How to Pick a Wedding Cake Baker?

Finding a good baker to make a wedding cake could be challenging. Find a baker who can accommodate your particular aesthetic preferences.

The wedding cake you choose will be the talk of the reception, but settling on the right one can be difficult.

It's more important to find the right baker for your wedding cake than it is to think about the flavours and designs.

How to Find the Perfect Baker for Your Wedding Cake

You should have at least some of the major wedding arrangements worked out before you begin your search for the perfect wedding cake. The least you can do is set the date, the price, and the location of the reception.

This data will be helpful when you compare bakers' prices and availability.

Keep Your Personality

Wedding cakes, much like snowflakes, are each one-of-a-kind. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be customised to meet your needs on your wedding day.

Finding the perfect wedding cake baker is a lot easier if you already know your event's colour and theme. Keep in mind that they operate similarly to artists, except that they use piping bags as their tools.

Each has its own distinct aesthetic, and you'll want to choose one that complements the theme of your wedding (think Picasso or Matisse). The design of your wedding cake should be memorable without detracting from the elegance of the event as a whole.

Research

Because you want nothing less than ideal, it's important to begin your search with some background reading. Instagram can be helpful at this stage as well; search for trending regional hashtags like #weddingcakesmelbourne to see what people there are saying about wedding cake suppliers in your area.

Going to a bridal expo is a good idea if you're looking to kill some time. You'll be able to physically examine numerous choices and perhaps even try some of them.

Check Out Reviews

When this is done, it's time to start looking for responses. You can get a taste of a baker's style from their portfolio, but it doesn't reveal much else. Inquire as to the timeliness and efficiency of delivery, the friendliness of the staff, and whether or not the cake lived up to your expectations.

If you had a really tasty slice of cake at a friend's wedding, you could always ask the organiser for the baker's details. If you already know and absolutely appreciate a certain baker's cakes, there's no need to try another.

Plan a Meeting

When they respond, it's time to arrange a meeting in person. When it comes to discussing preferences, unfortunately, neither FaceTime nor Skype will do. Meeting in person is essential because of the limitations of learning about a baker's work online.

You should ask to see additional examples of their work, try their baked goods, discuss pricing, and enquire about when you can expect your order to be delivered.

Look at Their Full Range of Work

Even while the wedding cakes are the main attraction, you may want to sample some of their other delicacies.

Their opulence may fall short of your expectations, yet you can still draw ideas from them.

Read the Contract

Well done, you! You're down to the wire in picking out a baker for your wedding cake. Your final step will be to look over their contract carefully and then put your signature on it.

Make sure you understand the whole cost and what is included in the service price before signing anything.

Be sure to find out if there are any hidden fees, such as those for labour, shipping, or special tools. Once you've built up your self-assurance, you'll be ready to travel.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Cake

One of the most memorable parts of most receptions is the cake. As such, it can act as a magnet to attract attention.

One common ritual at parties is the cutting of the cake. That people worry so much over selecting the ideal cake is hardly unexpected. Here are some things to keep in mind while you shop for the perfect wedding cake.

You can begin your search for a wedding cake baker with the help of these tips.

Choose the Right Baker

Inquire about the cake baker the happy couple hired if you enjoyed the one at a recent wedding you attended. The opinions of others might serve as a solid foundation.

Various bakeries offer a wide range of speciality cakes.

Find bakeries that specialise in the type of cake you want and set up a consultation with them. Make sure they can accommodate your preferences in terms of presentation, flavour, and design by asking them directly. Bring some photos, or compile a board on Pinterest.

This can help the baker create the perfect cake for your wedding by giving them a sense of your vision.

Understand the Timing of Creating a Wedding Cake

It usually takes between three and six months to decide on and order a wedding cake. Don't put the baker through more stress by waiting until the last minute.

Particularly if you're after a sophisticated cake like one you saw in a magazine or on Pinterest. Once you have decided on a location, a theme or colour scheme, and a dress, you can then select a cake.

Choose the Right Size

How many people can be fed depends on how many levels the cake has and how big each one is. Before you order, figure out how big you want your slices to be.

