Wedding Cake Ideas

The tradition of a wedding cake can be traced back to ancient times.

In Rome, the groom would eat a piece of barley bread and then break the remaining bread over the bride’s head, allowing the crumbs to fall upon her. This custom was thought to bring the bride and groom a fertile and fulfilling life.

Traditions have evolved over time, and today the wedding cake serves as a decoration and dessert. The wedding cake symbolizes the happiness and filling the bride and groom with food for their future lives together.

The size of the cake is usually dependent upon the number of guests that will be served.

The size of the cake pan determins the number of pieces each layer will serve:

Four Inch High - Round Pans

• One  6" pan serves 12 slices;
• One  8" pan serves 20 slices;
• One 10" pan serves 36 slices;
• One 12" pan serves 46 slices;
• One 14" pan serves 76 slices;
• One 16" pan serves 92 slices;
• One 18" pan serves 110 slices;
• One 20" pan serves 120 slices.

Four Inch High - Square Pans

• One   6" pan serves  18 slices;
• One   8" pan serves  32 slices;
• One 10" pan serves  50  slices;
• One 12" pan serves  72  slices;
• One 14" pan serves  96  slices;
• One 16" pan serves 120 slices;
• One 18" pan serces 140 slices.

Determine the size of the layers that will be needed to fulfill the needs of all your guests. Order a slightly larger cake than you think you will need so that you don't run the risk of not having enough cake for all of your guests.

It is important to order your cake about two months ahead of your wedding date.

There are many choices of cake frostings which include; vanilla cream, chocolate, strawberry, lime, cannoli, lemon, raspberry, and blackberry. Most brides want to be unique, however, it is a good idea to choose a filling that the majority of your guests will enjoy.

Your garnishes, toppers and style of your wedding cake will add to it’s beauty.

You can choose a flat sheet cake as shown below

Unless you are fortunate enough to have a baker as a friend or family member, you will need to obtain some recommendations of bakers from friends, family members or your caterer. Most bakers are busy and it’s a good idea to make an appointment rather than just showing up at their shop. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask to see pictures of their work and ask for a cake sample.

White is the traditional wedding cake color, however, if you want to add some color to your cake, bring your color palate along with you on the interview.

If you are providing your own cake topper bring the topper to your baker ahead of time so the baker can determine the size and weight of the topper and how it will affect the cake.

Know the number of guests that you would like your cake to serve and ask the baker the price of the cake, including the delivery charge. Discuss the time that you want your cake delivered and give the baker the exact location and a contact phone number.

Think ahead to your first anniversary and ask your baker if they can make a small sample cake for you to freeze and eat while celebrating your first anniversary.

It is important to have a written contract with your baker, which includes, the price, size, shape (if possible a picture of the cake that you agreed upon) time of delivery, destination, contact phone number, and any other verbal discussions you have agreed upon.

You want your wedding cake to be both yummy and beautiful so all your guests can enjoy eating and admiring your delicious creation.

Wedding cakes play an important role in your reception, so I do hope my wedding cake ideas help you obtain the wedding cake of your dreams.