NC Wedding Cakes and Bakeries

There is no doubt that your wedding day will be one of the most exciting and memorable of your life. There are many decisions to be made before the big day. An important one of these is choosing your wedding cake! Whether you have a major sweet tooth or not, having a delicious dessert at your reception is something every guest will appreciate. From cutting the first slice with your new spouse to saving the top tier to enjoy on your first anniversary, cakes also play a big role in Southern wedding traditions.

No matter what kind of wedding you plan, there are plenty of dessert options to choose from. Guests often expect wedding cakes, but there are also many delicious alternatives! Heart of NC Weddings has all of the details you need to know about wedding cakes and dessert options for your Raleigh, Durham or NC wedding.

When Should I Book My Wedding Baker?

Here in the South, the wedding cake is a focal point of the reception. Tradition holds that the newlyweds cut the cake together. Certainly, it’s a fun photo opportunity. And for dessert lovers, it’s a given!

It is ideal to book your wedding cake baker or dessert vendor six months to one year in advance of your event.

Some of the local wedding cake artists in the Raleigh-Durham area and across NC operate brick-and-mortar shops. These bakeries might be able to accommodate your needs closer to your wedding date. But even they have a quota of how many weddings they are able to accommodate in one day or weekend. It is even harder to snag a spot with the fantastic cake artists that focus solely on weddings. We recommend you don’t wait to hire your wedding cake baker!

How Much Do Wedding Cakes Cost in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC?

The cost of your wedding cake will be based on guest count. In the Triangle, cost ranges from $6 to $12 per slice. Of course there are other factors such as the intricacy of the design, and the time it takes the wedding cake baker to create the work of art! Buttercream icing with a simple design won’t be as pricey as a highly detailed cake or hand-painted fondant.

Tips for Budgeting for Your Wedding Cake or Dessert

• If you want a big, classic wedding cake but don’t quite have the budget for it, the baker can create a bottom layer of cake and a dummy cake layer or two up top. Then, your baker can bake a flat sheet cake that is actually cut and served to your guests. This saves money and time!
• Cupcakes and cake pops are adorable – and a good deal! This option also provides more flavor choices for your guests.
• Full pies are a better deal than individual sized ones.
• Ask your caterer if they offer any wedding desserts. Many of them do, and this can be a money saver if you add it to a package. At the very least, the wedding caterer’s desserts might complement your classic wedding cake!

Types of Wedding Cakes

Choosing a cake is as special as your dress or flowers. Take the opportunity to give guests a dessert that tells the story of you both as a couple, whether it’s a flavor you enjoyed on your first date or decorated in your favorite colors. Many people prefer creative, unique wedding cakes. Here are just a few types of wedding cake to consider:

• Traditional wedding cake. If it ain’t broke, don’t break it! This classic option is usually a vanilla or chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. This is the most common cake chosen for weddings, as it is loved by all. Many Southerners would consider a traditional wedding cake to mean a white or ivory cake.
• Lambeth – This style of retro piping has come back into fashion for weddings in a big way. If you love this overly ornate style with all the frills and flourishes, seek out a baker that specializes in Lambeth piped cakes.
• Satellite – If you aren’t loving the look of one large, traditional cake, some bakers will pair several smaller cakes together to make a beautiful display table. This way, you can include several decor styles or flavors you love. Usually, one element like a similar color palette will unite the cakes as one cohesive centerpiece.
• Personal Cakes – We love the idea of a mini, personal cake waiting for each guest at the table. Let’s face it – tiny cakes are adorable! This is a special way to give your guests an elevated dessert experience that they’ll remember for years to come.

Tips for Your Wedding Cake Tasting

We’re sure you’ll find that wedding cake tastings are the sweetest part of planning! Most couples do this with their baker in person. However, some wedding cake artists in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill do pick-up tastings. You’ll have the option to Zoom with your baker to discuss the flavors on the spot – or follow up on your own time.

Yes, there’s more to choosing a wedding cake than just picking your favorite flavor. Here’s a few tips to guide you in ordering a cake you’ll love:

• Create a Pinterest vision board with your favorite looks. A professional baker will be able to take the inspiration you bring and go from there.
• Consider your overall wedding design when choosing your cake. Are you planning a formal wedding? Do you want to have that classic cake-cutting photo moment? Maybe a traditional multi-tiered cake is for you. Look for a cake artist who often creates this type of design.
• If you and your fiance have completely different taste in your sweets or want to provide lots of options for your guests, a dessert bar is a great choice. This is ideal if many of your guests have dietary restrictions, too.
• You can choose from many different flavors, as well as different styles. If you have a specific flavor in mind or a family recipe you want to replicate, hire a bakery that does custom cakes.

Other Wedding Dessert Ideas

What if traditional isn’t your … slice of cake? Many couples have opted out of the common multi-tiered cake in favor of unconventional desserts. These can either be paired with a traditional wedding cake or replace it completely. Many wedding cake bakers can accommodate alternative desserts, too! The sky is the limit with dessert options. Perhaps you love pastries, pie or ice cream. It’s your day! Also note, any dessert you can imagine can be made in individual serving sizes.

If you’ve been trying cakes and nothing is speaking to you, read and bookmark our nontraditional dessert ideas blog. Or, consider one of these alternative desserts:

• Interactive dessert stations to liven up your event. Think s’mores or a fondue tower!
• Cupcakes – perfect for smaller receptions or when you don’t want a large formal cake. You can serve them on a dessert table or at the end of the meal, or even put them on a stand and use them as table centerpieces.
• Cake pops – miniature treats made from baked cake and frosting. Cake pops are often decorated to look like mini wedding-themed desserts. These are great for serving at a dessert table or at the end of a meal.
• Cookie bouquets – This dessert option is very easy to serve. This sweet treat can be arranged elegantly into bouquet shapes. Serve alongside a selection of warm milk or hot chocolate. You can mix and match flavors and even ask your baker to decorate frosting to fit perfectly with your wedding theme.
• Fresh fruit skewers are both healthy and delicious. Fresh fruit skewers make a great alternative to sugary desserts at your wedding. Serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces like melted chocolate, hot caramel and berry coulis.
• Doughnut walls – A doughnut wall is a fantastic and fun way to stand out. By mixing and matching different flavors and icings you can create an extraordinary work of art that is both beautiful and delicious at the same time.
• Croquembouche – This traditional French wedding dessert is an elegant tower of cream puffs. A fun and scrumptious alternative to a tiered cake. Guaranteed to turn heads when your guests walk into the reception.
• Think about a sweet treat at the wedding exit. Milk and cookies are a great send off!

Start Your Wedding Cake Journey With Heart of NC Weddings‘ Recommended Bakers in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill

When it comes to your wedding day, the details matter. Each wedding cake designer recommended by Heart of NC Weddings is licensed by the state. These Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Cary NC bakeries make beautiful and delicious wedding cakes. Many also bake cupcakes, pastries, macarons, cookies, chocolates and any other dessert you might desire for your wedding.