Updated at: 10-10-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

The best time to order your wedding cake is as early as four months in advance, if you’re unsure. We’ll also discuss the groom’s cake and what people anticipate from it.

No, I’m not concerned about when to order my wedding dress. Find out how long it takes to sew a wedding dress so you can plan accordingly.

When planning a wedding, it’s critical to plan ahead of time so that you have all of the items you’ll need on hand when you need them.

7 Wedding Cake Traditions and Their Meanings

Cutting the Cake

The bouquet toss and first dance are just two of the many photo opportunities that appear in every wedding book. Even though the bride traditionally did this alone to signify the loss of her virginity, cutting the wedding cake today marks the first activity done as a married couple.

As cakes became more elaborate and the number of visitors grew, the cake cutting process became more difficult. Nowadays, the bride wants the groom’s aid, and the caterer is usually entrusted with the task of cutting the entire cake.

The Bride and Groom Feeding Each Other Cake

The bride and groom then share a little piece of cake in the second part of the traditional cake cutting ceremony. As a way to display your love and devotion to one another, this gesture can be beautiful and charming.

When should you order your wedding cake?

In certain circumstances, the groom or bride grinds the cake into their partner’s face as part of the tradition. It’s advisable to stick to a simple feeding unless everyone decides to engage in a display like this in advance.

The Groom’s Cake

Many southern states still practice the tradition of groom’s cakes from their colonial-era weddings. To show off the groom’s interests and preferences, many modern weddings have resurrected the custom of a sports cake.

Traditionally, the groom’s cake is made of chocolate to contrast with the wedding cake, but it can be any taste.

Saving the Top Tier

The top tier of the wedding cake is usually saved for the first anniversary or baptism ceremony by most couples. Christenings were traditionally held within a year of the wedding, so this was a natural fit. A small cake-eating ritual is now the norm for many newlyweds on their first anniversary. Sharing a tiny cake together is a sweet way to remember a great occasion.

Unless the cake has mousse layers or delicate fresh fruit fillings, a well-wrapped cake can readily last a year in the deep freezer without significant damage.

Sleeping With Piece of Cake Under the Pillow

A piece of wedding cake under a person’s pillow is said to cause her to dream about her future spouse. Wedding favors that are small, exact duplicates of the wedding cake have been a tradition for than 300 years.

Having a cake under a pillow may not be as safe as it was in the past because current cakes aren’t as sturdy as the traditional fruitcake. More orderly is the solution of sending a favor in a box.

Wedding Cake Charms

The long-standing tradition of baking charms into wedding cakes has largely faded from view. While it’s a fun custom to try, guests should be warned to be cautious and remove their charms before eating the cake.

As an alternative, charms can be embedded in a cake, and the guest just pulls the charm out.

Traditionally, a variety of charms have been worn, each with a special significance:

  • True love comes from the heart.
  • An engagement ring is on the way.
  • Making a wish and having it come true
  • Children should sit in a high chair.
  • Lucky clover or horseshoe.
  • Longevity of a rocking chair.
  • Adventure awaits you at the helm.
  • The flower symbolizes the beginning of a new romantic relationship.
  • Good luck in your bag.
  • The sound of wedding bells signifies the beginning of a new life together.

The White Wedding Cake

Victoria’s white cakes were sought for because they were a sign of wealth and social status in the Victorian era. Guests thought the richer the family appeared, the more they spent on the fine white sugar required to make white frosting.

The cake’s white color was a nod to the wedding’s main attraction: the bride. Cakes in the same color as a bride’s dress or bouquet are a popular way for brides to keep things consistent.

Cakes for weddings can be any color, although white is still seen as a standard for the cake’s foundation color. This cake was traditionally referred to as the “bride’s cake” since white is the color of purity.

19 Things To Know Before You Pick Your Wedding Cake

1. It’s best to have these three things squared away before you even start making cake-tasting appointments: your wedding date, your venue, and your estimated number of guests.

The bakery has to know in advance if they can accommodate you on that particular weekend during wedding season since things get very busy very quickly. Because the bakery is almost certainly going to bring the cake, you and anyone else for whom they are making deliveries on the big day will need to work around their schedule. Cake size is determined by the number of guests, but don’t sweat it if that number changes; most bakeries don’t mind if you call to add or remove guests two weeks before the event.

2. Most wedding cakes are priced by the slice, not by the number of tiers.

The size of the tiers will be decided by the number of people you intend to feed.. As an example, you may tell the bakery how many tiers you want, and they’ll figure out the pan sizes they need to use to feed the number of people you’ve given them, as well as make sure the dimensions are proportional to the tiers themselves. There you go. Baked goods require math. (No one is safe.)

