Wedding Cake - Your Options and How to Decide
Cake! One of the *sweetest* parts of wedding planning
On this page I break down the design elements of a wedding cake, Cake Design 101.
What is it made of?
This may seem 'obvious' to you, but it is important to think it through so that you are planning intentionally instead of just following what you've seen others do.
The majority of couples opt for a traditional wedding cake from a traditional bakery. There are other things you may want to consider
Explore what is the best match for you as a couple.
The majority of couples opt for a traditional wedding cake from a traditional bakery. There are other things you may want to consider
- How do you feel about the ingredients? Do the majority of your guests need Vegan, Eggless, or Gluten Free? If so you will want to ask the bakery if they do this or find a specialty bakery that is well versed in the do's and don't's with the necessary ingredients.
- This can become confusing if you need 10 gluten free pieces, in this scenario, I suggest purchasing separate cupcakes and keep the main cake as you've imagined it.
- Do you prefer 'assorted desserts' and skip the fanfare?
- Perhaps you 'opt out' of desserts, and would prefer a cheese 'cake' instead of one made from sugar and flour.
Explore what is the best match for you as a couple.
How many people?
The number of guests dictates the starting size of the wedding cake - If you have 100 guests, you need cake to feel 100 people.
You can increase the size of the cake from there. If you would like additional tiers or flavors you can grow the wedding cake to align with your preferences.
You can increase the size of the cake from there. If you would like additional tiers or flavors you can grow the wedding cake to align with your preferences.
Shape of Cake Tiers
Round |
Square |
OtherIf you can dream it, they can do it.
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Pro TipAdjust the height of the tiers for a more customized cake look.
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Style of Frosting
Smooth |
Textured |
Natural |
Symmetry or Asymmetry with Design
SymmetricalIf you walk from one side of the cake to the other it will look the same
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AsymmetricalIf you walk from one side to the other the cake will look different.
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Cake Topper
StatuesClassic statues, a cool reinvent of statues.
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SignSigns, silhouettes, more. Feature your initials, last names, family, words of love.
These can get pretty creative
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Pro TipSee how the 'S' is partially hidden? It sunk down.
Be careful with the weight of your cake topper. Cakes are delicate. You want the topper to enhance its height and grace. |
Special Touches
Secret CakeOne cake, the front is the 'expected' wedding cake. The back is a 'secret' / 'hidden' / 'grooms' cake.
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Artistic / Painted Cake |
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Pro TipWhen you 'cut the cake' you will be cutting the bottom tier.
If you have a preference for what you want in that first public bite, factor it in! |
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Embellishments
Here are a few ideas of things to add a little something special to wedding cake.
Flowers |
Ribbon |
Fruit |
Gems |
Displays
Cake displays add a unique touch to the presentation.
Some venues include a 'cake table' and many couples opt to keep it simple.
Couples also opt for their own cake display. Here are a few ideas and ways to incorporate your theme more into your cake.
Some venues include a 'cake table' and many couples opt to keep it simple.
Couples also opt for their own cake display. Here are a few ideas and ways to incorporate your theme more into your cake.
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Pro TipSneak Peak see the wheels on this table?
Find out if your cake table is stationary or has wheels. If stationary, you will walk to your cake to cut it. If on wheels, your cake will come to you. It is often rolled to the middle of the dance floor for cake cutting (and then rolled into the kitchen so the cake can be sliced.) You've likely been to a few weddings and never noticed how this was done or who planned it. *Planners plan it to perfection. |
Are any of these your style?
Knowing all the elements can be helpful.
Seeing them come together can be even better.
Here are a few popular options to see and respond to - what resonates with you?
*Before going out on the world wide web, it can be beneficial to have more direction for your search.
Seeing them come together can be even better.
Here are a few popular options to see and respond to - what resonates with you?
*Before going out on the world wide web, it can be beneficial to have more direction for your search.
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Where to find that perfect design
A picture is worth a thousand words. The easiest way to communicate your vision to your cake designer is to start with a picture.
You can work with a designer
- Individual bakeries often have books with images of their past work
You can work with a designer
- Share your style
- Is the cake classic, modern, artistic, trendy, show-stopper, generic
- Sources of inspiration
- Your dress's lace or embroidery
- Invitation / website's colors, fonts, style
- Artistic vision
Wrapping Up
This summarizes the pieces you can customize for your wedding cake.
I welcome your feedback.
I welcome your feedback.