Wedding
Cake Bakers: Before You Book
Your wedding cake is the centerpiece of your reception. So take
as much care in choosing one as you would in picking out the perfect
wedding dress. Here are some key questions to ask your cake baker.
Do you customize wedding cakes?
Will the cake baker create a custom cake, or are there set styles
to choose from? Look at photos and actual cakes, if possible. Be
sure to bring pictures, fabric swatches, and other resources if
you have a custom style in mind.
What are my filling choices?
Find out what filling choices are available and what ingredients
are used. Whether you're looking for a fruity filling like strawberry
or orange; or a heavier mocha or chocolate, the type of ingredients
used will make all the difference in taste. Some common filling
ingredients: fresh fruits or purees, Italian buttercream, and farm-fresh
buttercream.
How far in advance are wedding cakes prepared?
Keep in mind that cake bakers often have more than one cake per
weekend to prepare. So don't be surprised if your baker makes your
cake three to four days prior to your wedding day. Of course, the
closer to your wedding date the better.If you want to garnish your
cake with fresh flowers, find out whether your cake designer will
work with your florist or you are responsible for the blooms.
Who will bake my wedding cake?
Some bakeries house a baker and a designer; at other places, one
person creates the entire cake from batter to sugar flowers. Find
out how many people work with the baker and who exactly will be
making yours. Whether it's a single person or a team of people,
however, the number involved should have no bearing on the quality
of your cake.
How are your wedding cakes priced?
It's common for wedding cakes to be priced by the slice. And the
price will increase depending on the complexity of flavors and fillings
you're after. This goes for custom-designed cakes as well. The more
intricate the details, the higher the cost.
Does the wedding cake price include the top
tier?
Depending on the baker, the top tier may or may not be included
in the overall price. Find out the cake baker's policy, and whether
having a top tier will add dollars to your bill.
What is the delivery process?
Some cake bakers will deliver your wedding cake to the reception
for an added fee, while others ask that you have someone pick it
up the day-of. Ask the baker how deliveries are usually handled,
and if you're planning to order a large, delicate, or at all complicated
cake, know that delivery is well worth the peace of mind.
Is the baker licensed by the state?
It may seem like a silly question, but it's worth verifying that
your baker is licensed by the state health department.
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