Bakery Timeline: How to Keep Your Wedding Cake on Track
Planning a wedding cake feels like juggling frosting, flavors, and deadlines all at once. A solid bakery timeline takes the guesswork out of it, so you know exactly when to taste, when to decide on design, and when the final cake arrives. Below is a practical schedule that works for most UK couples, broken down into easy steps you can copy straight into your planner.
12–10 Months Before: Start the Search
Give yourself a good head start by researching local bakeries. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and shortlist the ones whose style matches your vision. Reach out for initial chats and ask about their availability on your wedding date. If you’ve found a favorite, book a tasting slot now – many bakers hold dates only for those who have a tasting confirmed.
9–6 Months Before: Tasting and Design Decisions
The tasting session is the real fun part. Try at least three flavors and note which ones you love together. After you pick your flavors, discuss the cake’s shape, tier count, and any decorative details like fresh flowers or sugar work. The baker will give you a rough price based on your choices. If the cost looks high, ask about simple alternatives that keep the look but trim the budget.
Once you’re happy with the design, the bakery will ask you to sign a contract and pay a deposit – usually 30 % of the total. Keep a copy of the contract in your wedding folder and set a reminder for the next payment deadline.
5–3 Months Before: Finalize Numbers and Details
At this stage you need to confirm how many guests will be served cake. Most bakers use a serving chart – for example, a two‑tier cake feeds 80‑100 guests, while a three‑tier can cover 150+. If you have a mixed crowd (kids, adults, vegans), let the baker know so they can adjust portion sizes or offer a small separate cake.
Ask the bakery about delivery logistics. Will they set the cake up on site? Do they need a specific loading area? Confirm the exact time they’ll arrive, usually an hour before the cake cutting. This is also the right moment to talk about any special requests, like a hidden flavor layer or a surprise cake inside.
2 Months to 1 Week: Confirm and Re‑Confirm
Two months out, the baker will send a final order summary. Review it for any typos or missing details. If you’re adding a cake topper or extra decorations, now’s the time to lock them in. A week before the big day, give the bakery a quick call to confirm the delivery time and any last‑minute changes.
Most bakers will require the final payment 1–2 weeks before the wedding. Set up a reminder so you don’t miss it – a missed payment can delay the cake or even cost extra.
Wedding Day: The Moment of Truth
When the baker arrives, make sure the cake stand is ready and the venue staff knows where to place the cake. Give the baker a clear path to set up, and keep a glass of water nearby for the icing to stay fresh. After the cake is in place, take a quick photo – you’ll want to remember how it looked before the cutting.
Enjoy the slice! With a well‑planned bakery timeline, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time tasting that perfect piece of your wedding day.
How Far in Advance Does a Bakery Make a Wedding Cake?
Curious about when your dream wedding cake actually gets made? This article reveals how far ahead bakeries start on wedding cakes, why timing matters for taste and looks, and what goes on behind the scenes. It covers the full timeline from booking to baking, decorating, transport, and even share pro tips for making sure your cake arrives fresh and flawless. If you're planning a wedding, knowing these details can ease your mind and help you ask the right questions.