How to Choose a Memorable Wedding Cake

Once the wedding date has been set, it’s time to start thinking about ordering a wedding cake. If the cake will be made by a professional, find a good cake designer and put an order in as soon as possible. Once the order is in, you’ll have time to plan the details. Whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary look, skim the paragraphs below for ideas and tips.

How to Select a Good Baker

When selecting a baker, try to get pictures, samples, and references. Look at the baker’s fresh cakes and mock-ups. Ask for taste samples of flavours and icings that interest you. If a family member or friend has offered their services, follow a similar approach to determine whether they are up to the job. This is a very special occasion—so it’s important to engage someone who’s experienced making the type of cake, icing, and decorations that you’re requesting.

Where can one find expert cake designers? First, find a baker who is not too far from the reception venue. Some wedding reception venues take orders or offer referrals. It’s also possible to find a cake designer by searching local directories, contacting the chef in a large hotel; or making enquiries at a local catering college, where staff or advanced students may be available for an assignment.

Traditional British wedding cakes are rich fruitcakes covered with firm fondant icing. Fruitcake keeps well and forms an excellent base for tiers. When choosing fruitcake, remember that ordering in advance is not just about the high volume of orders. To allow flavours to deepen, fruitcake must be made at least three months ahead.

Fruitcake is not for everyone—some people choose to not have it at all or to have contrasting layers of another type of cake. Options for wedding cakes include sponge, lemon, chocolate, carrot, and vanilla. Specialty cakes, such as cheese or ice cream cakes are also options. A traditional ice cream cake has an ice cream base, followed by sponge cake and jam, and topped by a layer of ice cream.

The classic design is three tiers, but wedding magazines show other sizes and shapes as well.  There is no question that height is impressive and that tall wedding cakes serve many guests.  Following are alternative structures for tall cakes:

• A real cake base with dummy tiers on top;
• Several tiers of cakes, supported by pillars between each tier, or by supports hidden within the cakes;
• Several cakes displayed on a tiered cake stand,
• For a smaller gathering, an elegant pedestal displaying a single cake with a stunning topper; or
• A three-dimensional cake sculpture—for example an Eiffel Tower inspired by the upcoming honeymoon.

Although impressive, height is not required.  Memorable variations include:

• A single cake in the shape of a heart, decorated with roses or other flowers;
• Multiple cakes displayed side by side, surrounded by flowers or other decorations.

Many brides choose white, or a shade of white, for their cake; but pastels, chocolate, and pink are also popular.  Colours may complement the bridal wear but don’t have to.  A skilled baker can produce intricate sugar paste designs featuring lacework, pearls, embroidery, flowers, seashells, birds and more.  Real flowers, ribbons, jewels, and silk flowers also add beauty.  The finishing touch is often a memorable wedding cake topper.

Wedding Cake Toppers Confirm the Tone
A topper crowns a wedding cake, making a statement about the occasion; whether it is elegant, religious, vintage, whimsical, or playful.  Search wedding magazines and internet catalogues to view a wide range of toppers.  Here are some examples:

• Vintage toppers made of porcelain, wood, or crystal, bringing back images of the 50’s or earlier—such as kissing doves or a child-like bride and groom;
• Traditional  figurines of bride and groom holding hands;
• Acrylic, glass, or jewelled monograms;
• Amusing figurines of bride and groom fooling around, for example, the bride holding onto the belt of a groom trying to escape;
• Newly weds in swimwear posing beside a palm tree, depicting a beach honeymoon;
• Elegant sprays of flowers, jewels, feathers, and ribbons.

The best design for your wedding cake will emerge if you give it time. When browsing through magazines and picture galleries save and collect images that appeal to you. When sitting down with a cake designer, bring samples of any fabrics, colours, and motifs that you have chosen. A perfect cake will speak for itself, while complementing other themes and decorations.