How to Choose the Perfect Cake for Your Event
Make your next celebration unforgettable — one delicious slice at a time.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, bridal shower, baby sprinkle, or even just a cozy gathering with your favourite people, one thing is certain: a beautiful cake always brings joy. But with so many options (flavours, styles, sizes, dietary needs!) it can feel a little overwhelming. Don’t worry — we’ve helped hundreds of customers design the perfect cake, and we’re here to make it simple for you too.
Here’s your go-to guide to choosing a cake that fits your event, your tastes, and your guest list perfectly.
1. Consider the Vibe of Your Event
Is your event elegant and formal? Playful and colourful? Rustic and charming?
Your cake can help set the tone — or become the centrepiece!
For elegant occasions: Think soft florals, neutral tones, or our signature buttercream flowers. For playful parties: Try bold colours, funky shapes, or even themed designs (yes, we’ve made everything from pastel rainbows to retro cartoon cakes). For intimate gatherings: A simple, beautifully frosted cake or our fan-favourite Cake Cups are the perfect touch.
2. Choose Flavours That Everyone Will Love
One of the best parts about ordering from a custom bakery? You’re not limited to a set list — we can create almost any flavour combination you dream of. Whether you want something rich and indulgent, light and fruity, or totally outside-the-box, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Some of our customer favourites include:
Vanilla with strawberry compote – fresh, classic, and loved by all ages
Chocolate fudge – rich and satisfying
Red velvet with cream cheese – a timeless go-to
Lemon raspberry – tart, bright, and perfect for spring/summer
Coconut mango – tropical and unexpected
Earl Grey & lavender – a unique, floral twist for tea lovers
Spiced carrot with brown butter frosting – comforting and layered in flavour
Espresso chocolate – bold and luxurious
💡 Not sure what to pick? We’ll walk you through options based on the event, season, and who you’re serving.
3. Pick a Size That Fits Your Guest List
Your cake should be the right size to match your celebration — not too much, not too little. We’ll help you choose based on how many guests you’re serving and whether you want leftovers (always a good idea, if you ask us).
As a rough guide:
Small cakes are great for intimate gatherings or family dinners
Mid-sized cakes work well for parties, birthdays, and showers
Larger or tiered cakes are perfect for weddings and bigger events
If you’re not sure, just tell us how many people you’re serving — we’ll make sure the size is just right.
4. Consider Dietary Needs Early On
When planning a celebration, it’s a good idea to check in with your guests about any allergies or dietary restrictions. The last thing you want is for someone to feel left out when dessert is served — and the good news is, with a bit of planning, everyone can enjoy a slice.
If you know you’ll need a cake that’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, or halal, it’s worth sharing that with your bakery upfront. At Picadilly Cakery, we offer a wide range of options that can accommodate these needs:
Vegan-friendly cakes: We can make most of our flavours and designs vegan, and they’re just as delicious as the originals.
Gluten-free options: Many of our cakes can be made gluten-free upon request.
Nut-free treats: We offer some nut-free products, though we are not a nut-free facility — so keep that in mind for severe allergies.
Halal ingredients: All our products are made using halal-friendly ingredients, and we’re happy to work with you on special requests.
📝 Tip: Ask your guests early if anyone has dietary needs, and let your bakery know when ordering. That way, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and can focus on celebrating.
5. Think About Timing (And Order Early!)
One of the most common surprises people run into when planning an event? Realising they need a cake sooner than expected. Custom cakes take time — not just to bake and decorate, but to plan properly based on your theme, flavour, size, and dietary needs.
As a general rule:
Try to order your cake at least one week in advance, especially if it’s custom or includes detailed decoration.
For larger or more intricate designs (like tiered cakes or themed events), two or more weeks is even better.
During busy times like holidays, weekends, or wedding season, popular dates fill up fast — so placing your order early guarantees availability.
Even if you’re not 100% sure of the details yet, it’s worth reaching out early. Most bakeries — including ours — are happy to pencil you in and finalise the specifics closer to the date.
📝 Planning ahead means one less thing to worry about as the event gets closer — and a better chance of getting exactly what you want.
💡 Bonus Tip: Trust the Pros
You don’t need to come to us with a full design idea — you can come with a vibe, a mood board, or even just a few words (“chic but fun” is a real theme we’ve nailed). We’ll help you dream it up and bring it to life.
🎂 Ready to Create Your Perfect Cake?
You can place a custom order here or Contact Us and we’ll guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your event as sweet and stunning as it deserves to be.
