Wedding Cake - Bakery Tips

Summary

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but getting a head start on your wedding cake can ease some of that stress. This guide provides detailed tips on how to choose the perfect wedding cake, including questions to ask your baker, how to estimate the right size, and what to include in your contract. From flavor options to delivery logistics, we cover everything you need to know to ensure your wedding cake is a delicious and beautiful centerpiece on your big day.

Where to Start?

Guest Count

Knowing how many guests will attend your reception is crucial for determining the size of your wedding cake. According to The Knot, the average wedding in the U.S. has about 131 guests. However, not everyone will eat cake, so plan accordingly.

Consult the Experts

Your pastry chef or cake decorator will ask for details such as the number of invitations sent and the number of out-of-town guests. This information helps them estimate how many people will actually attend and how many will eat cake.

Trust the Professionals

While you might believe that everyone you invite will attend, professionals like your baker, minister, and caterer often provide more realistic estimates. Trust their experience to avoid over-ordering and wasting money.

Planning and Logistics

Key Details

When discussing your cake with the bakery, be clear about the date, time, and location of your wedding and reception. Set deadlines for any changes to the cake design and size, and provide a map to the reception venue.

Delivery

Ensure the cake can be delivered at a convenient time for you or someone who will be available to inspect it. A written contract should specify all details, including size, shape, flavor, color, decorations, delivery day, time, place, and price.

Contracts

Most bakeries have their own forms for orders. Use these forms and add any additional information you need. Make sure both you and the baker sign and date the contract, and keep a copy for yourself.

Questions to Ask Your Baker

Here are some essential questions to ask your pastry chef, baker, or cake decorator:

1. Customization: Can you create a custom cake based on my instructions and wedding-cake picture?
2. Flavors: What flavors of cake and icing are available? Can you make a specific type of cake with a particular flavor of icing?
3. Samples: Can I sample some of your cakes? If I don't like the samples, what other options are available?
4. Fresh Flowers: Can you provide fresh flowers for the cake, or do I need to arrange this with a florist?
5. Gallery: Can I see pictures of your previous wedding cakes? How old are these pictures, and will the same person who made these cakes be making mine?
6. Licensing and Health Inspections: Do you have the required licenses and have you passed health inspections? Can I see the kitchen and the latest health inspection results?
7. Freezing: Will the cake be frozen? If so, how long before the wedding will it be prepared and how will it be stored?
8. Order Volume: How many orders do you typically have for the weekend of my wedding? How many of these will my pastry chef be handling?
9. Experience: Can I meet the people who will bake, decorate, and deliver my cake? How experienced are they?
10. From Scratch or Mix: Will the cake be made from scratch or from a mix?
11. Pricing: What will the price be? If it's an estimate, how much might the final cost vary?
12. References: Can you provide customer references? Can I contact them to ask about their experience?
13. Written Proposal: Can I get a written proposal that includes all the details of the cake, including size, flavor, icing, decorations, delivery, and price?

Additional Tips

• Swatches: Bring swatches of material to match the cake to your wedding colors.
• Personal Relationship: Build a personal relationship with the bakery staff. They are more likely to do their best work for someone who appreciates their craft.
• Timing: Visit the bakery when it’s not crowded to get the staff’s full attention.

Conclusion

Planning your wedding cake in advance can save you a lot of stress and ensure that your big day goes smoothly. By following these tips and asking the right questions, you can be confident that your wedding cake will be a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your celebration.

For more detailed wedding planning tips, check out The Knot's Wedding Planning Guide.

All the best for your special day!