Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Cake

A wedding cake is often the centerpiece of the wedding. It’s the focus of countless photos and the crucial element of the traditional cake-cutting ceremony. Couples remember their wedding cakes for years to come, and many brides and grooms even save the top tier to eat on their first anniversary. Though there are countless options when choosing a wedding cake, picking one is simple if you follow these steps.

Style
Are you planning a classic, formal wedding or a more casual, carefree event? Whether you want a structured feel or something more natural, there are specialty cakes that can meet your needs and match your wedding. For a timeless feel, we recommend a simple design, like a three-tiered white cake with fondant and roses. For a less traditional wedding, you could try adding fun colors, using a unique decal, or experimenting with fun cake toppers. If you’re not sure which cake style would best match your wedding, you can also meet with a cake decorator or wedding coordinator to discuss ideas and find inspiration.

Setting
Though most cakes can handle cold, not every cake can withstand the heat and humidity of an outdoor wedding. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding or reception, you’ll need to plan your cake accordingly. Frosting that is loaded with butter may taste delicious, but it can wilt or melt in the sun if you don’t take necessary precautions. To avoid droopy frosting, ask your cake decorator to use a frosting with extra powdered sugar or to substitute butter for shortening. If you don’t like those options, you can also substitute your frosted flowers and ribbons with real ones.

Flavor
You determine the worth of a wedding cake not only by its design but also by its flavor. We don’t believe in cakes that taste like cardboard, and finding your perfect cake also means finding the perfect flavor. If you plan to serve cake to all of your guests, we recommend a classic flavor that everyone can enjoy, like vanilla or chocolate with a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. If you and your spouse-to-be are the only ones who will taste the cake, then we recommend sampling a wider variety of flavor combinations to find the one that suits you best.

No matter the size, style, or location of your wedding, you can find a specialty cake that will meet your needs. If the choices seem overwhelming, don’t worry. Simply follow these 3 guidelines, and your cake and marriage will both be off to a sweet start.