The Perfect Sweet Timeline: When to Order, Design, and Finalize Your Cake or Dessert Table

Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement, and let’s be honest—sometimes a bit of chaos too! Your cake or dessert table is one of the most fun (and delicious) parts, but when should you start planning it? And how do you make sure everything is ready without a last-minute panic? Here’s your ultimate stress-free timeline for getting it all sorted.

Lemmon Meringue Tarts at a Marquee Wedding in Warwick

12-18 Months Before: Dream & Get Inspired

This is the best part—no decisions, just pure inspiration! Start collecting ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs. Do you picture a grand, towering cake or a stunning dessert spread? If your venue and date are set, it’s also a great time to start researching cake artists who match your style.

9-12 Months Before: Book Your Cake Artist

Top cake designers book up fast—sometimes a year or more in advance—so if you’ve got your eye on someone, get in touch early! Even if you’re not ready to finalise details, securing your spot means you won’t miss out. Most designers require a deposit to lock in your date, so be prepared for that.

A Ganache Coated Cake, Decorated with Flowers at the Bishops Palace in Wells

6-9 Months Before: The Consultation & Tasting

Now for the really fun bit—cake tasting! You’ll get to sample flavours, talk through your vision, and start piecing together what your cake or dessert table will look like. Bring along inspiration photos, colour swatches, or anything that helps convey your vibe. If you’re a dessert table kind of couple, this is also the time to think about variety—mini tarts, macarons, brownies? Yes, please!

4-6 Months Before: Finalize the Design

By now, you should have a solid idea of what you want. This is when you confirm flavours, finalise the overall aesthetic, and discuss any extra details, like fresh flowers or intricate sugar work. If your cake will have floral elements, make sure your florist and cake artist are on the same page. The more details nailed down now, the smoother everything will go!

A Cheesecake Tower at Pennard House in Shepton Mallet

2-3 Months Before: Logistics & Setup

It’s time to think about the practical bits. Who’s delivering the cake? Does your venue provide a cake stand, or do you need to source one? If your wedding is outdoors, chat with your cake artist about how to keep everything looking (and tasting) its best in different weather conditions.

1 Month Before: Final Check-In & Payment Due

A quick touch base with your cake designer to confirm everything is on track. Final payment must be made at this stage, and all designs must be finalised—after this point, no more changes can be made. Double-check delivery details, venue setup, and any last tweaks. If you’re having a dessert table, make sure you’ve got serving utensils, plates, and any decorative elements ready to go.

Naked Cake at Folly Farm Centre near Bath

Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Bite!

Your cake and desserts will be delivered and set up as planned, and all you have to do is enjoy! Make sure your photographer snaps a few gorgeous shots before the first slice is cut or the desserts disappear.

Bonus Tip: Save Some for Later

Want to relive the sweetness? Arrange for someone to box up some cake or desserts at the end of the night. Many cakes and treats freeze well, meaning you can enjoy a little taste of your wedding on your first anniversary (or, let’s be real, the next morning with a cup of coffee!).

Planning your wedding cake or dessert table should be exciting, not stressful. Stick to this timeline, and you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious center piece that’s perfectly timed for your big day—so you can focus on celebrating (and eating cake, obviously!).