If you know the number of guests and the size of each slice, you can ask the baker how many loaves he or she will need to make. Then, instruct the slicer to make the appropriate size cuts.

To feed 100 people, a traditional three-tier cake has 75, 50, and 25 servings. A five-tier cake may be necessary for a wedding with 200 guests or more. A tall cake can be made with fewer layers by inserting columns in the spaces between each tier.

When the reception location is spacious and has high ceilings, using columns to make the cake look even more impressive is a terrific idea.

Think Carefully About Frosting Choices

Fondant, unlike meringue, whipped cream, and buttercream, does not melt at room temperature, making it a good option for summer weddings.

For a flawless finish, fondant is also an excellent option. If you want the look of fondant but the flavour of buttercream, have the baker frost the cake in buttercream first, then cover it with fondant.

Think on the wedding's colour scheme when making your cake selection. A cake whose frosting turns the tongue blue or green might not be very popular.

Consider Unusual Flavours When Choosing a Wedding Cake

Instead of attempting to please everyone, pick the flavours you enjoy the most. Your personality is baked into the cake.

Do not settle for vanilla cake and vanilla frosting unless you really enjoy those flavours. think about the time of year. Strawberry and blueberry flavours are commonly associated with summer, while pumpkin is more commonly associated with autumn.

Alternately, you might have distinct flavours for each tier. While this increases the likelihood that there will be enough food for everyone, it makes slicing and serving more difficult.

Wedding cake flavour decisions typically follow after the size decision is made.

The interesting part is that you get to sample many cake flavours before settling on the best one, but keep in mind that this is a tasting test and not a dessert buffet. Also, nowadays you can find cake in a wide variety of fascinating flavours.

The flavours can be as daring and unique as you like. There's a wide variety of cakes to choose from, including mud cakes, chocolate cakes, vanilla cakes, white chocolate cakes, and buttercream cakes. But trust your instincts, including your sense of smell, sight, and even touch, when picking for a shared pleasure.

Even if you're a fan of unusual flavours, it's courteous to your visitors to include at least one layer that they'll like trying. Chocolate cake is always a safe bet.

Schedule a taste test with your baker to determine which flavours you and your significant other like best if you have no idea or are overwhelmed by the variety of flavours.

Taste Test

Set up a taste once you've decided on the cake, filling, and frosting flavours you want to use. This will allow you to test out different flavour combinations for the cake.

Get a sample of four or five flavours that interest you. Depending on the baker, a cake's flavour can range from mild to intense. You should try the flavour, even if it's just vanilla, before deciding on a wedding cake and a baker.

Make Sure the Design Fits With the Rest of the Wedding Elements

The overall cake design should follow the wedding's theme, colours, and other aesthetic decisions.

The cake should complement the style of the wedding. Decorate the cake with the same flowers that will be used in the ceremony, or use the same lace design that will be on the bride's dress.

Take Structural Considerations Into Account

Unfortunately, certain cake designs just won't work with certain flavours. In the realm of baked goods, for instance, there are lighter and heavier cakes.

For this reason, multilayered cakes are not recommended. Cakes that are similarly airy and fragile have the same problem. It's possible that a wedding cake of this size would benefit from having each tier displayed on its own pedestal.

They don't have the luxury of always being able to stack on top of one another.

Types of Cake

The most well-liked cake varieties are listed here. You can enquire with your baker about other varieties of cake that aren't included here.

Chiffon 

Using vegetable oil, this cake stays moist and airy even after being refrigerated or frozen.

Sponge 

Sponge cake is another kind of light cake, but it's firmer and can be stacked like regular cake.

Fruitcake 

It's a dense sponge cake stuffed with candied or dried fruit, chopped nuts, spices, and sometimes booze. For special occasions like Christmas and weddings, this dessert is a must-have.

Chocolate 

Cakes flavoured with chocolate, either melted or in the form of cocoa powder, are known as chocolate cakes.

Cheesecake 

Sweet cheesecake can have anywhere from one to several layers. The first and most substantial layer is made with a blend of fresh, soft cheese, eggs, and sugar.

Crushed cookies, graham crackers, pastry, or sponge cake are common ingredients for the crust or foundation, if one is present.