It is likely that the fee will be per person, depending on your design. For example, the most basic frosted wedding cake at one bakery costs $5 per person, but as the design gets more complex, the price per person rises.

3. Do you have a small number of guests but still have your heart set on getting a wedding cake the size of a small toddler? You’ve got options!

In order to have a three-tier cake or more, you’ll need to feed at least that many people, but you don’t always have to purchase extra cake if you only have a few visitors. One or more layers may be composed of plastic foam and designed to look like the other layers, which you can inquire about when ordering. A SECRET cake is the ultimate indulgence.

4. If you’re budget-conscious, most bakeries will give you price estimates on designs before you go, or at least ballpark them for you.

It’s great if you have a general notion of what you want. A quick email with a photo or broad idea of what you’re looking for will save both you and your prospective wedding cake seller time, and they can provide an approximate price per person depending on the design. To avoid having to start from scratch, you might spend the cake-tasting appointment focusing on your specific preferences. If you have a limited budget, this will give you an idea of what kinds of designs are possible.

5. When it comes to wedding cake design, Pinterest and Instagram are your two new BFFs.

Whether or not you have a specific design in mind is also acceptable! You won’t be going to prison for your wedding cake! You can, however, save photographs of cakes you like on Pinterest or Instagram and bring them to your cake tasting session. This helps the decorator get a sense of your style and gives you both a starting point for creating something unique. You should be able to walk away from a sampling with a few ideas for designs and prices in mind so that you have time to think things over before signing any agreements.

6. There’s a difference between “layers” and “tiers.” The number of tiers in a wedding cake is how many levels the cake itself has. The “layers” refer to the cake and filling within each tier.

Let’s pretend this is a piece of wedding cake from the bottom layer that hasn’t yet been devoured by my bare hands. In the case of, instance, a confetti (rainbow sprinkle) cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting, each tier would have four “layers” constructed as follows: confetti on top of the strawberry filling, strawberry filling on top of that, and then one more layer of confetti on top of that, and so on.

7. You can get pretty creative about the fillings that go into the layers — the bakery will likely have some combos in mind, but if you’re looking for something even *more* specific, it never hurts to ask!

An unique view inside my Hufflepuff head is included in this collection of inspirations for you to get started.

At the most basic level, you’ll find varieties like plain vanilla or chocolate frosting as well as flavors like strawberry or raspberry cream cheese frosting.

Here's Exactly How Far In Advance You Should Order Your Wedding Cake

Spreads including jams, ganaches, salted caramel, Nutella, peanut butter, pumpkin butter, chopped fruits, and lemon curd can be used as an accompaniment to frostings.

Crushed Oreos, Nerds, crushed Reese’s, and cookie dough are all examples of fillings that can be used in conjunction with frostings, if desired.

Take a look at some of them! With each layer of peanut butter–cream cheese frosting mixed in with raspberry jam and ganache, this was the finest cake I’ve ever tasted. On a daily basis, I reminisce about the cake I ate there. I hope she realizes how much I adore her.

8. You don’t have to be ~married~ to a certain flavor combo.

With numerous tiers, you can get different flavors for each tier of your cake. Couples often choose to have a “crowd-pleaser” flavor, such as vanilla cake with fruit frosting, and a “adventurous” flavor, such as pumpkin cake with Nutella frosting. There are some who choose to divide the flavors in tiers based on their favorite combinations from the tasting (Partner A’s is at the bottom, Partner B’s is at its highest tier). It’s fine, however, if you want to make the entire cake a single flavor, provided it’s not lemon (fight me).

9. Ignore the “flavor” of the frosting on the outside of the cake.

That’s the only part of the sandwich that won’t be eaten. Traditionally, cakes are cut into rectangles, and the frosting within the cake would be the main focus. The good news is that if your stomach is grumbling for cake but your heart is racing at the thought of wearing blush-pink glitter on your cheeks, you can have both! The exterior frosting is normally vanilla buttercream or fondant, but folks will cut into your chocolate dream and everything will be OK in the marital world.

10. You can learn about frosting’s (love) language from a few different resources, but don’t sweat the details too much.

When it comes to earning extra points, here’s a quick refresher on icing. American buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream, and fondant are the most common forms of frosting used to cover the cake’s exterior.

