How to Navigate a Wedding Cake Tasting & What to Expect
A bride and groom cutting their wedding cake. Image by Kadyn Pierce.
Choosing your wedding cake is one of the sweet highlights of the wedding planning process. That’s because it’s an opportunity to sample different flavors, fillings, and icings to find the perfect mix that pleases both you and your future spouse’s palette.
Most bakers offer a cake-tasting experience designed with the bride and groom in mind. That’s because you can’t rely on reviews and referrals alone. You must try the combinations yourself to ensure you’re getting exactly what you want.
Here’s everything you need to know before you schedule and experience your wedding cake tasting.
What Happens at a Wedding Cake Tasting?
A wedding cake tasting is a meeting between the baker and you, your spouse, and other important people to determine what you’d like your cake to look and taste like.
You’ll arrive at the bakery or kitchen and be seated at a table. The baker or pastry chef will bring out different cake samples. Some bring whole pieces of cake, while others offer a mix-and-match platter with every texture and icing offered.
This allows you to customize the combination and try different pairings. You may also want to order other desserts or a groom’s cake, especially if you can’t pick just one flavor combo!
It’s also a great opportunity to get to know the baker and ensure they are the right one for the job. You can discuss delivery times and procedures as well. Once you come to a decision, you'll communicate to the baker what you’d like the cake to look like and what combination made your heart sing.
Preparing for Your Cake Tasting
A white wedding cake with succulent and blackberry decor. Image by David Holifield.
Make a Budget
No matter what you are planning, setting a wedding budget is the key to success. It helps you manage expectations and understand what you need to achieve your vision.
Knowing the budget ahead of time will also allow you to choose realistic bakeries within your price range. Otherwise, you may face disappointment when you fall in love with a flavor or style only to find you cannot book the cake of your dreams.
Scheduling Your Tasting
If you’ve already put a deposit on your venue, you’ll want to book a wedding cake tasting as soon as possible. The sooner you get on the baker’s books, the better. Depending on the bakery’s popularity, you’ll want to book 6-9 months in advance. If you’re using a baker connected with your venue, you can cut it a little closer, but not by too much!
You’ll also need to consider the schedules of those you want to bring to your tasting. Aside from your spouse, bring 2-3 different people whose opinions you trust. It can be a family member, friend, or member of your bridal party.
When you book your wedding cake-tasting appointment, be sure to let them know how many people to expect so they can prepare the right amount of cake. Also, ask what the cake-tasting fee is. Some places charge for cake tastings, while others offer them for free.
Researching Bakeries
Google is your friend for this step. Hit the web and begin researching local bakeries. This is especially important if you have a specific vision or dietary restrictions that need to be observed.
Research the bakery’s reputation and view its portfolio to get a feel of its style. Next, see what flavors they offer on their menu. Make a list of all of the places that fit your initial criteria.
Once your research is complete, you’ll need to narrow down your choices to a manageable number. Consider cost, familiarity with your venue, and reviews from former clients. This will help you find your top three or four wedding cake vendors.
What to Expect During a Cake Tasting
Four trays of wedding cake samples with fillings and toppings. Image by Shani’s Sweet Art.
The Tasting Process
Once you arrive at your tasting, the fun begins! The baker will provide a variety of cake and filling samples. You’ll see popular flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
Some vendors have specialty flavors like carrot or red velvet. You can dip these cakes in fillings like chocolate ganache and lemon curd. Finally, you’ll have samples of icings to add so you can try different combos.
You should bring inspo photos, fabric swatches, and anything that will help the baker understand your vision for your wedding. That way, they can design the perfect wedding cake.
Once you finish, you can elect to book the bakery and get on their calendar or move on to your next tasting so you can make an informed decision.
Evaluating Flavors and Textures
Beauty isn’t everything: Flavors can make or break your wedding cake, so choose carefully! Consider the flavor and textures of each combination. The flavor profile should match the consistency. For instance, light, fluffy cake requires more refined flavors than denser textures. The same goes for the frosting. Decide if you’d prefer a smooth fondant finish or a layer of buttercream.
Ask for the baker’s opinions. You can request to see both the most popular flavor profile and the baker’s personal favorite. That way, you’ll see the crowd-pleaser and what the cake expert loves!
You’ll also need to consider the tastes of your guests, but at the end of the day, choose the flavors that are YOUR favorite! You can always offer a dessert table for those who don’t enjoy the same flavor profiles as you.
Making the Most of Your Cake-Tasting
A bride and groom eating their wedding cake outdoors. Image by Jocelyn Allen.
Questions to Ask
Even if you’re blown away by your wedding cake tasting, you still need to ask the right questions to ensure you choose the right baker. Here are some questions to ask before you get on their books!
How much cake do we need for our guest list?
Do you have a minimum price for a wedding cake?
How long in advance do you need to prepare the cake?
What accommodations do you offer for dietary restrictions?
Are you able to customize flavors beyond what was at the tasting?
Do you provide the cake stand?
What options do you offer for cake toppers?
How will the cake be delivered on the wedding day? Do you include set up in the fee?
When is the final payment due?
Understanding Pricing and Logistics
Wedding cakes can range from $300 to over $1,500, depending on the baker, location, and guest list. It’s important to note that they are priced by the slice, so ask the baker how many slices they recommend for your wedding size and how much each slice will cost.
You’ll also want to ask about additional costs, such as delivery, setup, and other fees that could add to the overall price tag.
If you're on a budget, ask about ordering a smaller custom cake for you and your spouse and supplementing it with a sheet cake for guests that is cut and served from the kitchen. This could help you save big while still getting the cake of your dreams.
After the Tasting
A couple cutting their wedding cake together while holding hands. Image by Debby Hudson.
Decision-Making
Once you’ve attended all your scheduled wedding cake tastings, it’s time to make a choice! Think back to each experience and ask yourself which bite you’d want to go back to over and over. This will be the one for you!
And while flavor is important, you’ll also need to factor in your budget and desired style into the decision. Look for a vendor who has the perfect balance of taste and style. You should also feel comfortable working with their team, especially since you will need to stay in contact to make payments and confirm delivery.
Contract and Confirmation
Baker contracts vary, but it’s important to read yours thoroughly. A good contract will outline all costs and fees associated with your order. It will give you a firm payment and delivery timeline. It should be very clear with what will be delivered down to the color scheme and flavor profiles.
Look at the cancellation policy so you’re informed. Double-check your contact information. Before you sign, ask the baker how they usually confirm details as the wedding date approaches. Is there a process they will follow, or will you need to call to initiate the process? The more informed you are, the better your experience will be!
Wedding Cake Timeline
Once you’ve set a date and put down a deposit on your venue, you’ll need to get the ball rolling on your cake tasting right away! Remember, most wedding cake vendors require at least three months of advanced booking to ensure they can accommodate your order.
Set your cake budget in the initial planning stages and have your cake tasting scheduled and the baker secured three to six months before your wedding date. You’ll need to secure any cake toppers or accessories you’d like about three months before your date. Confirm delivery details two to three weeks before the wedding to ensure the whole process goes smoothly!
Conclusion
Your wedding cake is the centerpiece of the iconic cake-cutting tradition, so you’ll want to find the one of your dreams. Don’t be afraid to look for the flavors, textures, and combinations of your dreams while trying new things at your cake tasting.
Stay true to your palette and you’re sure to choose the best cake possible!