Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to wedding cakes. Then I’ve seen some incredible works of art. Some of the best wedding cakes in the world. And then there was Scott & Angus’ wedding cake that eclipsed them all, but more of that later…
I’ve been lucky enough to work with Ben The Cake Man on numerous occasions, and his cakes always blow me away. Quite a few of my couples have had his cakes at their own weddings, and Ben also invited me to come to his place of work to take photos of a few of the wedding cakes he was working on, including the brilliant tattoo-theme wedding cake you see below.
Here are a few more of Ben’s amazing creations…
Vikki & Chris are both huge metal fans, so they had a Heavy Metal wedding cake designed just for them. It rocked!
Then there was Rhiannon & Jack’s wedding cake, complete with pork pie and cheese layers, made by Jack’s mom! Amazing!
Fran and Will’s cheese wedding cake was made from different cheeses from all over Europe. Love this.
Tally and Rich are big Star Wars fans, so the force was strong with their cake.
And Holly & Ben’s cake had plenty of WOW factor!
I shot a wedding on a boat in New York City and their cute little cake was perfect.
Michelle & Rich found the perfect wedding cake for them. A corpse bride theme with amazing detail.
I loved Danielle & Chris’ woodland themed wedding cake. I can honestly say I’ve never seen another cake like this. Another gem from Ben The Cake Man. Check out the details. And the snail!
And another of Ben’s masterpieces was this Alice In Wonderland theme for Claire & Adam’s wedding.
And then there was Scott & Angus’ wedding cake. They had a company from Canada fly to Iceland for their wedding. Custom-designed moving visuals were projected from multiple locations around the room to create 3D effects. Next. Level!
Oh yeah! We love Ben’s work so much that we even had him design a birthday cake for our son’s birthday. Check it out!
I look forward to seeing what our couples come up with for all my future weddings.
Finding Your Perfect Wedding Cake: A Guide for Couples
After photographing countless weddings, I’ve noticed how special the wedding cake moment is for every couple. While I’m usually behind the camera capturing your sweet memories, I wanted to share some helpful advice for finding that perfect cake that will not only be a delicious treat but also a beautiful part of your wedding day.
Start With Your Vision
Before diving into tastings and meetings with bakers, take a moment to envision what you want. Consider your wedding’s overall theme, color palette, and venue. Are you planning a formal ballroom reception or a casual garden celebration? A cake that complements your wedding style will feel more cohesive and meaningful. This is about expressing who you are as a couple – whether that means classic elegance, modern minimalism, or whimsical charm.
Explore Flavors That Delight
The best part of cake shopping? The tastings! Today’s options extend far beyond vanilla and chocolate:
- Classic favorites: Red velvet, carrot cake, lemon
- Seasonal inspirations: Pumpkin spice for fall, strawberry for summer
- Global flavors: Matcha, dulce de leche, black sesame
- Nostalgic choices: Funfetti, cookies and cream
Consider choosing different flavors for each tier to accommodate various preferences. Most importantly, pick what you love – it’s your celebration after all!
Design Elements to Consider
Working with your baker to design your cake should be a fun, creative process. Some elements to think about:
- Texture: Smooth fondant, textured buttercream, or barely-frosted “naked” cakes
- Color: Traditional white/ivory, subtle pastels, or bold colors that match your palette
- Decorations: Fresh flowers, sugar flowers, metallic accents, or meaningful symbols
- Structure: Traditional tiers, separated tiers, unique shapes, or asymmetrical designs
Bring inspiration photos to your consultation, but remain open to your baker’s expertise and suggestions. They might have ideas that perfectly suit your style and budget.
Finding Your Perfect Baker
The right baker makes all the difference. Here’s how to find yours:
- Research: Look at reviews, social media portfolios, and ask for recommendations from friends or other wedding vendors
- Meet: Schedule consultations with 2-3 bakers whose style you admire
- Taste: Always arrange a tasting before committing
- Connect: Choose someone who listens to your ideas and communicates well
A great baker will be excited about your vision and will work collaboratively to bring it to life.
Working Within Your Budget
Wedding cakes can range dramatically in price, typically from $4-15 per slice depending on complexity and location. Be upfront about your budget from the start. Cost-saving tips include:
- Choosing a smaller display cake with a sheet cake in the kitchen
- Selecting simpler designs or fewer tiers
- Using fresh flowers instead of labor-intensive sugar flowers
- Opting for a semi-naked or buttercream finish instead of fondant
Remember that sometimes investing a bit more gets you significantly better quality – especially important for something everyone will taste!
Timing and Logistics
Once you’ve selected your baker, nail down these practical details:
- Booking timeline: Reserve your baker 6-9 months in advance for peak wedding season
- Delivery: Confirm delivery time, setup process, and any venue restrictions
- Display: Discuss cake table location, stands or displays needed, and any rental items
- Serving: Ask about cutting guidelines and if the baker provides cake-cutting services
- Preservation: Inquire about storage options for your anniversary tier
Accommodating Special Dietary Needs
More couples are ensuring all guests can enjoy dessert. Discuss options for:
- Gluten-free tiers or alternatives
- Dairy-free options
- Vegan cakes
- Nut-free preparations to avoid allergen cross-contamination
Many skilled bakers now create alternative options that are just as beautiful and delicious as traditional cakes.
Beyond Traditional Tiers
Traditional wedding cakes aren’t the only option! Alternative dessert ideas include:
- Cupcake towers with a small cutting cake
- Donut walls or displays
- Dessert tables with a variety of mini treats
- Cheese wheels stacked like cake tiers (perfect for savory lovers)
- Personalized options like pie towers, macaron displays, or cinnamon rolls
These alternatives can be more budget-friendly while still creating a special moment.
Making the Moment Memorable
Whatever cake you choose, plan how you’ll celebrate the moment:
- Select a special cake server set that can become a keepsake
- Practice the cake cutting so you’re comfortable with the tradition
- Think about whether you want to follow the tradition of feeding each other a bite
- Consider having your baker include a surprise element inside the cake
These thoughtful touches make the cake experience more personal and meaningful.
A Note from Your Photographer
From my perspective as your photographer, cakes that photograph beautifully tend to have good lighting, clean backgrounds, and interesting details. Consider positioning your cake table where there’s enough space and nice lighting, and let your photographer know of any special cake details you’d like captured. I’m always happy to discuss how we can best document this sweet tradition!
Enjoy the Process
Above all, have fun with your cake selection! This should be one of the more enjoyable parts of wedding planning. Take your time, trust your taste buds, and choose something that brings you joy. After all, your wedding cake is both a delicious treat and a sweet symbol of the celebration ahead.
Happy cake hunting!
Further reading: https://mtlweddingblog.com/wedding-cakes-in-montreal/
