How to choose a wedding cake

As a wedding photographer located in New England (www.tabphotographic.com) we have many different styles that sweep over the area and those styles directly come into play with weddings. And the style with your wedding comes directly into play with your wedding cake! You can choose a simple cake or go over board with a multi tiered cake, or something fun with a theme. There is no limit when it comes to choices! And while this article will help with choosing a cake, there will be another article I write about keeping the cake in budget, because believe me, it's easy to go over board there as well!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An open mind
• An empty stomach
• A few choices
• And taste buds that are ready for excitement!

1. 
    
   again a pink cake box cake!

   The first key is finding out one simple rule, if your reception site allows for off site bakers. Hopefully that's the case because being narrowed down on your own wedding cake by a reception company just doesn't seem right in my eyes? Assuming it's allowed, choose from a couple local bakers, or even some that are a slight distance away. The right cake is a beautiful thing to look over at for all the guests! Once you have chosen a few bakers, there are two things to think about, the style and creativity so that you have the beautiful masterpiece you long for, as well as the taste. Looks are nothing if it tasts awful! Be prepared to take some taste test samples and don't be affraid to ask for such things, from the frosting, to the filling and the cake itself. Try your best to find a flavor that you feel will work for your guests as well as yourself.

2. As a center piece of your entire day, next to the dress and yourselves of course, the cake should pull from your entire theme. Consider the style, shape, colour, and additional features to make your cake POP! You should browse and collect photos of cakes you like and dislike and use that inspiration to help collaborate on your personal cake! You can view some cake images on my site at www.tabphotographic.com and also on a blog from a cake company direct (that I have NO affiliation with, just love their work) http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/

3. In general cakes are based on a per slice cost as well as the over complexity of the cake itself. Generally any where from as low as $1.50 per slice up to about $20.00 per slice. But know there are a few easy ways to keep your cake budget in check.
   
   A simple cake will obviously be less expensive. That doesn't mean it won't taste great, it just means that it won't have all the "details". Go with natural adornments such as flowers or fruit opposed to hand made sugar decor which are much harder to make and time consuming. But if you do have your heart set on an intricate design, do what many couples do, make a much smaller cake but keep a sheet cake in the kitchen that can be sliced up and served to guests. ( they won't know the difference)... Just remember to keep other thoughts in mind, such as delivery charges as well as some cake cutting charges which I have heard of venues adding on.
   
   More to come on staying in budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't stress out
• Choose your baker and then flavors, design and colours
• Go for a flavor that guests will enjoy
• if your day will be outside, watch certain frostings such as butter cream which will become soft and even begin to melt from the heat and humidity.

Resources

• Pink Cake Box

[sashasweder]

on 11/7/2008 Wedding Cakes can be very personal. Great tips!