Wedding Cakes Basics

There are hundreds of factors that go into planning a wedding. After the dress and the rings, the wedding cake is one of the first details that comes to mind. There are a huge number of options when it comes to wedding cakes, and a little background information can help you know what you want when it comes time to start visiting bakeries.

Icing and Frosting Types

The first part of a wedding cake anyone sees is the frosting. There are a number of different types of both, and each will give a different look and taste to your cake. Buttercream frosting is the most well known. It is made up of sugar, egg whites, and butter and is the type of frosting most often found in grocery stores. It comes in a number of flavors and has a soft creamy texture. Many people enjoy buttercream, although some may find it too sweet.

There are other options if you would prefer a smoother look for your cake. Royal icing, unlike buttercream, hardens when it dries and is easier to keep neat. However, the most popular covering for neat edges is rolled fondant. Rolled fondant, also known as sugar paste, is a smooth, dough-like substance made of sugar, gelatin, and food grade glycerine. It is excellent for creating smooth surfaces on cakes and is frequently used on cakes that have especially difficult designs. It can also be used to mold flowers, shapes, or figures that can also go on your cake. Some do not enjoy the taste of fondant, however, so it is important to do a taste test before making your decision. There is always a “crumb coat” of another type of frosting under the fondant to maintain the shape of the cake.

Fillings

In a wedding cake, each tier is usually divided into several layers that you will see when you cut the slices. The filling is what goes between these layers. Your options for fillings are pretty much only limited by your imagination, your budget, and your baker. It is possible to have interior layers with icing, frosting, pudding, or fruit. Again, it is a good idea to visit the bakeries you are considering using and do a taste test. More layers will make your cake look more elegant, but will also cost more money.

Design

The traditional design for a wedding cake is at least three round tiers placed directly on top of one another. However, there are many more options. Square and heart shaped cakes are being seen more frequently. Your cake layers may be separated by pillars, or even staggered on a curved tray that has an individual platform for each tier. The number of tiers you choose is up to you and the number of people you need to feed. If you feel like being unconventional, there are also cupcake towers or individual, single serving cakes for each guest.

Cost and Money Saving Tips

The average cost for a wedding cake is $543, with higher and lower ranges depending on your tastes. A high end wedding cake could end up costing $10 or more per slice. Be aware of delivery charges and cake cutting fees as well. If you are looking to save some money, you can have a smaller decorative wedding cake and use sheet cakes to make sure all of your guests are fed. Finding a baker that is relatively unknown or seeing if your catering service also offers cakes may also save you some money. If you are more into DIY, you could purchase three plain white cakes and do all the decorating yourself, using plastic pearls, flowers, or frosting if you are skilled at it.