Do You Need A Cake Maker Or A Cake Designer For Your Wedding?
Is there a difference between a cake maker and a cake designer?
So aren’t a cake designer and a cake maker just one in the same?
In my view, NO - a cake designer is a person who creates cake art, and yes, they are also technically a cake maker but they are not just a cake maker.
“A person who creates art. A person who makes and creates art as an occupation”
I consider myself to be a ‘cake artist’ - I create edible art. Yes, I am a pretty fine cake maker too, but I don’t just whip up a Victoria sponge and pop a bit of jam and buttercream in it. My designs and flavours are carefully planned and designed, meticulously executed, perfectly decorated and beautifully presented. From start to finish, I put a lot of love and care into the whole process of designing and making a cake and I only make two wedding cakes per week maximum, so I can make sure my exacting standards of presentation are not compromised.
So what is a cake maker?
To me, a cake maker will most likely create any cake design that is asked of them. They probably won’t have their own unique style that all of their designs fit into. You wouldn’t be able to immediately know a cake was theirs by the style of it.
A cake maker would be unlikely to make something completely bespoke and made especially for you. Generally speaking, a cake maker would probably be more likely to create a cake from a photograph you show them, or perhaps they have a catalogue of designs you can choose from.
Will I just create any cake from a photograph? No, I won’t. Yes I may take inspiration from images you show me, but I will put my own spin on things and design a cake completely unique and just for you. And because I have my own personal design style, some designs may not be what I would be willing to create at all as they are just not my thing - e.g. novelty style cakes.
Does employing a cake designer cost more than employing a cake maker?
In a nutshell - yes. Employing someone to provide a bespoke service on a more personal level is going to cost more than asking someone to recreate a cake from a photograph or picking out a design from a catalogue. You are paying for the experience and the level of service you will receive. It is not only the design that will be unique - the ingredients used - the presentation - the packaging - the service - it will all be at a much higher level of quality.
So do I need a cake designer or a cake maker for my wedding?
This will most probably come down to the budget you have for your cake and how important your cake is to you on your wedding day. Consider these points:
Do you just want a cake because you feel it’s traditional but you aren’t that bothered about the overall design? - then a cake maker is probably a better option for you
Do you just want something that is exactly the same as a photograph you like? - a cake maker would be the more cost effective option
Are you a huge foodie and want a cake that tastes amazing and in a more unusual flavour? - a wedding cake designer would be a better choice
Is the cake one of the most important parts of your day and you want it to be a real show stopper and wow all of your guests? - then employ a wedding cake designer
Do you want a cake design that is completely unique and not like anything you have ever seen before? - you need a wedding cake designer
So what should I consider before I get in touch with a specific wedding cake designer?
Think about how important your cake is to you on your wedding day.
Decide on an approximate budget you are happy to spend on your wedding cake.
Think about the style of cake you might like - have a look at the work of the cake designers you are considering - does their design style, fit the vision you have for your wedding cake?
If you have specific dietary requirements - see if the cake designer can cater for those.
Check where the cake designer is based and if they are happy to travel (most are).
Look online for reviews - do other people recommend them?
Ask your venue for their wedding cake designer recommendations.
Ask friends and family if they have any recommendations from weddings they have attended.
I hope you have found this informative and helpful. If you are searching for your wedding cake designer at the moment, I do have some other blog posts you might find helpful too.
‘How Much Does A Wedding Cake Cost?’
‘Your Top 20 Wedding Cake Questions Answered’
I’m always happy to answer questions on email too, so you can contact me on hello@littlebuttonbakery.co.uk
Lots of cakey love
Image credit for this blog: Jenny Appleton Photo & Film