Whilst planning your wedding, you maybe wondering what questions you need to ask your cake maker. For some, the cake isn’t important and for others it is going to be the main feature of their day. But where do you start when searching for your cake maker? And what questions should you ask them? I’ve been chatting with Jen from Jen’s Cakery in West London to find out more…

How far in advance do you recommend booking your cake maker?

Don’t leave it too late. I get booked up a long way in advance! As soon as you’ve booked the venue (and are ready to start thinking about cake) is good. Although, for me personally, I don’t generally take orders more than a year in advance.

Are couples able to try samples before making a decision?

Of course! In normal circumstances you would come and meet me and have a cuppa and cake around the kitchen table. At the moment that’s off the menu, but I can post samples to you.

When and to where do you deliver the cake?

I deliver and set up your cake on the day of the wedding and I’ll do that pretty much anywhere within 90 minutes’ drive of West London. I’m usually out in the cake mobile in Central London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

What wedding cake trends have you noticed in recent years?

Semi-naked cakes are still hugely popular, but iced cakes are definitely making a comeback! Lots of tall tiers, textures and watercolour effects.

Are there any cake traditions we should be aware of?

So many. Some people keep the top tier for a future christening (that only works for fruit cake really!). Then there’s lots of things specific to different countries and cultures… some couples feed each other the cake, some smash it in each other’s faces, some people only want an even number of tiers, others don’t like to have white icing.. And Persian weddings have the cake knife dance!

What style of cake is your favourite to make?

So difficult to answer! Usually, whichever cake I’m working on at that moment. I love cakes decorated with flowers.

Which is the most popular flavour at the moment?

Chocolate and, of course, Salted Caramel.

Are there any potential cake disasters we need to know about?

If your venue gets very warm, e.g. a glass building with no air con, and you’re getting married in the summer then I always suggest avoiding buttercream as it’s likely to melt. Go for an iced cake instead!

Aside from the main cake, are you often asked to make any other sweet treats for the day?

Cookies are popular as place settings and macarons as favours too. I’m happy to make other sweet treats; you only have to ask.

What cake trends do you predict for 2021?

It will be really really lovely when we can go back to big weddings and I think couples are going to go for huge cakes to signal the end of the restrictions. That said, 2020 has shown us how special an intimate wedding can be, so I think we’ll see lots of small, simple cakes too.

I hope this blog equips you with all the questions you want to ask your cake maker, as well as give you some ideas about your own cake. If you enjoyed this interview, check out more of my Interviews with Suppliers on the Blog.