Organising that centrepiece wedding cake for your big day may seem like another headache you could do without. But with a bit of organisation and the right baker everything should go smoothly. Here’s Confetti’s handy guide to getting the wedding cake you desire and one your guests will love to eat.
Decide what you want (and what your guests will like)
Seems obvious doesn’t it. But we hear of many couples spending a fortune on elaborate, heavy-iced, multiple-tiered fruitcakes – only to be told most of it went to waste, as nobody really liked that kind of cake. Your first port of call should be the baker you’re thinking of using. Ask to see the various options – these days you could have everything from cupcake wedding cakes to profiteroles oozing with melted chocolate. A mile away from boring old fruitcake. A good baker will let you taste the various options (this organising a wedding isn’t all stress is it?) and won’t pressure you in your decision. The other option is to forgo confectionaries all together and go down the savoury route. We’ve seen pork pie wedding ‘cakes’ and cheese wedding cakes before now. In fact, they’re something of a hit at the moment.
Image: Lynn and Simon’s Real Wedding at River Cottage HQ
Make sure the baker has exacting specifications
Unless you want to gamble with the finish wedding cake, make sure you and the baker are on the same page. Tell them the exact size, style, flavour and appearance of cake you want. Provide a time scale. You’ll want a fresh wedding cake ready made just before the big day (dried fruit cakes will last longer but some type of cakes – those featuring fresh fruit etc. need to be consumed quickly).
Extra charges and service
Does the baker deliver the cake or will you have to pick it up yourself? If they do deliver, is this included in the charges? Will they arrange the wedding cake and put it together or is this a further service? Are there any additional charges: deposits for stands, cake toppers, or columns. Ask your baker for terms and conditions and make sure any non-standard agreements are in writing.
Find more great ideas on our Inspiration wedding cake pages!
Search our supplier directory for our recommended list of cake suppliers!
