This is the booklet cover:
Tips for Selecting a Wedding Cake
Thanks to the ongoing popularity of
cake shows and new developments in decorating techniques, cake
artistry as taken center stage in a way we've never seen before.
Lists of flavor options continue to grow as the world takes a deeper
interest in unique ingredients and pairings. As exciting as this all
sounds, some couples can find the task of selecting a wedding cake
daunting. With a little preparation and a trusted cake professional,
cake testing can be a fun and enjoyable memory. Use these tips to
get started.
Determine a Budget – Most
bakeries price their wedding cakes by the serving. Use this
information to map out an idea of how much you are willing to spend
per person on the dessert for your big day. Be prepared to pay
extra for premium ingredients, such as fresh fruit, nuts, high
quality chocolates, and fondant. Furthermore, be up front with the
baker about the budget. He or she should be able to suggest the
options and alternatives that best suit the couple's finances and
tastes.
Schedule a Tasting – Plan to
meet with a cake consultant and pay a booking deposit no later than
three months prior to your wedding date, but no earlier than a year
in advance. The most effective tasting appointments occur after the
venue is booked, a dinner menu solidified, and flowers and décor
have been selected. These elements help both the client and the
cake designer in envisioning the scene of your wedding and how the
cake can tie everything together. Have your heart set on a
particular bakery? Booking farther in advance will guarantee their
availability. As a courtesy, call to schedule an appointment. A
busy bakery may have limited time slots available each week for
tastings. Visiting prior to the appointment is a great way to get a
feel for their style and what they have to offer, but accommodating
drop-in consultations may be difficult.
Be Prepared – Arrive to the
tasting appointment on time - consultations usually last around one
hour, and other clients may be scheduled back to back. It is very
helpful to bring information regarding the couple's other selected
vendors, including contacts for the venue, caterer, florist, and
photographer. Providing this information up front will eliminate the
need for time consuming correspondence later.
Choose Flavors You Love – Take
this as a special opportunity to serve your guests a little piece of
yourself. If there is concern about some being turned off by unusual
combinations, consider alternating tiers with a more basic flavor.
It may help to look to the dinner menu and seasons for inspiration:
Accent a light, summery meal with a refreshing citrus infused cake,
studded with fresh fruit. During winter months, guests will find
comfort in the warm and earthy notes of spiced pumpkin and rich
chocolate.
Inspire Design - Your baker
should be able to provide a portfolio of their previous work. Feel
free to openly discuss likes and dislikes, as this will help them to
gain a clearer understanding of your vision. At this time, the other
style elements of your wedding day become necessary puzzle pieces to
creating a design that is cohesive. Providing clippings of cakes you
like, invitations, swatches, motifs, attire, and images of décor are
welcome and encouraged in the design process. Wedding cakes have
become much more personal in recent years. Perhaps a special story
shared by the couple, an heirloom piece of jewelery, or a romantic
setting can be translated into sugar for a truly one-of-a-kind cake.
Don’t Over Think It – This
should be fun! Your wedding day is about sharing the things you
enjoy with loving family and friends. Don’t stress the logistics.
Trust that recommendations and procedures are looking out for the
bride and groom's best interest. Just as no two weddings are ever
alike, no two cake are ever identical.
Did you find this helpful? I would love any feedback in the comments!
xoxo,
Rachel
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