Wedding Cake Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Ordering Yours
- Catalina
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Your wedding cake is more than just dessert—it's a statement piece and a sweet tradition. No one is saying you NEED to have cake at your wedding - in fact, more and more couples are opting out of this tradition in favor of more personalized desserts. However, if you do want a showstopping cake, there are a few key things you need to know to ensure your cake is as beautiful (and delicious) as you imagine.
Tiers vs. Layers: What’s the Difference?
A tier is a full cake stacked on top of another full cake, typically different sizes and separated by a cake board and supported by dowels to maintain structure. A layer refers to the individual cake layers within each tier, separated by filling or frosting. For example, a two-tier cake might have three layers per tier. On a budget but still want to have a beautiful cake cutting moment? Consider opting for a 6" double barrel cake, which is two tiers of the same size stacked on top of one another for a crisp, modern looking small cutting cake (shown above, right).
How Much Wedding Cake Do You Need?
A general rule of thumb is to play to your audience - if you have an older crowd, you’ll want to order slightly more cake, for approximately 75% of your guest count. The rest of the guests will be busy on the dance floor, or might not like cake. If you have a younger crew, you’ll want to account for 60% of your guest count. AND, if you’re serving another dessert option you’ll want to estimate even lower counts. Caterers slice wedding cakes very differently than we do at a birthday party, into much smaller pieces, so I promise, the cake really does stretch further than you think it will.
Saving the Top Tier: A Tradition with a Modern Twist
Traditionally, couples save the top tier of their cake to eat on their first anniversary. However, many bakeries now offer a complimentary anniversary cake—a fresh, mini version of your wedding cake—so you can enjoy the tradition without dealing with a year-old frozen cake that loses its flavor. Be sure to ask your baker if they offer this service!
Wedding Cake Tastings: What to Expect
Not all bakers handle tastings the same way. Some offer in-person tastings if they have a storefront, while others provide cake tasting boxes for pickup or delivery. This allows you to try different flavors at home before making a decision. Neither is right or wrong, good or bad, it just depends on the capabilities of that particular baker/bakery.
Cut Your Wedding Cake Like a Pro
When it’s time for the cake-cutting moment, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t forget the knife/server!! Plan ahead and either provide an heirloom set, or ask your caterer or planner to provide a set for you - no matter which option you don’t want to get stuck without a plan!
Use a sharp knife and make a small wedge cut (not a giant slice) to keep it elegant and easy to serve.
Watch out for cake boards & dowels inside multi-tier cakes—they provide structure but can make cutting tricky!
Feed each other a small bite with forks or your fingers - either way you decide, be sure to make a mutual decision ahead of time so there are no surprises!
NOTE: We LOVE a unique cake cutting moment, so while all of the above statements are true, you can always plan to do it your way - cut the cake with a sword or axe, cut the cake clean in half, or feed each other with a playful smash. Whatever you decide, be sure to plan ahead to make proper arrangements so nothing goes awry, and make a mutual decision so no one is surprised.
Choosing the Right Cake Stand
A cake stand should be sturdy enough to support your cake and at least 2 inches larger in diameter than the bottom tier. For taller cakes, make sure the stand has a solid base and is stable on your cake table. Match the vibe of your reception to the cake stand - whether silver, gold, ceramic, wood, etc there are so many designs to choose from, and even some unique & showstopping options like cake swings or floral meadows.
Those Trendy Cakes You Keep Seeing?
The beautifully piped, vintage-inspired cakes with intricate scrollwork and ruffled borders have made a huge comeback, especially for smaller wedding cakes and elopements, but are also available in multi-tier options and in a variety of color combinations in addition to classic white. The addition of flowers, cherries, or text up the design ante and give them extra personality.
If you want a cake like this, be sure to ask for it by its real name, a Lambeth Cake, and not just “vintage cake” - you’ll impress your baker ;)
Cake Frosting 101: Understanding Your Options
Different frostings offer different textures, flavors, and finishes. Bakers tend to specialize in a certain frosting type, so be sure to ask if you are particular about texture & flavor:
American Buttercream – Made by combining butter and powdered sugar. It's known for being quick and easy to make, but it can be quite sweet.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream – This buttercream starts with a meringue made by whisking egg whites and sugar over heat, then incorporating butter. It's lighter, smoother, and less sweet than American buttercream.
Fondant – A smooth, pliable sugar paste that creates a polished look.
Royal Icing – Hardens when dry, mostly used for intricately piped designs and cookies.
Ganache – A mix of chocolate and cream, rich and luxurious, often used under fondant or for drip cakes.
Your wedding cake is an edible work of art, so take the time to explore flavors, designs, and traditions that fit your style. With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to choose the perfect cake for your big day!
Bakers featured in this post:
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