and of course, your style and design inspiration.
If you’re drawn to an intricate fondant design with delicate sugar flowers or metallic accents, expect to pay more than you would for a minimalist buttercream look. Pricing is typically based on servings, but the complexity of the design and labor involved also factor in. The good news? “A good bakery will try to work with you to get you the cake you desire—or something similar—within your budget.”
When reaching out to bakeries, don’t be afraid to ask for a starting price per serving and what’s included in their packages. Delivery fees, stand rentals, and setup should all be factored into your overall budget.
Do Your Bakery Homework
One of the most essential wedding cake guide rules? Do your research! Reputation matters when it comes to choosing the right bakery. You want to feel confident that your cake will arrive on time, in perfect condition, and exactly as you envisioned.
“This is super important,” Frost It says. “You want to make sure that your bakery will get your cake to your venue on time and in one piece!” Reading reviews, looking at past client testimonials, and checking out photos from previous weddings are all great ways to vet your options.
If your venue has a preferred vendor list, that’s a great place to start. “That means the venue trusts them enough to refer them to their couples,” says the team. Plus, preferred vendors often have experience navigating the space and logistics of your venue, which can be a big help on wedding day.
Make Sure You Match
You might fall in love with a bakery’s Instagram feed, but make sure their overall style aligns with your vision. Every cake designer has a unique aesthetic, from whimsical and romantic to ultra-modern and bold.
“Take the time to browse through the bakery’s website and social media,” Frost It recommends. “Does their style fit yours? Does their workmanship meet your standards?” Look for consistency in their work, clean execution, and creativity. Better yet, see if they’ve done cakes in a similar style to what you’re hoping for.
And don’t forget about flavor! “Make sure you love the taste of their cake,” they add. If time and location allow, schedule a tasting to experience their most popular offerings and narrow down your favorites.
Choose Fillings (and Flavors!) Wisely
One of the best parts about wedding cake? You don’t have to choose just one flavor. When opting for a tiered cake, you’ll likely have the option to select different cake and filling combinations for each tier. This allows you to offer variety and cater to different guest preferences.
“This is a great way to offer different choices for your guests,” says Frost It. “If you plan to save your top tier for your anniversary, make it your favorite!”
Some of the most crowd-pleasing flavor pairings include:
- Vanilla bean cake with fresh berries and mascarpone
- Chocolate cake with salted caramel filling
- Lemon cake with raspberry or strawberry preserves
- Almond cake with Amaretto buttercream
While it’s tempting to get adventurous, it’s often best to keep at least one or two tiers classic and universally loved. “It’s a good idea to keep your flavors and fillings to crowd pleasers, so that everyone can enjoy it.”
Also, keep in mind your wedding season when selecting flavors. Lighter, fruit-based cakes are popular for spring and summer, while rich flavors like spice cake or mocha are fitting for fall and winter weddings.
Consider the Bigger Picture
Your cake isn’t just dessert— it’s also part of your overall wedding design. Think about where it will be displayed and how it will complement the rest of your décor. Will it sit center stage on its own table? Be surrounded by candles or florals? Will it be cut before dinner or later in the night during dancing?
It’s also worth talking to your florist or planner about incorporating design elements from your cake into other parts of your wedding. Coordinating your cake with your stationery suite, color palette, or floral arrangements can make the entire celebration feel cohesive and intentional.
And don’t forget about those photo ops! A beautifully styled cake moment makes for a memorable photo in your wedding album.
Your wedding cake should reflect you, your taste, your style, and your celebration. With a bit of planning and guidance from seasoned pros like Frost It Cakery, you can find a cake that’s not only delicious but completely unforgettable.
This article was originally published in Tulle Magazine AW17.
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