At your wedding, a stunning wedding cake can be a show stopper. Being both a visual delight and a delicious treat for your guests. The costs depend on the size, flavors, fillings, complexity of decorations, and the baker. Well-known bakeries in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg will be on the higher end. When planning a spectacular wedding cake, follow these tips for a sweet success.
Like many wedding expenses, cakes can get pricey. The costs of your cake will ultimately depend on the size, flavours, fillings, complexity of decorations, and the baker. Well-known bakeries in major cities will be a little harsher on your budget.
Establish your guest count early on and set up your cake budget from there. You will likely need to set aside at least R1 500* for a smaller, simpler design (*note this is a guideline for what an average minimum spend could look like, ultimately you need to gather current quotes from bakers in your area).
If you want to save money, opt for a simpler design. You can still keep an elegant look to your cake but you won’t incur any of the extra labour costs that come with incorporating intricate handmade sugar flowers, piped details, and sculpted elements. Instead, consider a semi-naked cake with fresh blooms, greenery, or fruit for a lovely minimalist look.
But some of us do have a dramatic flair and the budget to make a grand statement, so don't be afraid to splurge on an opulent, multi-tiered masterpiece! Elaborate piping work, hand-painted designs, metallics/foil, and 3D elements can transform a cake into an edible work of art.
Before ordering, try to finalise your guest count or get as close to a final count as possible and get a sense of how many will likely want cake or if you will purchase for everyone either way.
Some guests may skip it, especially if you offer other dessert options. Your planner and baker can advise on the ideal size based on your guest count. If you are offering other dessert options and would prefer the sweet tooth focus to be on those, opt for a small cake just to cut and take the photos with.
If you have an idea of your theme already, use this to guide you in deciding how you want your cake to look. If not and you find the cake of your dreams you can use that as a starting point for setting up your wedding theme.
1, 2, 3, 4, 10 tiers? Naked cake? Fondant? Floating elements? Florals? Painted elements? Foil? Different tiers being different flavours? Colours?
Next, you will need to decide on flavours! The classic is still vanilla or fruit cake, but couples today embrace fun flavour combos like:
Consider incorporating some of those well-known South African roots into the mix with:
You'll also choose a frosting style like buttercream, fondant, ganache, cream cheese, or merengue; as well as any flavour they may need.
You may also want to look into cheese cakes – and not a typical cheese cake but a cake made from cheese wheels.
Before committing to a specific cake, schedule tastings with 2-3 of your preferred bakers. Sampling their work lets you experience the flavours and textures first-hand while also evaluating their quality and creativity. These tastings ensure your cake both looks and tastes amazing per your standards.
Select your baker carefully. Do your research and look at their reviews for reliability, responsiveness, and execution of complex cake designs. Get recommendations from your friends, family and planner.
For summer weddings, choose frosting that can withstand heat and humidity. Fondant and ganache hold up beautifully, while buttercream may melt. If you prefer buttercream, consider keeping the cake indoors in air conditioning until ready to cut.
For cool weather celebrations, you'll have more flexibility with frosting and filling types. Just be sure your cake doesn't get too chilled if being kept outdoors.
Your baker will have the best suggestions for cake storage at your venue and for transportation so ask them for recommendations and assistance.
Ask your baker about any special delivery and setup requirements. Many assemble multi-tiered cakes on-site, and some elaborate designs need refrigeration until ready to display. Make sure your venue can accommodate any special requirements your baker may have.
Designate a special table to showcase your stunning cake! Use linens, florals, and surrounding decor items to create a gorgeous cake display area. The table's shape should match your cake's - round for round cakes, long rectangle for others.
Remember the cake cutting is one of the many key shots a photographer will have on the list so make sure you are happy with the setup of this table and its positioning. Also be aware of foot traffic around the cake table and cake.
Many couples today skip the classic bride and groom figurine toppers and opt for a variety of other stunning topper options. Consider a custom laser-cut wood or acrylic topper, fresh florals, greenery vines cascading down the tiers, or even a cookie with your new monogram or last name initial.
Before your cake hits the dessert table, there's the iconic cake cutting moment! Where you’ll slice into the bottom tier together, indulging in the first bites, then the cake is cut and serviced.
Have a cake knife and server set ready. Most venues handle for you, but for intimate DIY weddings, add this task to your or your coordinator's timeline so it's not overlooked.
With their meticulous craftsmanship, amazing wedding cake bakers book up to a year in advance for premium dates. Once you've selected your baker, get on their calendar 8-12 months prior to your wedding date, even if you need to finalise design specifics later. This ensures you secure the best talent for your big day!
A mouth-watering wedding cake is both a visual masterpiece and the sweet finale for your celebration. With these tips for choosing the perfect style and flavours, you're sure to dazzle your guests while treating them to an unforgettably delicious delight!
Carey from Carey Mel Food Co. has this to say about choosing your wedding cake:
"Wedding cake... Not just a dessert anymore. They have now become a statement piece to your reception! From extravagant to beautifully simple.
Choosing your cake and baker is extremely important, I find it to be a very personal thing to make someone's wedding cake ( it's like I am a part of their big day). I want to give only the best to my clients, best service, ingredients and care!
Choosing a flavour and style are always important and shouldn't be rushed!
So I hope that you take your time to find your perfect fit..."
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