Where do you start? Read on for expert tips when choosing your wedding cake.
Sounds like a no-brainer but …..Always ask your cake designer for advice, they are the experts! Which is what I’ve done! I am delighted to introduce you to Heidi of Simply Irresistible Cakes of London. Heidi and Angie create the most amazing designs – I had the pleasure of working with them on a photoshoot and what they had created was just gorgeous! Here is Heidi’s advice when you are choosing your cake.
What sort of cake?
Before you start looking for a cake, consider these…..
- What type of wedding are you having? Formal affair in a grand venue or a relaxed intimate venue? or have you chosen to go a bit more rustic?
- The time of year are getting married and the practicalities of that. For example, a buttercream covered cake in a marquee in mid August when it’s really hot, could lead to disaster. (enter sagging cake and melting buttercream!)
- How many guests will be you having and how you will be serving the cake? (will it be the dessert after your meal or will it be served with coffee/evening buffet?)
Is cake very important to you? Do you want it to be a centrepiece and talking point of the day and beyond!? Discuss with your planner/venue co-ordinator where the cake table will be placed (preferably not in a dingy corner!)
Your Budget
- How much do you want to spend on your cake? For example, a cake that has lots of sugar flowers will cost considerably more than a semi-naked cake with fresh flowers.
- Be realistic. Remember that wedding cakes take many hours of work, often 3-5 days, so do take this into consideration. Don’t believe the “average” price for a wedding cake that you may see written in many places. Wedding cakes are anything but average!
Tasting – the fun part!!
Can you have different flavours in each tier? Yes, you can! Most cake designers do cake taster boxes or have tasters available during your consultation. Note: there is often a charge for this and it’s usually stated on the designer’s website.
Choosing a designer
There are many cake designers out there – where to begin!
- Do a little online research. Look for someone either local to you or to the venue (who will also usually have a recommended supplier list). Check their reviews and the work displayed on their website/social media. Do they make the types of cakes that you are drawn to?
- Visit a wedding fair and have a chat to the cake designers there. Did you ‘click’ with any of them? Do they give you confidence? How about some good suggestions?
Sending that first email to a cake designer
- In the first instance, it’s important to include your wedding date and venue, so that they can check their availability.
- Then offer as much detail as you can – number of guests, styles of cakes that you like, how you are going to serve the cake etc. It will speed up the process and make it much easier for you with fewer emails back and forth!
- I believe that you can get a ‘feel’ for a person from emails, so make sure you are happy with their responses. You want to feel confident!
Every designer runs their business differently, but most offer consultations with tasters either online or in person. Be sure to attend one and check you are happy with everything. Then book your designer with a booking fee and you are sorted!
Happy cake search!
(photo: Tom Jeavons Photography)
By the way ...
Are you ready work with me on your flowers? Simply email me at sue@maldenandwilde.com. I’ll arrange an informal, friendly meeting (with a cuppa and maybe a biscuit or two), either on zoom or in person (whatever suits you).
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