Factors to consider when ordering your wedding cake are:
- Size of your Cake
- Flavour of cakes
- Colour themes
- Delivery or pick up options
- Site of cake at the venue
Size
The size of your cake will depend on many factors including:
- The flavour of the cakes ( this impacts on the size because something like a chocolate mud cake with a dense texture will portion out more than a spongy type cake)
- Whether you require leftover cake for a function the next day
- Number of people you wish to feed
- Whether you are using the cake to serve with coffee and tea or wish to use it for dessert ( some venues do not allow you to use the wedding cake for dessert, so you need to consult with your caterer)
- If you want to keep with tradition and save the top tier for a Christening cake or 1st Anniversary cake
- If you want to send cake to guests that couldn’t make the event on the day.
- The depth of cake ( a deeper cake will portion out more than a shallower cake)
Flavour of Cakes
Designer Cakes taylor make cakes to your specifications, you can have any flavour cake in any order or arrangement- this is totally up to you. If you are wanting to save- for example- cake for a function later in the week, then you need to choose cake that will keep (stay moist and fresh) longer.
If you are using the cake as dessert then you need to make sure you don’t include too many different flavours of cake or when it is portioned out someone might miss out on a flavour, best stick to 1 or 2 flavours.
Colour of icing/decor
At Designer Cakes traditional white cakes are not the only cakes on offer.
Colour Themes that compliment or contrast with your table settings/flowers etc are common. This also impacts on price as a vibrant coloured finish on a cake is more expensive to acheive than a plain white finish.
Shimmer effects can be applied to give your cake a satin effect with a shimmer sparkle rather than leaving the cake stark white.
Airbrushed cakes give a vibrant colour or you can even give a graduated colour ie: a sunset effect, this takes time to get right and therefore costs more.
Fine piping or stencilling can also bump up the price as the time making and creating the pattern is an involved process.
Delivery or pick up options
Designer Cakes offers a delivery service which includes set up of your cake at your venue, or you may choose to pick up your cake on or before the day required. If you are transporting your cake yourself, then please choose your vehicle carefully. Airconditioning is a must in the summer months, a hatchback or stationwagon is ideal as the cake will need to be transported flat.
If you have no other option than picking up the cake the day before the wedding, then you will need to store it in a cool place ( not the fridge!!) and away from humidity ( a dehumidifier is great for this) and out of direct sunlight and away from harms reach!
If you need to transport your cake via an airline, contact your airline service provider as each airline has differing rules for this.
Part of the service Designer cakes offer we have travel boxes to lend for the safe keeping of your cake, but you will need to arrange this before pick up time.
Site of your cake at the venue
Where you site your cake is important for the photographer, for the keeping of your cake, and to get your cake looking the best for the day.
Your photographer will not thank you for placing the cake in front of a large sunny window as this will stream direct sunlight behind the cake and cast a haze in the photos.
Direct sunlight and heat are not a good idea for the well being of your cake, if you need to put it in a sunny spot eg; in a garden setting on a sunny day, then get the caterer to set the cake up last minute to avoid any mishaps.
You want to get the best look for your cake on the day so choose your site thoughtfully. A cake tucked away in a dark corner will not have the same impact as a cake displayed well lit. ( and will look better in your pics)
Make sure the table you have the cake on is stable enough to carry the weight of the cake. Rickety cake tables placed where guest have to squeeze past can spell diaster, especially for a cake supported by pillars!
Lastly talk with your caterer and inform them of your cake flavours, or if any cake is to be left untouched ie: the top tier,
if any decorations need special care when handling or if any items need to come back to Designer Cakes ie: boxes, stands, pillars etc. Designer Cakes creations are moist cakes that respond to cutting better with a hot wet knife, this is also good to tell your caterer.