8 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Cake

Choosing your wedding cake might seem like an easy task, but there’s more to choosing the perfect cake than what you may initially think. Helen from wedding cake specialists Gift Cakes shares her experience and advice with us. Helen recommends 8 key points to consider when deciding on your wedding cake.

1. Size: A wedding cake with 3 tiers (10, 8 6 in diameter) would serve approximately 120 portions from round cakes and, and 200 portions from square cakes. If you have your heart set on a 3-tier wedding cake, but are having an intimate wedding with fewer guests, you can include a fake tier so you have enough portions and still achieve the look you want.
2. Venue: Even a large cake will look small in some hotel function rooms so if, for example, you are having a 2 tier cake, think about using a pedestal cake stand to add height to your cake and a small square table will also help make the cake stand out.
3. Flavours: The traditional fruit cake has long since been replaced by a variety of cake flavours in wedding cakes. Having 2 or more tiers gives you the opportunity to offer your guests a selection of cakes which you know will be eaten (chocolate biscuit cake being one of the best crowd-pleasers!). If you are keen to stick to tradition, the smallest tier can be a fruit cake which can then be stored for a future occasion (check with your cake-maker on how best to do this)

1. Decoration: Most modern cake-makers use sugarpaste as the main covering it is a form of pliable icing that is rolled out and gives a fantastically smooth surface to the finished cake, perfect for decorating. It also seals the cake inside keeping it deliciously fresh for longer. Sugarpaste can also be coloured easily so couples shouldn’t feel they are limited to white or ivory – your cake-maker will be delighted to create something bright and colourful if that’s what you fancy!
2. Shape: The shape of wedding cakes is changing too current trends now feature double height tiers and shapes other than round or square. A combination of different shaped tiers is also possible think outside the box! Incorporate elements from your dress, invitations and flowers into your cake design, or go for something completely different, such as a stack of presents or a birdcage.
3.  Ask the right questions: Everyone is working to a budget these days so discuss your requirements with your cake-maker. If your dream cake is not affordable, elements can certainly be incorporated into a design that fits your budget, so just ask!

1. Cutting the cake: Don’t forget that the cutting of the cake ceremony is not only a great informal photo opportunity for your guests, it is very likely to be featured in your wedding album as well, so spending time choosing a design which will give your wedding breakfast a stunning centrepiece is time well spent.
2. Eating It: Last but not least don’t forget to eat it! It has been known for either the bride or groom to be so busy mingling at the reception that they completely miss the serving of the cake (if you think there might be a risk of this happening, tell the venue to reserve a portion of the cake for you to take away with you). Make sure you have your cake – and enjoy it!

Helen’s love for baking and design led her to turn her passion into a business. You can contact Helen on 086 8562212 or email hlindopp@gmail.com, ot visit her website to view more of your gorgeous cake designs. You can also read more about Helen in our vendor spotlight.