WHEN TO ORDER YOUR CAKE

About six months ahead of time, you will want to begin selecting your cake baker. In demand bakers require six months advance notice so the sooner you start, the easier it will be in securing your baker.

Ask friends and relatives for trusted names. When you narrow down the list of possible vendors based on style of your wedding and budget, contact them to set up a tasting appointment. Bring the groom along - he'll love this part.

Order your wedding cake and groom's cake at least three months ahead of time. Be prepared to give a deposit.

To create a cake that reflects the style of your wedding, your baker will need:

CAN YOU PICTURE YOUR CAKE? Bring several photos of cakes you adore. Find them in bridal magazines, or print off the Internet. By using Leapfish, Google or Yahoo, clicking on 'Images', you will find thousands of cakes to choose from. Your baker will have a photo album too, so you can get a good idea of their talents.

Vanilla, chocolate and marble flavors have seen many a wedding. Other flavors to consider are strawberry, Italian creme (pecans and coconut), carrot, spice, German chocolate, coconut, lemon and red velvet.

 

Filling flavors should complement the cake. Choose from raspberry, lemon, chocolate, strawberry and cream cheese to name a few.

 

Buttercream or fondant icing is used to frost the cake. Because of the special handling required with fondant, expect to pay more.

HOW MUCH SHOULD IT COST? 

Like wedding dresses and favors, wedding cakes have a price range. Your small town baker can provide cake slices at $1 - $4 per head. It might, however, be a packaged recipe, which you want to avoid because there will be guests at your reception who will certainly know the difference between a cake made from a mix and one that's been baked from scratch and finished and decorated to perfection.

In large cities, you will find high-priced bakers; and you could be looking at $8.00 to $10.00 per head. You should notice the quality right away, though. because the ingredients are fresh, and  the cake tastes better.

 

Expect to pay for the cake a week or two before the wedding.

 

A Groom's cake can range from a simple sheet cake to an elaborate sculpted cake. Of course, price can only be given after a design has been decided upon.

 

Check out these unique Grooms cakes at Cakes by Sam. Talented bakers!

Not only should you consider the style of your cake, but also how should it be presented. Where will it be located in the room? If it's in the center, guests will have a 360 degree view, and that means that the entire table should be decorated.

 

A small table is better for photos. If you have to lean over to slice the cake, it makes for an awkward photo.

 

Would you like a cake stand? Stands add height and drama to the cake. You can purchase or rent these. Waterfalls are available too!

 

Tablecloths become the backdrop so choose a color to set off the cake. Add flower petals, greenery, ribbon, sparkles or tulle for extra effect.

 

Be sure to ask your baker if they will be delivering and setting up the cake.

 

Tip: have the baker leave a box for the top tier so that you can transport it home.

Toasting the bride and groom becomes a sensation with this scene-stealing wedding cake made of fresh, crisp flowers! Our Flower Cake from 1-800 Flowers.com is dressed in heavenly bridal garb - complete with pure white mums, white mini carnations and fairytale wedding trim topped with snow-white roses. Whether you're the bride or the maid of honor, this cake brings a sweet slice of floral fun to engagements, bridal showers or the big day to make saying "I do" a piece of cake! Measures 10"H x 8"D. This would also be fantastic in brilliant red and white for the Christmas season.