When it comes to planning your wedding in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire, I know that every detail matters to you (and so it should!). Your wedding cake really is more than just a dessert or a sweet treat, and shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s a centrepiece for photographs, and (depending on how strongly you focus on the design of it) it can be a reflection of the story about you as a couple.
Whether you’re dreaming of a grand, multi-tiered show stopper or an elegant modern design, I hope my guide as a wedding cake designer specialising in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen wedding cakes will walk you through everything you need to know about planning your perfect cake!
Start with the vision or idea for your luxury Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen wedding cake
Before contacting a cake designer, it can help to have an idea of what you’re looking for.
Creating a mood board with inspiration images, fabrics, florals, and stationery, or even a Pinterest board, is a fantastic help when it comes to designing your cake.
Think about your budget for your wedding cake
There is no shying away from saying this: luxury wedding cakes are an investment. Prices can vary depending on:
- Size (portion sizes) and number of tiers
- Complexity of the design
- Delivery and setup
As a general guide, bespoke luxury cakes often start from several hundred pounds and can increase significantly for intricate, large-scale designs. My most popular cake size is my Gather and Celebrate level of cake, starting at £540. This is for 3 tiers and 120 portions.
For cake inspiration with most cakes around this price point and size, check out my post about wedding venues in North East Scotland that inspired cake designs.
PAM RENNIE WEDDING CAKE BROCHURE
One less thing on your wedding ‘to do’ list
Cake decisions should be one of the fun tasks, and I want to make it as easy for you as possible.
Downloading the Pam Rennie Wedding Cake Brochure means you’ve got all the details at your fingertips (perfect for saving in your ‘Wedding Planning’ folder too).
Inside, you’ve got the full list of cake flavour options, portion size information, design inspiration, plus a step-by-step guide to booking your bespoke cake.
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Choose the Aberdeen wedding cake designer that can offer what you want
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is home to many talented cake designers who specialise in luxury creations (myself included!)
Most suppliers exhibit at wedding exhibitions throughout the year (like Your Wedding Exhibition (YWE) that I attend every year or smaller venue-specific events). This is perfect chance to chat in person (and to sample some cake too).
I love meeting couples planning a wedding at these events. It’s such a delight to see such excitement as they ‘tour’ the offerings available – and quite overwhelming, I would imagine too (which is why a sweet treat always helps!)
You might also find out about cake makers through a recommended supplier list provided by your venue. I am a preferred wedding cake supplier at Norwood Hall and Elsick House.
When selecting your supplier, I suggest looking at their website and social media to view their previous work to check their style matches what you’re looking for. Some designers specialise in minimalist elegance, some do buttercream cakes only and some show their expertise in elaborate, bright colourful, all-singing, all-dancing designs. I specialise in elegant, modern wedding cakes with clean lines and with bespoke details that make it yours.
I think there’s an element of just ‘vibing’ with your supplier, so reaching out for a chat to download a brochure or to ask some questions is a good way to get to know if they are the one for you.
Once you find the designer who you just ‘click with’, you know they’re your cake designer.
Now it’s the all-important question of their availability on your wedding date…
How far in advance do you need to secure your date with a cake designer?
It’s best to book your cake designer as soon as you’ve got your date, booked your venue etc. For most designers, myself included, diaries are open anything up to 2 years ahead.
Saying that, I always tell couples to get in touch and check my availability if your date is 6–12 months in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
Consider what you want for cake styling and presentation
How your cake is displayed can enhance its impact. I discuss with couples all the details about what I feel are important to the whole cake-cutting moment:
- A statement cake stand
- Floral arrangements to match bouquets
- Decorative table linens
- Backdrops or signage
A well-styled cake table can become a focal point of your day and show your cake off like it deserves to be.
Be mindful of sizing and portions
Your cake size depends on your guest count and whether the cake will be the main dessert or served alongside other options. I advise my couples that you only need to feed approximately 80% of your guests, as not everyone will eat cake.
All wedding cake designers will have their own process, but here’s what you can expect from me with regard to sizing and portion decisions:
- At our wedding cake consultation, I guide my couples on the number of tiers and portion sizes.
- At our meeting, we also discuss colours, venue styling, flowers (whether fresh or made by myself from sugar) and any ideas from a mood board or photos couples may have about wedding cake sizes etc.
- I also have display cakes on show, which helps give an idea of what a cake will look like size-wise. A few days after my chat with couples, I create some digital sketches along with pricing for various options, if needed, to choose design and make changes.
Find out about delivery and set up
Most designers will:
- Deliver the cake directly to your venue
- Assemble and style it on-site
- Coordinate with your planner or venue team
Part of my wedding cake service is the delivery and set-up of a wedding cake as luxury cakes require careful handling.
My top tip for you is to discuss with your venue to ensure they can provide a stable table and a suitable environment (cool and away from direct sunlight) for your cake.
My final advice for a perfect wedding cake
As with any part of wedding planning, my advice is for you to take your time, explore your options, and enjoy the creative process because a truly exceptional wedding cake is worth every moment of planning.
And a few words of wisdom from someone who has been going this for a number of years:
- Trust your designer’s expertise (because they know what works)
- Don’t overcomplicate the design
- Prioritise flavour as much as appearance
- Ensure your cake complements your overall wedding aesthetic
Planning your Aberdeenshire or Aberdeen wedding cake is an exciting part of your wedding experience. With the right designer, a clear vision, and attention to detail, your cake can become a stunning centrepiece that your guests will remember long after the last slice is served.