The most common type of buttercream in the United States is American buttercream, which is sweeter, creamier, and more like the frosting on a birthday cake. With its thickness, it’s a little more challenging, but it has the potential to produce gorgeous textures and flawless finishes if that’s what you’re looking for. If you have a sweet craving, this is the best option (or if, like me, all of your teeth are sweet).

There are many advantages to Italian meringue buttercream compared to American buttercream. It’s also easier to work with and produces a more lustrous finish than most other options. The downside to glass is that it is more susceptible to melting in hot weather, so keep that in mind if you’re considering having your wedding in the summer.

There are a lot of opinions on fondant because it doesn’t have the same texture as traditional cake frostings. As a wedding cake decoration, it looks great and makes it easy to incorporate additional design components. Colorful wedding cakes may also be best served with this type of frosting because it won’t bleed into the mouths of guests like traditional buttercream would. Even if fondant is your nemesis, remember that guests won’t be tasting much of the outside of the cake, so don’t be too hard on yourself.)

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal taste and what you’ll need to make your design work. With those words in mind, please use a vat of American buttercream to disperse my ashes over the ocean.

11. You can get creative with your tiers.

Tiers can be square, hexagonal, or even asymmetrical and topsy-turvy, giving your guests the impression that they overindulged at the open bar. A square tier can be layered on top of another round tier, or the other way around. You can even experiment with the heights of the tiers, making some of them shorter than the others. Tiers are just like people, right? Every size and form is represented!

12. There are approximately infinite ways to texture frosting and decorate cakes, and enough terms to fill an encyclopedia.

Even if you’re not planning to quit your day job, enroll in a pastry arts degree, or try to become the next Cake Boss, there’s a handy glossary of cake-decorating phrases on Love & Lavender if you want to learn more about the subject matter. Even if there are certain really particular design components you’d like to convey to the decorator, taking images is typically sufficient — decorators are well-versed in non-cake jargon communication methods.

13. Don’t be afraid to think outside the pastry box.

There are a plethora of unorthodox methods to personalize or spruce up a cake. Request custom cake toppers, incorporate your wedding colors in a unique way, or bury subtle messages in the design if you choose (I saw one couple who put a secret message hand-painted on their cake in Morse code). Even though I’ve seen wedding cakes that virtually hang from the ceiling in terms of decoration, I’m not convinced that’s still a limit. However, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask! There is a good chance that the decorator will be able to offer some suggestions, which will give you a greater sense of ownership over the final design.

14. You can significantly cut the cost of your cake by applying flowers yourself or having the florist apply them at the venue for a fee.

To save money, you can get the bakery’s simplest frosted wedding cake, which will be the cheapest option, and decorate it yourself at the reception location — it’s easy and looks stunning.

Other ways to save money include: Request a smaller, tiered cake for a specific number of guests, and then order an unadorned sheet cake to feed the rest of your guests. Naked wedding cakes, ombré wedding cakes, or basic frosted wedding cakes are less of a lift for decorators than hand-painted cakes, sugar-flower cakes, or fondant-designed cakes. Stick with buttercreams instead of fondant.

15. Ask how many weddings the bakery already has scheduled for your wedding weekend and how many they’re planning to take.

Wedding cakes are so prevalent in these establishments that it’s typical for them to start baking and “rough frosting” them a few days ahead of time so that they can stay fresh while the bakery begins designing. This is why many wedding cakes are criticized for being “stale” or “dry.” If you know how many weddings or other events will be taking place that weekend, you can get a better idea of the risk to your cake.

16. If you’re worried about your wedding cake being dry, you can ask for simple syrup to be drizzled in it.

Despite the fact that I’m about to use a phrase that might make some people weep, this is what I do to keep the cake moist. The truth is that your wedding cake will not be baked the day of or even the day prior. Request that the bakery drizzle simple syrup between each layer before to assembling the cake. This will ensure that the finished product has some moisture. (It will make it taste marginally sweeter, so also bear in mind that this advice is coming from an unrepentant sugar fiend.)

17. Make sure you love whatever flavor you decide on for your top tier.

There are some individuals who might find this odd, but it helps keep the cake (*lowers voice*) moist when I say it like this. The truth is that your wedding cake will not be baked the day of or even the day prior. The bakery can add a thin coating of simple syrup between each layer before it’s assembled if you’re concerned about the cake’s moisture levels after it’s been baked. This advise comes from an unrepentant sugar addict, so bear in mind that it will make it taste slightly sweeter.

