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Wedding Cake
by:
Tom Tsatsos, www.theamericanwedding.com
The wedding cake is one of the most important features of your
reception. In fact, it is the centerpiece of your reception. You
should begin shopping for a baker 6-8 months before the wedding.
If you plan on having your reception catered, ask your caterer
if they will bake your wedding cake. However, you do not have to
choose the caterer to bake your cake. You can also buy cakes
from commercial and boutique bakeries, custom wedding cake
designer, a culinary school or someone you know who makes cakes
from home.
Begin by calling bakeries or cake decorators in your area to
check for date availability. If they are available, make an
appointment to go in and check out the designs, taste and skill
level of the business. Many specialty cake decorators require
that you book six months to a year in advance to reserve your
date, whereas commercial bakeries may require 3 months due to
larger staff and their ability to do a larger quantity of cakes.
Since most weddings are on the weekends, baker's deadlines also
coincide with that timetable. A phone call to make an
appointment to visit with the individual or bakery about your
cake will be appreciated. If you just walk in and expect
undivided attention, you may be disappointed if they do not have
time to visit with you at that time.
Ask the baker to provide samples of the cake flavors, icings,
fillings, etc., during your interview. The taste, flavor and
texture of the cake itself will be the most important decision
you will make when you order your cake. The outside beauty of
your wedding cake will be important for your pictures and your
personal statement, but the inside of the cake is what you will
be serving to your guests. You want a cake that is flavorful,
moist and good to eat.
Before your meeting with the baker, collect pictures of wedding
cakes that appeal to you. Be sure to take those pictures with
you on your interviews so that you can give your baker an
illustrated idea of what you are looking for in a wedding cake.
Here are some key questions you need to ask them:
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Flexibility-Will they bake a cake according to
your specifications?
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Is the cake made from scratch or is it from a
cake mix?
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Request to see pictures of their work. Most
bakers will have a portfolio of their cakes.
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Certain cakes are not good for particular
seasons. For example, if you are planning an outdoor wedding
in August, you want to avoid cakes with mousse, meringue,
whipped cream or buttercream filling. Ask the baker what
cakes are in season.
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What is the price per serving? Prices can
average between $1.50 a slice to $15 a slice depending on
the cake you choose. The price depends on frosting,
decorations, architecture, etc. Understand that the more
elaborate the cake, the more expensive the "per serving"
price will be.
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What are the extra charges? Most bakers charge
for renting the pillars, columns, cake toppers, delivery and
set-up. There may also be extra charges for certain cake
fillings, flavors, styles, etc.
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Who will be setting up the cake?
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What do they provide in the set-up? Talk to
your baker about how you'd like the cake table to be set up.
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If you plan on using fresh flowers on your
cake, who is responsible for providing the flowers, the
baker or the florist?
When interviewing the baker, make sure you know the number of
servings required, your desired type and design, and your budget
for the cake. Be up front with the baker about the maximum
amount you are willing to spend on your cake and ask them if
they are willing to negotiate. Click here to see how you can
save money on your wedding cake.
After you have decided on a baker and all the details, make sure
to get everything in writing. Your contract should include the
following:
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Detailed description of the cake type, style,
and description of the decorations.
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The number of layers and fillings for each
layer if applicable.
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Type of frosting.
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Wedding date, time and location of delivery
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When, how, where and by whom the cake will be
delivered (or picked up). Make sure to include the complete
address where the cake is to be delivered.
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Name and contact information of the baker
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List of rented items (pillars, cake stand, cake
table, etc.)
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Delivery and set-up fees
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Total price
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Deposit amount
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Balance and due date
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Baker's cancellation and/or refund policy
If you do your homework, buying your wedding cake will be a
smooth process. Remember to be realistic, and don't spend your
entire wedding budget on your wedding cake.
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