I cannot enthasise enough the importance of having trust in your wedding cake designer. When looking for your designer, just like any other supplier, that you need to do your homework. Make sure you are a good match. Make sure their style of design fits with the whole aesthetics of your day. After all, you want your edible centrepiece to be an extension of your decor. It needs to flow seamlessly.
Finding the perfect wedding cake designer for you
Finding the perfect designer for your cake should mean that you fully trust them on your design. Of course, be involved as much or as little as you like for the design process. It is your wedding cake, after all. However, try to give your designer wiggle room for any last minute changes to the design, and trust them in this. Sometimes what looks good on paper just doesn’t look quite the same in real life. What if your wedding cake designer decides, last minute, that a particular aspect of the design may not work after all? At this late stage, there is often no time to get in touch with you and/or wait for your reply. Would you feel confident to authorise changes without you knowing what they may be beforehand?
Having trust in your wedding cake designer for that last minute cake design dilemma
I recently had a scenario where a design had been created. During the design process the bride and groom expressed their concerns that the top tier would look too plain with just their monogram on it. They asked if it would be possible to add a garland, or similar detail, around it. I explained that I felt a garland would over crowd the design when the bottom tier’s elements were taken into account. However, I understood their concerns and suggested a light stipple effect. Offset at the top and bottom of the monogram, the stipple would give subtle detail without overcrowding. I attached a sketch of what it would look like. They liked the idea and the design was finalised.
However, come the day I was working on the cake, I stenciled the monogram and I knew instantly that the stipple effect really was not needed. In fact, I would go as far to say it would have looked odd…added for the sake of adding it.
Finding the perfect wedding cake designer for you
For a while I toyed with messaging the bride but knowing she would be busy on the eve of her big day, I really didn’t want to bother her. Yet our previous conversation in respect of their concerns kept echoing in my head.
There were two ways of looking at this, the first being, “the clients have approved the sketch, so I needed to give them what they are expecting to see”. This one didn’t sit comfortable with me. The second being “the clients had chosen me because they loved my style and designs and they were sure to love the final design for that very reason”.
Biting the bullet
In the end I did message the bride. I offered to send her an image of the cake (not something I would usually do). She declined the preview and said she totally trusted my judgement. That was it. Decision made. The cake stayed as it was. No stipple.
The next two days felt long. Had they loved it or been disappointed?
The Bride & Groom’s reaction to their wedding cake
The evening after the wedding, the bride messaged me and told me that they had absolutely loved it. She said as soon as she saw it, she knew exactly what I had meant and the stipple would have been too much. She went on to say how many compliments the cake had received for its taste and design. I was so pleased.
Since this occasion, I now have this discussion with my clients prior to their big day, but the question is, could you trust your cake designer’s judgement?
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How can I ensure I find a wedding cake designer whose style aligns with my wedding theme?
Before selecting a designer, review their portfolio and discuss your vision to ensure they understand your aesthetic.
Ask for references or testimonials from past clients to gauge their ability to deliver on style and quality.
What should I do if I have specific design ideas but also want to trust my designer’s expertise?
Communicate openly with your designer about your ideas and preferences. Allow them the flexibility to suggest modifications that might enhance the final design based on their experience.
Trusting their expertise can lead to creative solutions that align better with your overall vision.
Is it common for wedding cake designers to make last-minute adjustments to the design?
Yes, it can happen. Experienced designers might make minor adjustments on the day of the event to ensure the cake looks its best in the venue’s lighting and setting.
Trusting your designer’s judgement in such cases can often lead to a more cohesive and visually appealing outcome.
What if I have concerns about a design change my designer suggests close to the wedding day?
Express your concerns openly and ask for visual references or sketches to understand the proposed changes better.
Discuss alternatives and collaborate to find a solution that satisfies both your preferences and the designer’s expertise.
How can I build trust with my wedding cake designer throughout the planning process?
Building trust starts with clear communication and mutual respect.
Regularly update your designer on any changes or new ideas you have while being open to their suggestions based on their professional knowledge.
Trust is fostered through transparency and collaboration.
If you would like to discuss your cake vision, do get in touch, by hitting the button below.
If you are at the start of your wedding cake journey and would like to read more about combating your fear of designing your wedding cake and/or the designer process in general this is the perfect blog post for you.
Main image: Captured by Roxy
Who is Sue Hurst – Wedding Cake Designer in Essex
Hey, I am Sue! I am a wedding cake maker in Essex, specialising in modern and bespoke wedding cakes in Essex, London, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey and beyond. After 12 years of cake making, my business has changed over the years, until I found my biggest passion – weddings.
I absolutely adore everything about designing and making wedding cakes. From getting to know my couples, right through to setting up their dream cake (quite often a design they would never have dreamt of before their journey with me).
Having the honour of being a part of such a special day in my couples’ lives, is something I never undervalue.
My blog posts about weddings cakes in the South and South East England are based on experience and aim to help you plan your dream wedding.