18. Fall in love with too many flavors? That’s what rehearsal dinner cakes are for.

As strange as that may sound (especially because I’m about to use a word that will probably make some people weep), this helps keep your cakes moist. When it comes down to it, your wedding cake isn’t going to be baked the day of or even the day before. So, if you want to make sure the cake stays moist, have the bakery sprinkle some simple syrup between the layers before they put it together. (Be aware that this advise comes from an unrepentant sugar addict.)

Even if you decide to have your cake designed, it’s a great chance to express your individuality in a manner that you might not be able to do on a more traditional wedding cake. It’s important to note that I am not here to push my cake agenda, which is something I have done since I first learned to talk.

19. Remember that cake is supposed to be fun!!

It’s cake, like. Even if something goes wrong, there will be plenty of other cakes to taste and days to do so. And if you provide alcohol at your wedding, there’s a 90% probability that you and your guests will be buzzed by the time the cake is served, and it will taste like the culinary world’s eighth wonder. Don’t worry about the cake. That’s the point of the reception, right?

When Do I Order My Wedding Cake?

At least four months before the wedding, you should order your wedding cake. If you want a personalized cake, several bakeries advise making your order at least six months ahead of time.

As a general rule, some bakeries have a maximum number of orders they can handle, so it may be difficult to find one that can meet your deadline. Also, keep in mind that if the date is a popular one for celebrations, the shops’ delivery schedules may be fully booked.

Check out the reviews and reputation of bakeshops six months before the wedding to get a better idea of which one to choose. As a result, the cake designer will also have a good idea of what you want.

Even if you haven’t figured out everything you want for your wedding cake yet, don’t fret about it. Wedding cake shops should assist you in every detail, even if you purchase rather early, to ensure that you obtain the design, style, or flavor of your wedding cake.

How Far In Advance Should I Order My Wedding Cake?

Ordering your wedding cake six months in advance is possible. You may think this is too early, but if your wedding date falls during high season, this is the best time to start looking for a venue.

The cake may also require months of planning to include specifics, or certain ingredients may not be readily available. To make sure you get exactly what you want on your wedding day, place your order for your wedding cake as early as possible.

You should order the wedding cake after you have found a venue for your big day. In this way, the cake designer can have all the relevant information needed to make and send the cake, since location is important.

Are you curious how shops deliver wedding cakes? After that, learn how to transport a wedding cake.

How early can you make a wedding cake?

Are you interested in finding out how wedding cakes are delivered to customers? After that, learn how to transport a wedding cake.

Is this something you’ve always wondered about? Next, learn how to transport a wedding cake.

Who Pays For The Wedding Cake?

It is customary for the bride’s family to cover the cost of the wedding cake and other expenses, such as the wedding dress, the engagement party, the wedding organizer, photography, and even lodging for the bridal party. Although the bride’s family is not obligated to pay for the wedding cake, there is no explicit rule requiring them to do so.

In rare cases, the couple decides to cover the cost of the wedding cake themselves. Wedding cakes can be paid for by the groom’s family, or by a friend who gives the cake to you as a wedding present.

Alternatively, if the wedding is financed by both the bride’s and groom’s families, the cake might be shared equally. There is no right or incorrect answer here; anyone who wants to buy the cake can pay for it.

How much do wedding cakes cost?

The price of a wedding cake can range from as little as $350 to as much as $1,000. There are a number of variables that can affect the cost of a wedding cake: the time it takes to make the cake, the delivery price and any customizations, as well as the number of tiers and the flavor, ingredients, frosting and even the intricacy of the design and style of the cake.

When Should I Order My Groom’s Cake?

Three months before the wedding, you may want to order your groom’s cake. It’s customary to serve it at the rehearsal dinner before the wedding, so keep that in mind first.

In some weddings, the groom’s cake is also served at the reception. Once more, keep in mind design, ingredients, and timing while placing your order for your groom’s cake.

What is the purpose of a groom’s cake?

The custom of giving the groom a cake as a wedding present is known as the groom’s cake. The decor is tailored to the groom’s preferences, thus it’s possible that the groom’s interests and passions come through in the design and creation of the event.

When To Order Wedding Cake: Dos And Don'ts - Krostrade

The groom’s cake, if presented during the reception, might serve as an alternative to the wedding cake for attendees. Although the groom’s cake is traditionally given in a ceremonial manner, this is not always the case.

