What No One Tells You About Wedding Cakes (That You’ll Be Glad You Knew)
From awkward slicing moments to cake-melting disasters, here’s everything your Pinterest board didn’t warn you about.
Elegant four-tier wedding cake by Beckie Chapman Cakes, captured at the romantic Manor by the Lake
When you start planning your wedding, choosing the cake feels like the fun, easy bit. You taste a few flavours, pick a pretty design, and that’s it right?
But wedding cakes? They come with a few sneaky surprises that no one really talks about… until it’s too late.
As a London and Cotswolds wedding planner who helps couples design personal, joyful, authentic celebrations, I’ve seen it all: from last-minute cake collapses to sugar flowers wilting in 30-degree heat.
So if you're planning a UK wedding and want your cake to be as stress-free as it is stunning, here's everything you need to know, with expert insight from one of my favourite cake designers Beckie Chapman.
Five-tier fondant wedding cake with sugar flowers by Beckie Chapman Cakes
Featuring soft blue tones and elegant ribbon detailing
1. You Might Not Need As Much Cake As You Think
Most couples assume they need a slice for every guest, but that’s rarely the case. With dessert already served or a busy dancefloor calling, not everyone makes it to the cake table.
Planner tip:
If you’re serving dessert as part of your meal, you can size down your cake or include dummy tiers for that tall, elegant look without overdoing the portions.
Cake maker’s guide:
50–60 guests: a 2-tier cake is usually plenty
80–120 guests: a 3-tier offers great balance
150+ guests: go for 4 tiers or add a cutting cake behind the scenes
And remember, dummy tiers are a brilliant styling trick, especially if you want the drama without the waste.
2. Weather Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think
Summer weddings in barns, marquees, or glass venues look amazing, but they can wreak havoc on your cake. Especially if you’ve chosen buttercream (which, while beautiful, doesn’t love the heat).
Cake maker’s tip:
Instead of buttercream under fondant, I use a smooth layer of white chocolate ganache. It's rich, delicious (like the inside of a truffle!), and much more stable in warm weather. It holds its shape beautifully, giving the cake those sharp, elegant edges and the best chance of looking flawless all day long.
Planner tip:
Chat with your venue about where the cake will be set up. Avoid hot spots like radiators, direct sun, or windows. Your cake deserves a cool, shady corner to shine.
Rustic single-tier cake by Beckie Chapman Cakes
Styled at the elegant Ardington House in Oxfordshire.
3. Your Cake Needs a Timeline of Its Own
It might sound dramatic, but timing really matters when it comes to cake. Arriving too early can be a risk in the heat, but arriving too late might delay your schedule.
Planner tip:
Coordinate with your cake designer, venue, and planner (hi!) to manage delivery and set-up. Make sure someone is responsible for receiving the cake, and that the table is sturdy and level.
4. Display Is Everything
You’ve invested in a showstopper, now give it the spotlight it deserves! A cake sitting in the corner on a plain linen-draped table can easily be overlooked.
Cake maker’s tip:
Style the table with florals, candles, soft lighting, or a backdrop that ties into your theme. And double-check the stand, pretty options can sometimes be too fragile for tiered cakes, so ask your cake designer to recommend sturdy alternatives (or hire one from them!).
Planner tip:
Consider placing your cake table in a spot where guests can admire it during dinner, not just during the cutting moment.
Three-tier white chocolate ganache cake with fresh florals by Beckie Chapman Cakes.
Displayed at The Pear Tree, Purton.
5. Cut the Cake, But Time It Right
Cutting the cake is totally optional these days, but if you’re doing it, make sure it fits naturally into the flow of the day.
Planner tip:
I always recommend cutting the cake just after the speeches or before your first dance, when everyone’s still paying attention, and your photographer is nearby. You’ll get the gorgeous photos and avoid the cake being forgotten in the late-night energy.
Four-tier ridged chocolate ganache cake by Beckie Chapman Cakes.
Displayed in the marquee at The Perch, Oxford.
6. Heat + Logistics = Cake Crisis (Unless You're Prepared)
Even the best cakes can suffer in the wrong conditions. I’ve seen florals wilt, icing slides, and entire tiers lean dangerously, all because the cake wasn’t managed properly on the day.
Cake maker’s top advice:
Keep it cool until the last minute. Ask your venue coordinator where the cake will go, and avoid hot spots. Even the most stunning cake needs the right environment to shine.
7. Leftovers Can Be a Gift, Or a Total Waste
Cake is often left over, especially at summer weddings where guests are outside or distracted. So plan ahead for what happens after the cutting.
Planner tip:
Ask your caterer or a trusted family member to slice and box leftover cake. You could even save a few slices in your freezer for your first anniversary. Or gift them as sweet next-day treats for your guests.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding cake is more than a dessert, it’s part of the experience. From design and flavour to timing and display, every detail counts.
As a London and Cotswolds wedding planner, I believe your day should feel like you: personal, relaxed, joyful, and never overwhelmed by logistics. By planning ahead and partnering with incredible suppliers, your cake can be both a delicious treat and a beautiful moment in your day.
I help couples plan meaningful, stress-free celebrations that are stylish, heartfelt, and totally personal. If that sounds like your vibe, check out my Instagram and get in touch, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Supplier Spotlight
The expert advice in this post comes from one of my favourite UK cake designers: Beckie Chapman Cakes. Her stunning creations taste every bit as good as they look. Check out her wesbite here and prepare to fall in love.