Theme and Style 

Consider your wedding's overall aesthetic, style, and colour scheme when deciding on the shape, design, and flavour of your wedding cake.

You as a pair should see some of yourselves in it. A bare cake in a vibrant hue, for instance, would complement the overall feel of a wedding with a rustic theme.

Check that the cake's style and decoration complement the wedding's overall theme.

The wedding's overall theme, colours, and other details should all be decided before the cake's design is finalised. The cake shouldn't look out of place next to the other components.

Flowers that are similar to those used at the ceremony are acceptable. If your wedding is more traditional in style, a simple white cake may be just what you're looking for. There's a lot of room for creativity and lots of skilled bakers to work their magic.

Make a cake style board with pictures of cakes you like to use as inspiration for your own wedding cake. In this way, you may give your baker a clear picture of the finished product you envision. If you're having trouble deciding on a wedding cake, here are some examples of different designs as well as some advice on how to choose the right one.

The Novelty Cake 

Those who want to make a statement with their wedding cake design might opt for a novelty cake. It's possible to use this as a twist on the typical tiered cake, which can be a nice change of pace from the norm.

Personalizing your cake is a great way to highlight the things you share as a couple. Weddings that are themed around something the couple enjoys together, such as a favourite movie or the location where they first met, are more memorable and provide a more relaxed tone for the big day.

The Naked Cake 

The naked cake is the best option for the discerning couple who want a touch of understated elegance and a unique twist on tradition.

The naked cake is a more cost-effective option for a low-key wedding because it doesn't require any expensive decorations or icing.

These days, vintage weddings are all the rage, and this cake design can be a great addition to the retro vibe.

The most basic cakes can be the most beautiful and deliciously intimate. Naked cakes are a statement of exquisite taste when decorated with fresh flowers and fruit slices.

The Traditional 

You should never discount the allure of a classic cake or rule out this option altogether. Having a traditional wedding cake is the icing on the cake if you're having a conventional wedding in a church with all the bells ringing.

You need not fear; this cake may still be customised to your liking by adjusting the ingredients and assembly.

Sugar flowers that match the bride's bouquet and icing that matches the bride's dress are common cake decorations. A tradition like this should be maintained for as long as possible.

The Contemporary/ Modern 

The contemporary cake is a wonderful option for couples that want a classic cake but also want something unusual.

This cake incorporates both modern and classic features, making for a more adaptable take on the tried and true.

Even the cake's interior is open for interpretation. This allows you to break with convention by dividing the cake into multiple layers, each of which can be a different flavour.

You may keep your visitors on their toes by giving them a taste of the unexpected by using a variety of flavours and fillings in each narrative.

Miniature Wedding Cakes 

Miniature wedding cakes are ideal for your special day for many reasons.

It's a popular option because it eliminates the need to cut and serve individual servings of cake to each visitor.

Miniature cakes are compact and easy to transport, making them a good option for destination weddings. Just about any location will do for setting them up for your wedding.

Understand the Pricing

Bakeries often have a minimum order requirement, with additional charges based on the number of people they need to feed.

The price per unit might be as high as $15, or as low as $1.50. However, the price rises with more intricate design plans.

The price of fondant icing is more than that of buttercream. In general, the more labor-intensive the cake's construction, the higher the price tag.

Using false Styrofoam layers instead of cake to make the cake look larger won't reduce the cost significantly compared to the actual cake because most of the work goes into the decorating.

Opting for a Less Expensive Cake

It is not uncommon for couples to have only two tiers of cake during their wedding. Baking sheets are used to feed the remaining visitors. It's enough to make sure that the two cakes' pieces are uniform in appearance.

You can cut costs by opting for inexpensive décor like fresh fruit and flowers in season. When hosting a party, some individuals choose to have a cake with just one layer for slicing, and then serve something else to the visitors.

Consider How the Cake Will Be Delivered

Make sure the reception hall and the bakery are on the same page regarding the cake delivery. It could take some time for the baker to bring the cake in pieces and assemble it at the venue.

There should be a large enough refrigerator at the venue in case the cake needs to be refrigerated.