What Does A Cake-Maker Actually Do?

You might think a wedding cake-maker’s job begins and ends with baking but there’s a lot more that goes into creating those perfectly iced tiers than meets the eye. From designing and flavour testing to transportation, setup and styling, cake-makers are skilled professionals who bring edible art to your wedding day. Here’s everything you need to know - from how to choose the right baker to when to book them, what to ask and how much to budget.

What does a wedding cake-maker actually do?

Make you a cake. It’s pretty simple. Unlike the act of making the cake, which is anything but. A wedding cake-maker is part artist, part architect, part magician - they’ll design, bake, build and often deliver your dream cake safely to your venue.

Beyond baking, they’ll consult with you on flavour, style, decoration, toppers and the quantity of cake you’ll need based on your guest numbers (and your appetite for leftovers). Some will also liaise directly with your florist or stylist to ensure the cake complements your wider wedding aesthetic.

How to choose a cake-maker.

First, decide whether you even want a wedding cake at all (because dessert tables, croquembouches and donut towers are also completely valid).

If the answer is yes, start by finding a baker whose work makes you audibly gasp. Look through their portfolio, read reviews and make sure their style aligns with yours - whether that’s classic and elegant, minimalist and modern or sculptural and avant-garde.

We’d also recommend finding someone close to your wedding venue. Transporting a multi-tiered masterpiece long distances in summer is a stress you don’t need. Local cake-makers often know the venue’s storage setup and logistics, too, which means fewer last-minute hiccups.

Questions to ask.

• How do you price your cakes?
• Will you transport it to the venue? What do you do if it's damaged in transit?
• What flavours do you offer?
• Do you offer a cake tasting?
• What kinds of ingredients do you use? Do you offer organic, vegan or gluten-free options? (If this is important to you).
• What size and shape would you recommend to make sure all of our guests can have cake?
• How far in advance of the wedding do you make the cake?
• What size should we order if we want leftovers for our after-party / for our recovery party / to eat on the couch for a week?
• How should any leftovers be stores?
• Do you provide or rent out a cake stand or do I need to get one elsewhere?

When to order a wedding cake

This one sits a little lower on the wedding planning priority list than, say, your photographer but it’s still wise to book your cake-maker several months in advance.

If you’re getting married during peak season or on a long weekend, your baker may have multiple clients to cater for on the same date, so the earlier you secure them, the better to avoid missing out. Aim for around four to six months out if possible.

You might not have realised

Alternatives to wedding cakes are also a fun option for your guests. From donut towers to collections of different brownies and slices, you can really serve whatever you want as dessert.

If you're getting married somewhere rural, you could also see if there's a local community group that you can support by engaging them to bake some goods for you (for example, there's the Country Women's Association of Australia, who will spent the money you pay advancing the rights of women and families in regional parts of the country).

Average wedding cake prices

The cost of a beautiful two-tier wedding cake to feed around 80 guests is roughly $500, depending on complexity, ingredients, and design. Expect to pay more for custom detailing, handmade sugar flowers or intricate finishes.

Wedding cake display and serving tips

• Ask your stylist or coordinator what time the cake will be displayed - fondant cakes can handle heat but buttercream and ganache may need refrigeration until closer to the reception.
• Ensure your cake table is in a shaded, stable spot (and preferably out of reach of small, curious fingers).
• If you’re using fresh flowers, make sure they’re food-safe and pesticide-free.
• Designate someone (like your caterer) to cut and serve the cake. It’s trickier than it looks!