Everything you need to know about organising a wedding cake for the big day

With big ticket items like the venue, the dress and transport consuming most of your thoughts, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking your time when choosing a wedding cake. The wedding cake represents an important part of the wedding ceremony. Bride and groom, or wedding partners, join to cut the cake together. It’s a symbolic moment representing a shared future together.

To make sure your wedding cake is perfect in every way, follow our simple guide. Here’s everything you need to know about organising a wedding cake for the big day.

When do you order your wedding cake?

According to this wedding planner advice guide, the optimum time to order your wedding cake is 7 months before the big day. With so much to organise it’s a good idea to have a written plan of everything you need to do, including choosing and ordering your wedding cake. Don’t expect to get exactly what you want if you leave the cake ordering until the last minute. Seven months in advance will give you time do some taste testing and get your brief nailed.

Choosing a cake style

First up – don’t choose your cake until you’ve nailed your wedding theme. The trimmings, and that includes the wedding cake, will need to be carefully picked to match your personal style.

Don’t set up a cake consultation until you have some idea of your wedding theme. If you aren’t sure what type of cake you would like, a good wedding cake maker will be able to help tease out your ideas. Many wedding cake specialists have a gallery of wedding cakes you can browse for inspiration.

If you want a custom-cake to match your choice of flowers or icing to match the intricate lace detail on your dress, you’ll need to bring pictures and swatches with you. The more information you can give to your chosen cakemaker, the more chance he or she has of nailing your brief and creating the perfect wedding cake for you. See below for some of the latest wedding cake trends.

Flavours, fillings and tasting

Choose the flavours you want. Don’t attempt to please everyone else. Meet with your prospective wedding cake baker and taste a range of flavours and fillings to decipher which you and your partner love most. If you are ordering a tiered cake, you will be able to choose different flavours and fillings for each tier.

Get the facts on the type of icing and if it is suitable for the weather/time of year. Heat and humidity could be a concern. See some tips for avoiding a summer wedding cake meltdown here.

Don’t forget a detailed delivery plan

Wedding cake delivery needs to be planned meticulously. Getting your cake delivered in one piece and putting together layers on the day should be thoughtfully planned and given sufficient time. See tips on having your wedding cake delivered here.

Wedding cake trends for 2019

The choice when it comes to wedding cakes these days is huge. Gone are the days of limited designs, standard white icing and traditional fruit cake (though there is nothing wrong with traditional if that is what you want). Here are just some of the current wedding cake trends you may want to consider.

Tall Towers or single layers

Wedding cakes have traditionally been made with two or three tiers, but the trend this year seems to be towards several layers or conversely simple single-layer wedding cakes. So, whether you prefer to stack the layers up high or go with a minimalist theme, there’s an on-trend wedding cake to suit.

Geometric patterns

Geometric patterns have been a trend in home interiors for a while. Now they’re making their way into what we eat. Wedding cakes with geometric shapes and patterns are apparently the next big thing. It’s a very arty and cool cake-icing trend. Copper coloured icing details are the perfect wedding cake embellishment for trendy modern couples.

The Naked Cake

Not a new trend, but still incredibly popular for those with less of a sweet tooth, the naked cake is the perfect choice for any health-conscious couple. If you are looking for a cake screaming understated elegance, the naked cake is for you.

Vintage weddings continue as a popular style choice these days and the naked wedding cake fits the vintage theme perfectly. A modern interpretation of the traditional wedding cake, the naked-style cake is great for any wedding with a rustic vibe.

Mini wedding cakes

Miniature wedding cakes are a modern choice, and give you much more control over flavours and fillings. They also remove the hassle of having to cut and divide cake for guests on the day. Simply give your guests one each!

Mini cakes are much easier to transport without worrying about damage. They can be arranged on a plinth wherever you’ve decided to tie the knot, whether that be a stately home, a posh hotel, a clearing in a forest or on a remote beach.

Miniature cakes enable you to choose a variety of flavours and ensure you can easily cater for those with dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options if you need to (your guests with dietary requirements will love you even more for this).

Good Luck for your big day!