The wedding cake and pastries are so significant on the day that they have their own special moment during the reception. Deciding when and how to serve them involves careful consideration and may raise some reasonable questions. With Angelique, a private pastry chef, cake artist, and founder of Bakverhalen, we’re here to support and guide you through this delightful process and ensure that your special day will be filled with the sweetest moments.
MEET THE EXPERT
Angelique is a private pastry chef and a cake artist. After years of honing her skills and gaining invaluable experience, she decided to take her passion to the next level. In 2016, she brought her dream to life by opening Bakverhalen, a wedding cake studio and pastry shop based in the Netherlands. The name Bakverhalen means “baking stories” in Dutch, reflecting Angelique’s belief in the power of food to tell a tale.
Bakverhalen specializes in exquisite, modern wedding cakes with a creative, romantic flair. Angelique takes pride in creating bespoke recipes tailored to each client, ensuring every bite is a delightful and memorable experience.
All cakes below are made by Bakverhalen.
Traditions or Trends
The age-old question of tradition versus trend sets the stage for your sweet moments. Traditionalists may opt for the classic wedding cake cutting ceremony, while those embracing modern trends might sway towards dessert tables and interactive sweet stations.
If you lean towards a traditional cake, take into account the time of day. A daytime celebration may call for an earlier sweet treat and influence its flavor, giving preference to a light, fresh, and fruity cake that perfectly complements the champagne you’ll be serving. The brightness of citrus or the sweetness of berries can add a refreshing touch to midday festivities.
On the other hand, an evening celebration naturally leads to a later, more decadent moment. “Indulge in rich chocolate, velvety caramel, or a delicious combinations that pair seamlessly with dessert cocktails, creating a sumptuous conclusion to your wedding feast. Your cake becomes not only a visual centerpiece but a palate-pleasing finale to a day filled with love and celebration,” – says Angelique.
When it comes to specific timing, there are three common options to choose from:
— Opting to have the cake-cutting ceremony before dinner and serving the cake after guests have eaten can be a good choice. It ensures that guests who prefer to leave early take advantage of dessert.
— Another option is to enjoy dinner first, allowing time for all guests. After speeches, typically around 7:45, you can proceed with the cake cutting, followed by dancing. However, this may make it challenging to kick off the dancing portion smoothly.
— Alternatively, if you have many guests who love to dance, you might wait until later, around 9:00 pm, to serve dessert after the party. It can signal that the party is winding down, giving guests plenty of time to hit the dance floor before indulging in sweets.
If you want your photographer to capture the dessert table or guests enjoying their sweets, you'll need to coordinate with them to ensure they're available during that time.
If you want something more unconventional, consider serving individual cakes for each table. It provides a structured experience, ensuring that everyone enjoys dessert without the wait and embracing a fresh approach. Or you can arrange a dessert bar, adding a touch of extravagance to your reception. However, it’s worth noting that it may require additional time for guests to peruse and choose their treats, and it may be more expensive compared to a single cake. Fortunately, professionals can efficiently navigate both options to ensure a seamless, sweet service.
Beyond this, explore alternative patisserie options like a sophisticated coffee or tea experience. Personalized favors can also add a unique touch to your celebration. These choices will elevate the overall sweet offerings at your wedding.
Cultural Influences
Every culture has its own wedding traditions. From cake ceremonies immediately after the vows to dessert as a party centerpiece, the possibilities are endless. Incorporating cultural elements adds a meaningful touch to your sweet choices, allowing you to create a unique blend of tradition and personal style.
Outdoor or Indoor Reception
The venue—indoors or outdoors—influences the cake and sweet service. Shaded spots are essential for delicate treats at outdoor receptions. Some couples choose an indoor cake-cutting ceremony followed by outdoor celebrations, guided by the expertise of cake artists who understand the nuances of presenting patisserie in various settings.
