Choosing a Wedding Cake

It is a given that sweet colors will marry well with sweet treats like petit-fours, feather light sugar wafers, and beautifully decorated wedding cakes.  What will surprise you is how sophisticated and fresh they can be.  This year’s wedding cakes are inspired by springtime, and are appropriate for weddings in other seasons as well.  When it comes to designing your wedding cake, here are a few simple steps.

Step 1:  Choose Your Baker

First you need to determine if your wedding site will allow an outside baker.  If not, you may be limited to their baker.  Don’t fret if you can’t get your own baker.  This is actually one less chore for you to do.  These types of venues are generally up-scale anyway, and their baker is bound to be fabulous.  If you are able to get your own baker, set up several appointments with bakers in town and look at their portfolios.  When you are meeting with them, consider both the design and the taste.  The baker you choose should be able to create exactly what you want and should not compromise your wishes.  And the taste should taste fabulous.  A free tasting is standard when testing out bakers, so if they don’t offer this, move on.

Step 2:  Determine your Wedding Cake Style

You probably have an idea about design.  But there are a few things to keep in mind.  As the centerpiece of your reception, your cake should represent the theme of your wedding and reflect the vision you want your wedding to have.  You have to consider the style, shape, color, and adornments your cake will have.  Make a list of both the things that you want, AND the things that you don’t want.  Don’t forget to consider longevity when making the selection of your cake. It may look like a work of art, but you have to remember that it is still food.  Certain types of cake will hold up in different climates, while some won’t.  If you are having an outdoor reception for example, choose fondant icing over buttercream.  Yes, buttercream is tasty, but it does not keep well in heat or humidity.

Step 3:  Consider the Cost.

Cake cost will be based on a per slice basis, and is determined by how complex the overall design is.  A typical range is around $2-$15 per slice.  There are two easy ways to keep your cake in budget.  The first is to choose a simple design with minimal decorations.  Fresh fruit and flowers are the least expensive, while handmade gumpaste or sugarpaste are the most expensive.  The second option is to choose the elaborate design, but have a smaller version made for showcase purposes.  Then you can have a separate plain sheetcake made in the same flavor that is cut in to serve to your guests.  This is a much more affordable option, as you have the lesser priced cake, with the pretty design to show everyone as well.  When you are determining cake costs, also take into account your venue may charge a cutting fee which will range anywhere from $1.50 to $3.00 a slice.  Factor this into the total cost of your cake.

Suddenly the expression “Piece of Cake!” takes on a whole new meaning!