Ever wonder what it really takes to design your wedding cake? For many couples, this will be uncharted territory—and thankfully, something you only need to do once! It can be overwhelming, with brides and grooms often telling me, “I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do.” Don’t worry, I get it. You’re bombarded with beautiful images and endless options, making it hard to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together The Orchid Kitchen’s Wedding Cakes KnowHow—guidance from an expert to help you through the process!
1. Budget, Budget, Budget!
Having a realistic budget is key. If you’re hosting a wedding for 300 guests but only want to spend £300 on your cake, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider simpler options like cupcakes or even going without a cake. Avoid the stress of last-minute decisions by planning ahead and matching your budget to your vision.
2. Don’t Compromise on Style
It’s okay to have a smaller cake with a gorgeous, elaborate design. After all, your cake will be one of the most photographed details of your wedding! When you look back on those photos, you’ll remember the beauty of that cake, not how much cake was left.
3. Order Less Than Your Guest Count
You can safely plan for 10-20% less cake than the number of guests attending. Not everyone will eat cake, especially those hitting the dance floor. This can help reduce waste and keep costs down without compromising your design.
4. Consider Cutting Cakes for Larger Weddings
If you’re hosting a large reception but want to keep your main cake as a striking centerpiece, consider “cutting cakes” that aren’t displayed. These simpler, undecorated cakes can be served to guests, helping to manage your budget while still wowing with the design.
5. Dummy Tiers for Visual Impact
Want a towering cake but don’t need all those servings? Ask your cake designer about using dummy tiers. These are faux layers that allow you to achieve that dramatic, tall cake look without all the extra cost (or cake wastage!).
6. Be Realistic About Sugar and Fresh Flowers
One of the most expensive elements on a wedding cake is sugar flowers. They’re incredibly detailed and time-consuming to create. Fresh flowers can be just as tricky if you go for organic, pesticide-free options to keep your cake safe. Always ask about these costs before deciding on the floral extravagance.
7. Organic Fresh Flowers Only
If you’re opting for fresh blooms, ensure they’re organic! Many flowers are grown with pesticides that aren’t safe to consume or even come into contact with your cake. Work closely with your florist and cake designer to ensure safety and aesthetics.
8. Safety with Sugar Flowers
Wired sugar flowers should never be directly inserted into the cake. They need to be placed into food-safe posy picks to avoid contamination. Make sure your cake designer takes this extra step—especially if you have little ones at your wedding who love to sneak a bite of the decorations!
9. Allergen Report
Always request an allergen report from your cake designer. It’s essential to know what’s inside your cake, especially if you have guests with allergies or dietary restrictions.
10. Make It Yours
The best part of working with a bespoke cake designer like The Orchid Kitchen is the personalization. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ideas to create something uniquely yours. Your cake should reflect your personality and love story, so get creative!
11. Forget the Trends
Trends come and go, but your wedding cake should be timeless for you. Choose flavors, colors, and designs that you love, even if they’re not the “in” thing at the moment. After all, it’s your special day!
Wedding cakes are not just baked goods—they’re works of art, requiring time, attention, and a lot of passion to perfect. From handcrafted sugar flowers to meticulous fondant work, a luxury wedding cake is a labor of love that goes beyond just flour and sugar.
I hope this little guide has shed some light on the world of wedding cake design! Now, back to the studio to create the next edible masterpiece. Stay tuned for exciting updates from my upcoming exhibition—more info coming soon!
– Joanna xx
Images credit Natalie Pluck