For goodness sake, don't forget the cake! Every wedding needs a cake!
I reached out to Vanessa Broughton, internationally published, wedding cake expert based in Pretoria and owner of The Big Day Cake Studio , to share insights on why your wedding cake matters – from design, budgeting, and portion sizes to flowers, fillings, and tips for South Africa’s warm weather.
Whether classic or bold, this guide will help you choose the perfect cake for your big day.
In Vanessa’s own words …
The Big Day Cake Studio
Vanessa Broughton
Every wedding needs a cake!
If you're searching for the perfect wedding cake, there are many factors to consider. The cutting of the wedding cake symbolizes the couple’s love and commitment, and it’s also a tradition that shows their willingness to share the rest of their lives together.
How much does a wedding cake cost?
There is no simple answer, as the price depends on the cake maker’s experience, the complexity of the design, and the ingredients used. A simple semi-naked cake, for example, will be much more affordable than an intricate cake decorated with sugar flowers.
The budget for a wedding cake depends on how important it is to you. If it’s just for tradition, you can opt for something simpler. If you want a true masterpiece, the price will reflect that. Most wedding cake makers are happy to provide a quote that fits your budget.
Portion sizes and freezing the cake.
Cakes are usually cut into small portions – “finger” or “coffee” sizes. If the cake is the main dessert, you’ll go for larger portions. Wedding cakes are typically planned for about 70% of the guests, as not everyone eats cake, but you can order extra cake to share with family or friends who couldn’t attend the wedding.
Yes, wedding cakes can be frozen! Make sure your cake maker gives you advice on how to store it correctly, as not all cakes or fillings freeze equally well.
Hot weather and delivery.
South Africa’s warm weather can pose challenges. Make sure your cake maker knows how to keep the cake stable and safe in warm conditions. Here are a few tips:
Have the cake delivered as late as possible.
Don’t place it in front of a window or in direct sunlight.
Ask for extra support for stability if the cake has many tiers.
Flowers and decorations.
Fresh and dried flowers are currently very popular and can perfectly match your wedding flowers. If you want flowers on your cake, make sure your cake maker or florist knows how to arrange them safely and in line with food safety standards. Avoid toxic or pollen-heavy flowers, and discuss options with your cake maker.
Sugar flowers are a more expensive option, but they can last for years and serve as a beautiful keepsake. They can also be made in colours that fresh flowers don’t offer or be used to replace out-of-season blooms.
Booking and dummy cakes.
Wedding cake makers are often booked well in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute. Some cake creators take bookings a year or more ahead of time.
If you want a large cake but have fewer guests, dummy cakes can be an option. These polystyrene tiers give the impression of a huge cake without excessive portions. No one will know the difference!
You can also choose different cake fillings for each layer. Fondant isn’t your only option – semi-naked cakes, buttercream, and chocolate ganache are also popular.
Colourful wedding cakes.
The days of traditional white wedding cakes are over. Modern cakes play with color and texture, and whether you want a pink, blue, or even black wedding cake – the choices are endless.