The Biggest Wedding Cake Dos and Don’ts

1. Don’t choose a cake until you’ve made your major wedding style decisions.

For your wedding, you’ll want a cake that is in harmony with your venue’s style and season as well as your gown, the flowers, and the cuisine. You don’t need to bring a complete sketch with you to your cake consultation, but having a basic understanding of the terminology will help everyone. A photo of your wedding china, or even the fabric from your dress, might serve as inspiration when you’re wanting to design something unique.

2. Do have a budget in mind.

By the slice, wedding cakes are typically priced. The price ranges from $3 to $30 per slice, however it can fluctuate widely (and beyond). In a sugar rush, it’s easy to be swayed by a blood orange filling or a multi-flavor cake, but knowing your budget and how it will be affected will help you prioritize your options. It’s worth noting that more flavors mean a higher price; more intricate tastes mean a higher price; handmade sugar flowers cost a few bucks to each slice; and fondant frosting is often more expensive than buttercream.

3. Do match the cake height to your space.

If you’re serving 200 people or more, you’ll likely need five tiers, as three usually suffice. Adding height to your cake with columns or a faux Styrofoam layer (no one will ever know!) is a great idea if your reception will be held in a large ballroom.

4. Don’t choose the flavor based on what everyone else wants.

Your cake should not only be a visual treat, but also a delectable culinary treat. During your first meeting with potential bakers, be sure to sample a wide variety of flavors. Take a break from vanilla and chocolate and experiment with new flavors. Many bakers use complex flavorings like guava and mango or hazelnut and mocha in their cakes.

5. Do get the facts on frosting.

Using buttercream or fondant? Buttercream, on the other hand, is often tastier. It’s possible to make your cake look like something out of a fairy tale by putting a layer of fondant on top before icing it in buttercream. Choose frosting in colors that your guests will like to eat, no matter what type you use. A white cake with green frosting is a good choice if your wedding colors are blue and green.

6. Don’t forget to consider the weather.

Avoid using whipped cream, meringue, and buttercream if you’re planning an outdoor wedding in a hot climate (they melt). You can ask your baker about summer frosting possibilities or go for a fondant-covered cake, which will fare considerably better in the heat.

7. Do budget for extra details.

As far as decorative expenditures go, they vary widely. Fresh fruits and flowers are the most affordable alternative, and your florist may even apply them for a small cost. Hand-crafted gum-paste or sugar-paste flowers are at the top of the price range. To put it simply: All extras, like marzipan fruits, chocolate flowers and lace points will raise the price. As a matter of fact, we think the price is worth it!

The information in this comprehensive guide will help you locate the ideal wedding videographer.

8. Don’t forget to top it off.

A cake can be decorated in a variety of ways, each one unique and lovely. The baker should be able to incorporate a piece of heirloom—especially a superb porcelain antique—into the design of the cake. A “something old” can be added to this ensemble. Other options include sugar flowers, icing ribbons, or even a sugar block sliced to reveal your new monogram… Consider what’s available in your immediate surroundings as well. If you’re having a beach wedding, a coral cluster would be lovely, while a fondant snowflake would be perfect for a winter wedding. If you don’t like the look of a topper, you can leave it out entirely.

9. Do have a detailed delivery plan.

Because cake delivery requires planning (and a refrigerated van), you may choose to have your cake delivered. Allow enough time and space for the final assembling of complex cakes. Also, be certain that once the work of art has been delivered, it will be housed in the appropriate location (especially if it requires refrigeration). Bottom line: Discuss all the delivery details with your baker before signing the contract.

10. Do give your cake the spotlight.

Consider having your cake delivered so you don’t have to worry about it getting there in the first place. Make sure you have enough time and room to put together a complicated dessert. Don’t forget to secure a location for the finished work of art after it has been delivered (especially if it requires refrigeration). In the end, be sure you and your baker are on the same page before signing a contract.

11. Don’t forget to eat your cake (seriously!).

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for newlyweds to miss out on eating their own wedding cake (besides the bite you feed each other). Your caterer may be able to help you out. Be sure to serve it to your new mate after the wedding as a post-dinner dessert.

12. Don’t let freezer burn happen.

Even with the most meticulous wrapping, the thought of tasting the top tier of your anniversary cake sounds better than it actually tastes. Treat yourself to a fresh cake in the same taste when you’ve been married for a year by indulging on your two-week or one-month anniversary. If you must follow tradition, place the cake in an airtight baggie after carefully wrapping it in plastic wrap.

Conclusion

If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. After reading this article, you now know how long it takes to order your wedding cake.

This will help you meet your deadlines, especially if you’re working during a busy period, the design is complex, or some of the elements are difficult to come by. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.