You’re engaged and in love. Nothing is sweeter than young love. That is until you take a bite of the wedding cake! Choosing a wedding cake doesn’t have to leave a bitter taste in your mouth, skip the stress and feel prepared with this “how-to” guide to choosing your perfect cake.

What to know before heading to the bakery.

The design of the cake is often the first thing people think of when shopping for a wedding cake, but there are some important details to nail down before that choice is made. First, you should have an idea of the style of your reception. You should have your colors and theme picked out before choosing the style of the cake. Are you wanting a rustic, country wedding or a sleek and modern aesthetic? Knowing your style and colors will help you choose a baker that can meet your needs. Social media is a great way to shop around for bakers that have the style you are dreaming of. Second, prepare the guest list so you have an accurate idea of how many people the cake will need to serve. Cake is often priced by the slice, so knowing the number of guests will help your baker to know how many tiers your cake will require. Third, think about the weather. If your reception will be outdoors, hot weather can melt buttercreams and fillings. Humidity can wilt sugar flowers and other decorations. You will need to inform your baker of the temperature conditions so they can give you options that will keep your cake looking spectacular until it’s ready to be devoured.

At the Bakery

Most bakers and bakeries will have you come in for a consultation and cake tasting. Depending on the bakery, this consultation could be free or there may be a charge that will be deducted from the final cost of your cake. The cake tasting consultation is your chance to try different flavor and filling options. Don’t be afraid to go bold! This is your wedding, so you should choose a flavor that you like and not one that you think will be a crowd-pleaser. The consultation is also the time when you can talk with the baker about your budget. Not only will the size of the cake affect its price, but also the amount of detailing and decoration that you would like. Ribbons and toppers are usually inexpensive, while individual sugar flowers are time-consuming and therefore, pricey. Another thing to talk to your baker about is the delivery of the cake. Many bakers will deliver the cake to your venue; this is your chance to find out if the delivery is included in the price of the cake or an extra charge.

Ways to save

Tight budget? No worries! There are many ways to save on the wedding cake, without skimping on design or flavor. One thing to consider is looking into a grocery store wedding cake. Many grocery stores (including Walmart, Costco, Albertsons, and Publix, to name a few) can make beautiful and delicious, tiered wedding cakes. Stores often have portfolios where you can see the type of cake offered. You can combine and change colors and styles. Grocery store cakes are often offered at lower prices than boutique bakers, so it can be a great way to save money.

Another option to trim down the budget is to order a small, decorative wedding cake for the bride and groom to cut into, and a few large sheet cakes to feed your guests. If you have a dessert table where the slices are already cut, many people won’t even notice that it is from a sheet cake. Lastly, you can save on the cost of your wedding cake by using fresh flowers to decorate it rather than sugar flowers made at the bakery. You can even have your florist put the flowers on the cake for you!

Now you can feel confident making decisions about your cake because you’re in-the-know! Whatever you choose, make sure that you take some time during your reception to enjoy a slice with your new husband or wife. Celebrate the life you will create together!