Choosing Your Ideal Wedding Cake Style

Kate Rautenberg Photography

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and every detail should reflect the unique story you and your partner share. One of the most memorable aspects of this celebration is undoubtedly the wedding cake. Of all the elements you are carefully curating for your beautiful celebration, the cake is one of the top 3 most remembered and loved by wedding guests. I’ve had countless people tell me they don’t remember the bride’s dress but they remember the cake! The cake is kind of a big deal and we aren’t the only ones saying it. Choosing the perfect cake style is not just about flavors and decorations; it's an opportunity to showcase your personalities and make a statement that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of selecting a wedding cake style that aligns with your vision. Use this discovery as a general guide when you reach out to wedding cake artists. Ensure they are experienced in crafting the style you are interested in.

1. Personal Reflection:

Start by reflecting on your personal style as a couple. Are you more drawn to classic elegance, modern minimalism, rustic charm, something dramatic and decadent, or perhaps something whimsical and playful? Your wedding cake should mirror your preferences and personalities. Take time to browse through wedding magazines, websites, and social media platforms to gather inspiration. Create a mood board or Pinterest board to compile your favorite cake designs, décor, attire and color palettes. Our best tip for avoiding ending up with 100 images on your list is to follow your intuition closely. If an image doesn't light you up, let it go, even if it's a beautiful cake. If it doesn't resonate with you don't save it. You can do this as a couple, or separately then compile your lists and edit together until you've paired it down to less than 5 images. By then you should have a very clear picture of the style that's a reflection of the two of you together.

Wild and Rooted Photography

2. Theme and Venue:

Consider the theme of your wedding and the venue where the reception will take place. If you're having a beachside ceremony, a nautical-themed cake with soft blue hues or seashell accents could be a delightful choice. For a vintage-inspired affair, an intricately designed cake adorned with lace and delicate floral patterns could be just right. Having an outdoor reception against a stunning mountain backdrop? One of our signature mountain cakes could be the perfect finishing touch. Aligning your cake style with your theme and venue will create a harmonious visual experience for your guests.

3. Flavors and Fillings:

While aesthetics are important, don't forget the taste! From classic vanilla and chocolate to more unexpected options like espresso, chai or lavender-infused cake, the choices are endless. Consider incorporating seasonal flavors or paying homage to family traditions. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, most bakeries will allow multiple flavor selections for tiered cakes so there is no need to miss out on a favorite. Schedule a tasting session with your chosen baker to ensure the flavors delight your taste buds as much as the design dazzles your eyes.

4. Size Matters: But not as much as you think

The size of your guest list will influence the size of your cake only to the degree you choose. Remember, your dream wedding cake doesn't need to serve every guest; if you have your heart set on a minimalist, smaller statement cake as the centerpiece of your dessert table but are expecting 200 guests, you do not have to scale up your display cake. Many bakeries, ourselves included, offer kitchen cakes for serving in these cases. On the flip side, if you have your hearts set on a bespoke 4 tiered jaw dropping cake with a smaller guest list, speak to your cake artist about faux tiers. Discuss your guest count with your baker to determine the appropriate course of action and cake sizes to ensure you get exactly the look you are envisioning and that everyone gets a slice of that delicious creation.

Cake Pop Chandelier

5. Creative Elements:

Think beyond traditional tiered cakes. Explore various creative elements that can elevate your cake's style. Metallic accents, hand-painted designs, edible flowers, artistic textures, floating tiers and personalized cake toppers are just a few ways to infuse your cake with character. Envisioning something totally unique? Something that isn’t even really a cake at first glance? This is when hiring an artist is incredibly important, someone not only familiar with the culinary arts but the visual arts and the never ending creative possibilities the field presents. When you are envisioning something wildly creative and innovative, you need a cake artist who can not only take on the challenge but join you in your enthusiasm! Collaborate with your baker to customize the details, ensuring they align with your overall theme and vision.

6. Consultation with a Professional:

Enlisting the expertise of a professional baker is essential in bringing your cake vision to life. Schedule a consultation to discuss your ideas, preferences, and any dietary restrictions. A skilled baker will guide you through the process, offering insights and suggestions that align with your style and budget. An artist will be able to take your vision and bring it to life.

7. Budget Considerations:

Setting a realistic budget for your wedding cake is crucial. The investment between a white textured buttercream cake and a completely bespoke dessert creation is wildly different. Intricate designs, complex decorations and specialty flavors crafted with high quality ingredients increases the overall cost. Be open with your baker about your budget constraints so they can provide options that align with your financial plan.

In conclusion, choosing the ideal wedding cake style is a delightful journey that should reflect your personalities, theme, and tastes. Take your time to explore various design options, collaborate with a skilled baker, and infuse your cake with creative elements that make it uniquely yours. Remember, your wedding cake is not just a dessert; it's a sweet symbol of your love story that your guests will cherish not just in the moment they are savoring it at your reception, but for many years to come.