You need to ask your potential wedding cake designer a few key questions before scheduling tastings and trying every flavour, filling, and icing imaginable. The first step to getting the perfect wedding cake for your perfect wedding day is by weighing the responses to each following question.

 

Are you available for my wedding?

Yet, for the majority, the sweet spot is between three and six months before your vows. In high demand, cake manufacturers may be booked a year in advance, especially during the busiest wedding seasons . Ask them how many cakes they have scheduled to make on the same day if they're available; a skilled pro should have enough personnel to handle many deliveries and set-ups.

 

How much are your cakes sold for?

Oftentimes, a baker will bill per person. This might cost between $4-$15 for each visitor, depending on where you live (the higher costs typically occur in larger cities). How labor-intensive your cake's design is will also affect pricing. A four-tier cake with several flourishes—sugar flowers or exquisite piping, etc.—will increase the cost per guest by a few dollars. On the other hand, a simple cake topped with seasonal, fresh flowers will always be more reasonably priced.

Do you specialize in a certain kind of cake?

 

It is best to discover whether your baker can create the certain taste and filling combination or the hexagonal-shaped tiers you desire.  Before you plan a meeting, request a flavour and icing menu.

 

What about a taste test?

If your bakery doesn't give a sampling, search for another. All bakeries worth their sugar do. Choose the varieties you want to try after carefully reading the menu, or ask the baker for suggestions. While some only plan bulk tastings for large groups of people at once, others allow you to drop by whenever you like to sample the items.

 

Do you have a portfolio I can browse?

Most bakers maintain portfolios, similar to tastings. It's crucial to look at pictures of their previous work to get a sense of whether your ideas align. While most bakers are capable of handling any task,  the portfolio focuses on their best qualities and defines their personal aesthetic.

 

Do I choose from pre-designed cakes or can you create a customized cake?

You should have a solid idea of the style and aesthetic of your perfect wedding day cake design by the time you make a baker reservation. The design of your cake can be inspired by the location, your wedding gown, the hues in your invitations, or any other particulars you want to highlight. Also, you should hire a baker that can produce a unique cake that matches your vision rather than one who just provides a limited number of pre-made cake designs.

 

Do you provide both buttercream and fondant frosting?

The ideal icing for your cake will be determined by the bakers, who will also consider other possibilities including meringue and fondant.  The time of the year is important because fondant's smooth texture can resist heat and humidity whereas buttercream and whipped cream can melt if served outside on a warm day.

Are several small cakes better priced than one large cake?

 

There is no requirement that only one jaw-dropping, four-tier showstopper is on display. Instead, you might decide to serve one smaller cake per table or even customize little cakes for each guest. Smaller, however, doesn't automatically equate to less expensive. Depending on the design, it might potentially take longer to complete, raising the entire cost.

 

What details should the contract include?

It's time to sign on the dotted line once you've made a decision on the cake's design, tastes, and fillings. Examine the contract carefully to ensure that it contains all important information, including the precise design features of the cake, the cost per person, the delivery date, the precise instructions to the reception venue, and all delivery and contact information. The contract should specify who will order the fresh flowers and who will put them on the cake if fresh flowers are being used to decorate the cake.

 

What is the deposit amount?

When you sign the contract, most cake makers will ask for a 50% deposit. The remaining balance is usually payable a few weeks before the wedding or when the cake is delivered.

 

What are the costs for cake delivery and setup?

Depending on the distance and size of the cake, the standard flat charge for delivery and setup is $50 to $100. The cake will be put together on the spot by the baker or staff member. Also, they might be able to decorate the cake table; just make sure to thoroughly and beforehand discuss.

 

Any additional fees?

There could sometimes be a few undeclared fees. For instance, the contract may specify a delivery radius of 10 miles, with an additional fee per mile for further distances with. Also, your caterer or venue will probably charge a fee for cutting an outside vendor's cake, with costs often ranging from $2 to $5 per person.

 

Do you offer a knife and cake stand?

Although most caterers will already have the necessary items on hand for you, it never hurts to double-check. If not, ask your baker what the costs are and whether they provide or rent the supplies. A flat silver tray may be provided by certain bakers, while others may just lay it on a piece of baker's cardboard. You could also provide your own if you double-check the size you require with your baker.

 

Will you keep the top tier of my cake for my first wedding anniversary?

The top tier of the cake is typically taken home by the newlyweds and kept in the freezer until their first anniversary. If you decide to do this, make plans to have the cake delivered to your home and ask the baker for advice on how to wrap it airtight. You could also request that the baker prepare a smaller size of your wedding cake so you can eat it later.