Expert Tips for Choosing a Wedding Cake

No doubt you’ve never bought a wedding cake before, so how will you know what to look for? We spoke with Paris Cutler, director of leading cake business Planet Cake, for her advice.

Where can couples look for inspiration to help them decide on a cake design?

Actually, I wouldn’t advise couples to design their own cake. It’s an extremely specialist area as you need to understand the medium of cakes and icing. I have had many couples who are stressed out from trying to design their own cake. They were very relieved to hear that this is something they are not expected to do. It’s like designing your own wedding dress, you wouldn’t expect to do it alone without the help of a professional.  

If you want be involved in the designing process I always ask my clients to think about what makes them unique as a couple. We have incorporated everything from snoopy dolls, skiers, accountants and graphic design into the look of the cake to reflect a unique aspect of the couple. Then after matching this to the venue, we end up with something unique that looks amazing at the wedding.

What should a bride expect from her cake supplier?

If you go to a respectable cake maker, you should expect that your cake will be designed especially for you, that you are given tasting samples and that logistics such as liaising with your venue and delivery are all taken care of.

What should you take along to your cake appointments?

Take along photos of your dress and any other references that you like. Your cake decorator should do the rest. It should be a stress-free process. I think loads of time, effort and stress can be saved by going to someone reputable in the first place.

What are the things brides often forget to think about or consider when choosing their wedding cake?

Often brides forget to consider how they will look being photographed cutting the cake. While having a bright pink cake with feathers on top may be your dream cake, remember the groom will also be photographed with it. It’s best to have a cake designed to compliment both of you. I prefer tall cakes as they make the groom look better and the couple appear slimmer.

Brides also need to think about whether the cake will complement their wedding gown. When an ivory dress and white cake are photographed together, the dress will look dirty.

What sorts of things are a “must” for to-be-weds to think about when choosing their cake?

Venue, venue, venue! I cannot stress this enough. All of our designs are based around the venue first and everything else second. A huge ballroom needs a tall cake, while a modern venue over the harbour does better with strong modern shapes. The venue is so important because it’s where the cake will be presented, photographed and admired. Having it compliment the room and the décor will ensure it fits in with your wedding style perfectly.

What can a couple expect to pay extra for?

If you’re worried about breaking the budget, remember that the little details such as figurines, delivery to outer suburbs, cupcake stands, and lace piping all come at an additional cost.

What types, styles, colours and/or flavours do you think a bride can’t go wrong with?

You cannot go wrong with chocolate and white chocolate cakes. Also, cakes that are kept fairly clean with only one or a small group of feature flowers will work with almost any venue and will always look timeless.

Why is a cake tasting important?

Cake tastings are absolutely essential. Firstly it may be the only time the bride and groom actually taste the cake and secondly it is extremely important that the cake flavours reflect the couple. I find a lot of grooms are very particular about flavours!

Are there any alternatives offered to a traditional wedding cake to ensure something unique?  

These days' there is trend towards people designing their own cakes. We have had dogs, figurines, wine boxes, cars, mountains and all sorts of other quirky and personalised designs. For Guy Sebastian’s wedding we made a 3D guitar. At Planet Cake we love to cater to couples wanting ‘something out there’.

What are some possible problems and difficulties a couple may come across when it comes to the cake?

If you are offered a very cheap price for an expensive question, there should be only one word going through your mind… WHY? Often when you are being charged cheaper prices, you are not paying for time and attention from your supplier. If your supplier uses inferior chocolate and ingredients your cake will end up tasting salty and fatty. Any lack of internal support inside your cake's structure could also cause major disasters, such as the cake collapsing before you even get to the reception. Discuss with your supplier how the cake will be delivered and whether someone will be available should your cake need any attention. Many many times we have been asked to repair cakes or replace them completely because clients went with a cheap inferior option only to be severely let down. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. We advise choosing a great tasting cake and decorate with fresh flowers if you are on a budget, and always go with word of mouth recommendations.

At Planet Cake you offer cake decorating classes. Why would to-be-weds benefit from one of these classes?

A cake decorating course is great for those wanting to make their own cake. Many brides and friends of brides are deciding to make the wedding cake themselves. This is less about cost saving and much more about injecting love and personality into the wedding. In the last two years we have seen an increase in these types of students in our decorating school. Many opt for a private lesson where we assist them in making the actual cake in our kitchen.

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--- Chelsea Tromans