Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Cake

By The Flamingo Bakery.

Your wedding cake is more than just dessert – it’s a centrepiece, a photo-worthy showstopper, and a sweet reflection of your style as a couple. With so many designs, flavours, and suppliers to choose from, picking the perfect cake can feel overwhelming. At The Flamingo Bakery, we’ve created hundreds of bespoke wedding cakes for couples across the U.K., and we know what truly matters.

Here are our top 10 things to consider when choosing your wedding cake:

1. Your Budget

Before you fall in love with a five-tier masterpiece dripping in handmade sugar flowers, it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend. Wedding cakes vary in price based on size, design complexity, and ingredients. Set a realistic budget and be upfront with your cake designer – we can offer creative solutions to bring your vision to life within your means.

2. Guest Numbers

The number of guests attending your big day will determine the size of your cake. Don’t forget to account for evening guests if you’re offering cake later in the night. A good cake designer can advise on tier sizes to ensure everyone gets a slice – and maybe even seconds.

3. Your Wedding Style & Theme

Your cake should complement the overall look and feel of your wedding. Whether you’re going for rustic elegance, modern minimalism, or vintage romance, your cake design can echo your style through colour, texture, and decoration.

4. Flavour Matters

Gone are the days of being stuck with plain fruit cake (though that’s still a classic option). Think lemon & elderflower, rich chocolate ganache, or even salted caramel. Consider choosing different flavours for each tier to please all your guests – and yourselves!

5. Season & Weather

If you’re planning a summer wedding or an outdoor reception, remember that heat and humidity can affect your cake. Buttercream melts, and chocolate can sweat. Your baker can recommend the most suitable finishes to ensure your cake stays picture-perfect throughout the day.

6. Cake Placement & Display

Where your cake sits at your venue affects how it’s seen – and how it photographs. Consider lighting, backdrop, and whether you want it displayed throughout the day or brought out later. A beautiful cake stand and florals can really elevate the final presentation.

7. Dietary Requirements

Be mindful of guests with allergies or specific dietary needs. Offering a gluten-free or vegan tier is a considerate touch. At The Flamingo Bakery, we create delicious options for every diet, without compromising on flavour or design.

8. Delivery & Set-Up

Make sure your cake designer offers delivery and set-up on the day. The last thing you want is Auntie Jean navigating a wedding cake through traffic! We liaise directly with your venue to ensure your cake is delivered safely and styled to perfection.

9. Personal Touches

This is your moment – let your cake tell your story. Whether it’s incorporating your favourite flower, a shared hobby, or even a nod to your pet, small details can make a big impact. Custom cake toppers or hand-painted elements add a unique touch.

10. Booking Early

Talented cake designers get booked up well in advance – especially for summer weddings. We recommend securing your date 6–12 months ahead of time. This gives you time to finalise your design, schedule tastings, and avoid any last-minute stress.

Final Slice

Choosing your wedding cake should be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your special day. With the right guidance and a creative partner by your side, your cake can be as unforgettable as your “I do’s”.

At The Flamingo Bakery, we specialise in bespoke wedding cakes crafted with care, creativity, and the finest ingredients. Ready to design your dream cake? Get in touch today – we can’t wait to hear your ideas!

Your wedding cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that symbolises the sweetness of your union. With so many options available, choosing the perfect cake can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this delicious decision:

1. Start Early: Begin your search for the perfect wedding cake well in advance. This allows you to explore different suppliers, cake styles, and flavours without feeling rushed. It also pays to book early as cake makers often have limited availability and popular dates, such as bank holidays, can be fully booked a year or more in advance.

2. Consider Your Theme: Your cake should complement the overall theme and style of your wedding but with the overwhelming level of inspiration available online today, choosing a design can sometimes feel daunting. Your venue however, is always a great place to start. Whether you’ve opted for a converted barn with plenty of rustic charm, a country manor oozing modern elegance, or a fanciful tipi filled with whimsical romance, your cake can be a beautiful reflection of your chosen aesthetic. When it comes to finding that perfect design, most cake makers have a gallery on their website or an array of wonderful designs on their Instagram pages. Pinterest is also a very useful tool to use, especially as you can pin your favourite designs to a wedding cake ‘board’ and share the images with whoever you need to. Once you’ve begun adding your pins, you may see a theme naturally emerging.

3. Consult with Your Cake Maker: Organise tastings with potential cake makers to sample different flavours. Whether this be in person or via post, most cake makers will have the option for you to sample the cake flavours they offer. Which, let's face it, is the most exciting part of the planning process. Consultations also offer the opportunity to discuss design options and refine details for your cake. Don’t be afraid to share your vision and ask for recommendations. Experienced cake makers can offer valuable insight and creative suggestions.

4. Size Matters: To determine the size of your cake, the best place to start is with the number of guests you’ll be serving. Your cake maker will be able to advise how many tiers will be required. Some cake makers may also offer the option of dummy tiers on certain cake styles, which enable you to enhance the size of your cake without increasing the number of servings. A clever twist that none of your guests need to know about.

5. Personalise It: Infuse your personality and interests into the design of your cake. Whether it’s choosing your favourite flavours, incorporating elements from your wedding stationary, or showcasing a unique cake topper, make it a reflection of you as a couple. How about a monogram or design that incorporates your initials or perhaps the date to make it stand out and become even more special to the both of you.

6. Stay Within Budget: Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so it’s essential to establish a budget for your cake early on. There are a variety of different cake styles around these days, many of which have varying prices due to the time they take to make, as well as the different types of ingredients they use. Being transparent with your cake maker about your budget constraints will ensure they can offer you a design that meets your needs whilst remaining in budget. Also be aware that you may have to pay a percentage of the cost now to secure the date and not lose out to other couples. Being upfront with your budget will also save you time in the long run and enable you to spend time planning your cake with the right supplier.

7. Factor in Dietary Restrictions: Consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of not just yourselves but also your guests when selecting cake flavours and ingredients. Many cake makers have options for gluten-free alternatives, whilst some even offer dairy-free, or vegan cakes to accommodate additional dietary needs. This is usually information that can be found on a cake maker's website alongside a full list of flavours they offer. So, it's always worth having a look there first. But also remember it’s your wedding at the end of the day and if you like particular flavours, don’t be afraid to go with what you prefer.

8. Think Beyond Tradition: While a fondant tiered cake is always a timeless choice, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Buttercream cakes, dessert tables, or even sharing cakes can be delightful alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. Instagram and Pinterest will give you a great idea of the ‘latest trends’ in cake design and may give you some fantastic inspiration for looks you would never have thought of, or even thought possible.

Choosing your wedding cake is a delightful part of the wedding planning process. By considering these tips and working closely with your cake maker, you can create a cake that not only looks stunning but also tastes fantastic too