10 Key Dimensions to Consider When Ordering a Personalised Birthday Cake
There’s something magical about a birthday cake that’s made just for you. It’s not just the candles or the way everyone leans in to sing. It’s that moment when someone sees a cake that reflects them—what they love, how they feel, who they are.
But behind that magic is a bit of planning.
Whether you’re going big with a two-tier showpiece or keeping things simple and sweet, here are 10 practical things to sort out before placing your order.
1. How Many People Are You Feeding?
Before anything else, lock in your guest count. A smaller cake might be enough for a family dinner. But if you're hosting 30 friends, you’ll need something more generous.
As a rough guide:
6-Inch Round: Good for 8–10 people
8-Inch Round: Works for 12–16
Two-Tier Cakes: Depends on the design, but can go up to 40–50 servings
If the cake is your only dessert, lean on the larger side. It’s easier to deal with extra slices than disappointed guests who didn’t get one.
2. What Shape Fits the Party?
Round cakes are the classic pick, but they’re not your only option. Square cakes give you a bit more per slice, and they’re easier to portion evenly. Number cakes are popular for milestone birthdays, especially for kids. You’ll also see shaped cakes: hearts, animals, logos, even handbags.
Just keep in mind that shaped cakes often require more skill and time, and may come with a higher price tag.
3. Flavour Isn’t Just Flavour, It’s the Experience
You could go with the usual chocolate or vanilla. Nothing wrong with that. But if you really want the cake to stand out, think about flavours that suit the person and the guests.
Here are a few tried-and-true favourites:
Chocolate fudge
Vanilla sponge with fresh strawberries
Lemon cake with cream cheese
Earl Grey with lavender buttercream
Matcha with white chocolate
And if you’re working with tiers, you can even choose a different flavour for each layer.
4. Filling and Frosting Can Make or Break It
The filling’s often the unexpected hero. A good one adds contrast. A bad one just adds sweetness—and not in a good way.
Popular fillings:
Light whipped cream
Buttercream (can be flavoured or plain)
Ganache
Fruit compote or jam
Think about texture. Ganache is rich and smooth. Fruit fillings can balance a heavier sponge. If your cake will be out for a while, check which fillings hold up without refrigeration.
As for frosting, buttercream is the workhorse—it pipes well and tastes familiar. Fondant gives you a clean, sleek look, but it’s not everyone’s favourite on the fork. Some folks peel it off.
5. Any Allergies or Dietary Needs?
This part matters. Especially if the cake is shared by a big group, some guests might avoid dairy. Others might be gluten-sensitive or vegan. And of course, nut allergies are non-negotiable.
Most bakeries can offer options like:
Eggless cakes
Dairy-free sponges
Nut-free kitchens (or at least no cross-contact)
The key here is early notice. If you need something specific, bring it up right away so the bakery can confirm what’s doable.
6. What’s the Look You’re Going For?
Design is personal. You don’t need to go extravagant to make a statement. Some cakes are covered in hand-piped flowers. Others just have one bold topper and clean edges. Think about the person: what colours they like, what hobbies or themes they enjoy.
For kids:
Dinosaurs
Rainbows
Favourite cartoons
For adults:
Florals
Textures
Gold accents
Bring a few reference photos, but also trust your baker—they know what works well at the size you’ve chosen.
7. Match the Mood with the Right Colours
This might sound like a small thing, but the cake’s colour makes a difference. Is it soft and romantic? Loud and fun? Minimal and elegant?
Keep your setting in mind:
Pastels for garden parties
Bold tones for evening dinners
Metallic touches for milestone birthdays
Also, consider taste. Deep colours often need more food dye, which can leave a slightly bitter aftertaste, if at all. That’s why subtle shades often work better.
8. How Long Will the Cake Sit Out?
This is especially important if your party isn’t in an air-conditioned space. Cakes with whipped cream or fresh fruit won’t hold up in the heat.
Questions to ask your baker:
Does it need refrigeration?
How long can it sit out safely?
What’s the best way to transport it?
Also, ask about delivery. Will they bring it to your venue, or will you need to pick it up? If you’re driving, make sure the cake sits flat—definitely not on a car seat.
9. How Soon Should You Order?
If you want a cake that’s more than a sponge with icing, don’t leave it to the last minute.
General timing:
1 week ahead for simpler designs
2–3 weeks for multi-tier or sculpted cakes
Even earlier, during holidays or school breaks
Slots fill up quickly, especially with popular bakers. Once you’ve confirmed your date and theme, lock it in.
10. What’s Your Budget?
This part’s often the trickiest. You’ll see a cake on Instagram and think, “I want that.” However, the one in the photo may have cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the materials, labour, and custom work involved.
Be upfront about your range. A good baker will help you prioritise. Maybe you skip the fondant figurines and go for piped buttercream. Or maybe you stick to one tier and dress it up with a topper or fresh flowers.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get something beautiful. You just need to be clear about what matters most.
Final Thoughts
A personalised birthday cake should feel like it belongs at that party, for that person. It’s more than decoration. It’s part of the celebration.
So, whether you’re choosing the perfect flavour, picking a colour scheme, or figuring out how to get the cake to the venue without it toppling over, each detail helps bring the celebration together.
At Two Bakers, we get the joy of making cakes that feel special. Our team handles everything—from flavours to finishes—with care. So if you’re planning a birthday and want something a little extra (but still thoughtful and honest), we’d love to hear from you.
Here’s how to get in touch.