Wedding Cake Know How
“WEDDING CAKE KNOW HOW!” Almost all couples are faced with similar questions about wedding cake size, variety, cost and lead time. The following information should help to answer some of these questions.. The size of the cake needed will depend on: The number of attendees and non attendees. Is the top tier to be kept for the first anniversary? Will the cake be served as dessert or treat size? (Note: A dessert size portion is twice that of a treat size portion). Use the following portion guide to assist in determining the number of tiers that you will need. CAKE PORTIONS - PER SIZE & SHAPE
The cake variety is one of personal taste. The rich fruit cake is ideal to keep for the first anniversary, as mud and butter cakes have a limited shelf life. Choosing different mud cake varieties for each tier is perfect for the alternate-drop dessert. Are there any special dietary needs to be considered? The cost of the cake will depend on: The size of the cake (i.e. keeping one tier, number and size portions), the amount of decoration complexity, if delivery or a kitchen cake is required, is chocolate port sauce for dessert needed and will the caterer charge for plate-age. There are some savings to be made by having a square cake (e.g. a 10” round cake provides 80 compared to 100 treat size portions for a 10” square cake) and a kitchen cake (as they are covered, not decorated). Couples should work with their decorator to meet their cake budget. Cutting and serving suggestions include: when the cake is to be served as dessert some couples cut the cake immediately on entering the reception or after first course. When the cake is to be served with coffee it can be cut into small treat size portions and served by the attendants or left on the coffee table. When the cake is to be packaged it can be distributed by the couple or the attendants. Some couples choose to have cup cakes or individual serve cakes pre-wrapped in clear cellophane, labelled and used as thank-you notes and/or name cards.. The decision when to order the cake is a combination of all of the above factors and the availability of your preferred decorator. Most decorators will provide cake tasting, work with the couple to theme the cake, and make design suggestions on how to capture the intended tone/design within budget. It is important to book your cake in with the decorator early and fine tune some of the elements three to six month’s out from the event as this lead time is necessary for sugar flowers. Storing your top tier and the decorations should also be discussed with your decorator. The fruit cake can be stored either in or out of the freezer in an air tight container. Mud cakes have to be stored in the freezer, wrapped in clear wrap and in an air tight container. Sugar flowers/decorations do not go in the freezer as they will keep in an air tight container. Written by Mary Reid Merivale Cakes & Crafts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
