Marcel Duvenage (The Man Who Bakes) is spilling the (icing) secrets – from flavour combos to the styles that are stealing the show this season. Whether you’re dreaming of something timeless or out-of-the-box, these expert tips will help you.
Tips to help choose the perfect wedding cake:
Flavour is just as important as design.
Be creative with your cake flavours. Think beyond vanilla and chocolate – passionfruit, lemon, carrot, red velvet … the sky’s the limit. Choose flavours you love, not just what you think your guests expect.
Trust your baker.
Let your cake designer offer honest advice – they know what works (and what doesn’t), especially when it comes to structural elements, weather considerations, and styling.
Always have a backup plan.
Especially if you’re getting married outdoors. Is there a shady spot for the cake in case of a heatwave? What if it starts raining? Your baker will thank you for thinking ahead.
Inspiration is great, but don’t expect a copy.
It’s totally fine (and encouraged!) to bring your baker reference photos and ideas you love – that’s how the creative process gets started. But remember, every cake is handcrafted, and no two are ever truly identical. So instead of aiming for a carbon copy, let your baker use your inspiration as a springboard. Trust them to create something original that fits your vibe, your venue, and your love story. Make the cake your own … and then go ahead and own that new trend!
Skip the cake topper (if you want to).
Not everyone’s a fan of the classic cake topper. Why cover a beautifully designed cake with a figurine when everyone already knows who’s getting married? But hey. It’s your day. If a topper speaks to you, go for it!
Be smart about colour choices.
Some colours are notoriously tricky to get just right, and they can change slightly as they set. Trust your baker’s judgement, and test colours in advance if you’re going for something very specific.
Think about location and season.
Your dream cake also has to survive the big day. Choose a style and type of cake that suits your venue, the season, and the travel time. And most importantly, keep your baker in the loop from the start. They’ll know what works best in different conditions, so trust their advice. It could save you from a cake meltdown. Literally.
How much wedding cake do you really need?
Start with your guest list – that’s your baseline. But remember, not everyone will have cake (yes, really!). Some guests might skip dessert, and others might be too busy on the dance floor. A good rule of thumb? Plan for slightly fewer servings than your total guest count, unless cake is the only dessert being served.
Six wedding cake trends
1. Single-tiered cakes – Simplicity can still be a showstopper. These chic, minimalist cakes are ideal for intimate weddings or couples who want something stylish without over-the-top drama. Small cake, big moment.
2. Vintage piped cakes (think old-school glam) – From frilly piping to buttercream swirls and retro borders, these nostalgic cakes are making a big comeback. They’re romantic, sentimental, and so Instagrammable.
3. Table runner cakes – These elongated cakes stretch across the reception table like edible décor, and Marcel can’t wait to create one. They’re dramatic, unexpected, and bound to steal the spotlight.
4. Sky-high tiered cakes – With multiple tiers reaching new heights, they’re perfect for couples looking to make a statement and infuse their special day with a touch of drama. Not all of it may be real cake, though, but the effect is breathtaking and super beautiful.
5. Tall cakes – This is your traditional wedding cake with a twist; extended tiers that give it height and grandeur. It’s a smart way to make a statement without going completely over the top.
6. Full floral cakes – They add romance, texture, and visual drama, instantly elevating any cake from simple to spectacular. Fresh blooms offer a natural, organic beauty that ties in with the floral arrangements of the day, while handcrafted sugar flowers bring a level of artistry and detail that lasts forever. Definitely Marcel’s favourite!
Want to save the top tier for your first anniversary?
Make sure you store it the right way. Wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and pop it in the freezer. That extra wrapping helps preserve both texture and flavour, because freezer burn is not how you want to remember your big day! Or, here’s a clever alternative. Skip the stress and order a fresh, mini version of your wedding cake for your anniversary. Same flavour, same magic … just baked fresh for round two of the celebration!
Wedding cake etiquette: Sweet tips for a smooth day
Be smart about the setup.
Sure, cutting the cake right after the ceremony is trendy, but if the weather’s acting up, think twice. “I’ve seen cakes sweat, melt, or even collapse in heatwaves or wet weather,” Marcel says. Rather, take a breath, soak in the ceremony, and then move on to the cake moment when it’s safe (and cool) enough.
Not every cake is made to move.
“Some cakes just aren’t meant to be picked up and moved around,” Marcel warns. And unless you’ve been trained, carrying a tiered cake is not as easy as it looks. Trust your baker, and don’t let just anyone handle it.
Give your cake designer the space they need.
Make sure there’s a clean, well-lit area for the baker to set up. “I’ve had times where I was crammed into a corner with no space to build or take proper content photos. It helps when the space is thoughtfully prepared – it makes the cake look even better in the bigger picture of the day.”
Let guests know when it’s cake time.
Once the cake is sliced, don’t let it sit lonely on a table. “Announce it! Let people know it’s being served and tell them what flavours they can expect.” Otherwise, your beautiful cake may go unnoticed – and uneaten.
Send guests home with sweetness.
Got leftovers? Put them to good use. “Have take-home boxes ready so guests can grab a slice on their way out. “I’ve been told that there’s usually nothing left behind, and that’s a compliment I’ll take!”
Sweet alternatives: Dessert table ideas your guests will love
Not every couple dreams of a towering tiered cake. And that’s totally okay! If you’re looking to serve up something sweet with a twist, a dessert table is a fabulous way to delight your guests. It adds variety, visual appeal, and a little something for everyone.
“I recently started doing dessert tables again after many years. And wow – what a comeback.”
Macarons: Elegant, colourful, and endlessly customisable. These little French beauties are a classic crowd-pleaser, and look amazing stacked on towers or styled in neat rows.
Petit fours: Tiny, bite-sized cakes with layers of flavour and fancy finishes. These delicate treats are perfect for guests to nibble between sips of bubbly.
Ganache tarts: Rich, glossy, and oh-so-decadent. Add a touch of gold leaf, seasonal fruit, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.
Gourmet cupcakes: These aren’t your average cupcakes. Think bold flavour combos like passionfruit and white chocolate or pistachio and raspberry – finished with silky buttercream and edible flowers.
Gourmet fudge: Soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Display them in rustic jars or stack them on trays. Either way, they’ll disappear fast.
Gourmet cookies: Go beyond chocolate chip. Think browned butter, lemon poppyseed, or cookie sandwiches filled with ganache or buttercream.
Tart variety platter: Mini lemon meringue, pecan, fruit, or chocolate tarts arranged beautifully on a tiered stand. It’s a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
To read more about Marcel and The Man Who Bakes, click here.
Details: 064-683-1263 or follow @TheManWhoBakes on Facebook and Insta.
