Top Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Your Wedding Cake

Your wedding cake is more than just a dessert; it's a centrepiece, a conversation starter, and a memorable part of your big day. However, ordering the perfect wedding cake can be a daunting task. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to make mistakes that could leave you disappointed on your special day. To help you avoid any pitfalls, we've compiled a list of common mistakes couples make when ordering their wedding cake and how to avoid them.

1. Not Considering Your Budget

Why It's a Problem

One of the first and most crucial steps in planning your wedding cake is setting a budget. It's easy to get carried away with elaborate designs, exotic flavours, and multiple tiers, but all of this adds up. If you don’t set a budget early on, you might find yourself facing a hefty bill that eats into other aspects of your wedding budget.

How to Avoid It

Start by discussing with your partner how much you're willing to spend on your wedding cake. When you meet with potential bakers, be upfront about your budget. A professional baker will work with you to create a beautiful cake that fits within your financial limits. Remember, a smaller, simpler cake can still make a big impact without breaking the bank.

2. Ignoring Your Guest Count

Why It's a Problem

It might seem obvious, but many couples overlook the importance of matching the cake size to the number of guests. Ordering too little cake can leave guests without a slice, while ordering too much can lead to unnecessary waste and added costs.

How to Avoid It

Make sure you have a fairly accurate guest count before ordering your cake. Your baker can then recommend the appropriate size and number of tiers needed to accommodate everyone. If you're expecting a large number of guests, consider a multi-tiered cake or supplementing with additional sheet cakes to ensure there's enough for everyone.

3. Overlooking Dietary Requirements

Why It's a Problem

With guests having varied dietary needs and preferences, ignoring this aspect can lead to some of your loved ones missing out on enjoying your wedding cake. Whether it's gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options, failing to consider these can leave a significant portion of your guests disappointed.

How to Avoid It

Talk to your baker about offering a small selection of alternative cake options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions. Some couples opt for an additional small cake or cupcakes that cater to specific dietary needs. This ensures that everyone can indulge in your wedding cake, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

4. Focusing Solely on Appearance

Why It's a Problem

It’s easy to become obsessed with how your wedding cake looks, especially with the abundance of stunning cakes on social media. However, a cake that looks amazing but tastes mediocre will leave a lasting negative impression.

How to Avoid It

While design is important, flavour should be given equal consideration. Schedule a tasting session with your baker to sample different flavours and fillings. Choose a combination that not only complements your wedding theme but also satisfies your taste buds. Remember, your guests are more likely to remember how the cake tasted rather than how it looked.

5. Not Communicating Clearly with Your Baker

Why It's a Problem

Miscommunication with your baker can lead to a cake that doesn’t meet your expectations. Whether it’s the design, flavour, or delivery details, unclear instructions can result in a wedding cake disaster.

How to Avoid It

Be as detailed as possible when discussing your wedding cake with your baker. Provide photos for design inspiration, clarify the flavours you want, and confirm delivery logistics well in advance. A reputable baker will also ask you for clarifications if needed, but being proactive in your communication can prevent any misunderstandings.

6. Choosing Flavours that Don’t Appeal to the Masses

Why It's a Problem

You may love unique flavours like lavender or matcha, but your guests might not. Opting for unusual or overly complex flavours can result in a cake that doesn’t appeal to the majority of your guests.

How to Avoid It

While your wedding is a reflection of your tastes, it’s wise to consider flavours that are universally liked. If you have a unique flavour in mind, consider incorporating it into one tier while keeping the rest of the cake more traditional. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the cake, and you still get to showcase your unique flavour choice.

7. Waiting Too Long to Order

Why It's a Problem

Bakers often book up months in advance, especially during peak wedding season. Waiting too long to place your order can limit your options or, worse, leave you without a baker.

How to Avoid It

Once you’ve set your wedding date and chosen your venue, start looking for a baker. Ideally, you should book your wedding cake six months in advance. This allows ample time for consultations, tastings, and finalizing the design.

8. Forgetting About Transportation and Storage

Why It's a Problem

A wedding cake is delicate and needs to be handled with care. Improper transportation or storage can result in a damaged cake before it even reaches the reception.

How to Avoid It

Discuss transportation and storage logistics with your baker. Many bakers offer delivery and set-up services, ensuring your cake arrives in perfect condition. If you plan to transport the cake yourself, get detailed instructions on how to do so safely. Additionally, make sure the venue has a suitable place to store the cake before it's displayed.

9. Overcomplicating the Design

Why It's a Problem

It’s easy to get carried away with intricate designs, elaborate decorations, and excessive detailing. While a complex design can be stunning, it can also lead to higher costs, more potential for errors, and increased stress.

How to Avoid It

Simplicity is often the key to elegance. Consider a design that reflects your wedding theme without being overly complicated. Work with your baker to create a design that’s beautiful yet manageable. Sometimes, less is more, and a simpler design can be just as impactful as a more intricate one.

10. Not Taking the Weather into Account

Why It's a Problem

If you’re having a summer wedding or an outdoor reception, the heat can wreak havoc on your cake, especially if it’s made with buttercream or has delicate decorations.

How to Avoid It

Consider the time of year and location when choosing your cake. If you’re having a summer wedding, opt for fondant over buttercream, as it holds up better in the heat. Make sure your baker is aware of the venue’s conditions so they can suggest the best cake options for your setting.

Conclusion

Ordering your wedding cake is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, but it’s also one that requires careful consideration. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cake not only looks stunning but also tastes delicious and is enjoyed by all your guests. Remember, communication with your baker is key, and planning ahead can save you from last-minute stress. With the right approach, your wedding cake will be a highlight of your special day, leaving both you and your guests with sweet memories to cherish.