The Details Ordering a cake for a big event can be lots of fun. If you're not concerned about the details, just find a photo of a cake you like and order one the same, remember order in plenty of time to avoid disappointment, allow two months per tier is a good tip and then tick cake off your job list. However, if you want an original design for your cake, use the information on this page to help you plan your cake. Shape and structure Designing a cake is a bit like building a house, deciding on the shape or structure is perhaps the first thing to get right. Do you want a single cake? Two, three or perhaps more tiers? Would you like individual cakes for your guests? Consider the shapes available from traditional round and square to more modern, hexagonal, heart, rectangle and oval. Flavour Surprisingly, a lot of people get stuck here. A good place to start is with your favourite cake. Now think about the weather on the day and your guests. Fruit cake goes down well with the over 40s but under 20s prefer sponge. Rich chocolate is sticky in hot weather but carrot may be too light for winter. Fruit cake keeps for a long time where as chocolate fudge will only keep for a fortnight and will need to be refrigerated. If you're really stuck why not go for a combination and remember you can request samples or book a tasting party . Portions Next calculate how many your cake has to serve, after all the point of the cake is to be eaten and enjoyed by your guests! Are you going to serve the cake as dessert or as an extra with coffee? Use our Serving information table to get a feel for cake sizes. Do you need to re-think the tiers? To boost the number of portions, consider ordering a traycake, iced in the same design but left plain, it's reserved just for cutting. Colours and decorations This is best part but sometimes the hardest as it boils down to your taste and particular style. What's the overall look you're aiming for? Then break it down, consider the colour of the icing, white or ivory are traditional but just about any colour is possible. Do you have a colour theme? Do you want flowers or patterns, pictures or feathers, pearls or diamonds? Do you have something particular in mind to go on the top? If you want to sketch down some ideas and perhaps bring samples of material it will all help ensure your dream cake is everything your imagined it would be. Timescale and costs Rule of thumb applies here, the more complex your cake the longer it will take to make. Allow extra time for sugar flowers, fruit cakes to mature and lots of piping, quicker options are fresh flowers, ribbons and photos. Ideally, when ordering in advance, allow two weeks per tier, if you're in a rush and need it sooner we can help find a member who has some availability please call 0845 8055285 or send us your details asap to discuss! Be clear when your cake needs to be ready for and if it's being delivered where to for what time. The only thing that should be late to a wedding is the bride! Remember to mention if you need a cake stand or knife . Expect to pay a deposit when ordering a cake over £100, with some cakes instalments may be agreed. The balance is always due on collection or delivery. Click here for our full Terms and Conditions. |
