CAKES & BAKERIES
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A wedding cake is so much more than a dessert. It is a focal point of your wedding reception, a reflection of your wedding style and when you cut the cake --- it becomes an event. Quite simply, it is probably the most important baked good you’ll ever buy, so you want to make sure you do your homework and get the cake you really want. There are many factors to consider when choosing a wedding cake, including how it looks, flavor, type of icing, how it’s decorated, the cost, how it will be served and so forth. Let’s start by looking at the some wedding cake basics.
CHOOSING A LOOK AND STYLE Think about cakes in your early planning process. You’ll want to confirm your baker about four months in advance of your wedding day. Do not, however, select a cake until after you’ve confirmed your wedding themes, colors and décor. It’s all about the complementary styles. And be certain to confirm any policies your reception venue may have concerning cakes, as some venues require that you use their bakers or pay additional slice fees. Regardless of who bakes your cake, you’ll want to get some design ideas by visiting wedding and bakery websites to view the hundreds of cake images. Cakes can be traditional or modern, with a great variety of looks and styles. You’ll find photos of polka-dot wedding cakes, square cakes, round cakes, monogrammed cakes and cakes with icing that looks like lace or ruffles. Having a good idea of the type of cake you want will help move things along when you start interviewing bakers, so invest time to educate yourself first. WEDDING CAKE ALTERNATIVES Cupcakes have become extremely popular, either as an extra dessert or in place of a cake. Choosing cupcakes as an alternative allows you to mix and match flavors, which can be fun and appealing for guests. Other alternatives or add-ons to a wedding cake include chocolate covered strawberries, cannolis, or chocolate fountains. If you are not a traditionalist, you might consider swapping out a cake for something more expressive of your personality, wedding style, ethnic background, or so forth. Bite-sized s’mores, that classic combination of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate would be fun for an outdoor, casual summer wedding while tiramisu would reflect your Italian ancestry. The options are endless. CHOOSING A BAKER Begin by getting recommendations and perusing websites of bakers in your area. This will help you to narrow your search. Many bakeries offer tastings when prospective clients can visit to sample different kinds of cakes and icings, view portfolios, and get more information. While you’re there, learn as much as you can about the options for cakes, icing fillings and toppings. Ask about costs, and confirm delivery schedules. It’s important that you know as much as possible. Before agreeing to hire a baker, be sure to ask the following questions:
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