How to Pick a Wedding Cake

Decorate a simple, elegant cake with real or silk flowers.

When it comes to wedding cakes, you're only limited by your budget, imagination and chosen baker's skills. Pick a wedding cake that reflects you and your spouse-to-be's personal preferences. If you have trouble settling on one flavor, select a different filling for each tier or include an order for a groom's cake.

Things You'll Need

• Wedding cake photos
• Swatches or ribbons
• Notebook
• Pen or pencil

Instructions

1. Finalize your guest list so you know the maximum number of attendees; bakers use this number to determine the best cake size.

2. Decide whether you want to save the top wedding cake tier for your first anniversary.

3. Decide on a wedding date. Bakers have other orders and may not be able to accommodate your cake order.

4. Make appointments to taste test wedding cakes and frostings at different bakeries.

5. Bring photos of wedding cakes you find appealing to your appointments; ask the bakers if they can recreate your favorite cakes.

6. Bring swatches of cloth or ribbon if you want to match your cake color to your wedding colors.

7. Take notes during each appointment so you can compare cake flavors, fillings and prices. Ask to see each baker's portfolio.

8. Discuss your wedding reception venue. For example, a baker may recommend a certain frosting if you're planning an outdoor wedding during warm weather.

9. Ask each baker about his pick-up or delivery policy.

Tips & Warnings

• Serve cupcakes if you're on a tight budget. Display your wedding desserts on tiered cupcake stands.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Cakes: Our Top Tips
• Planning the Perfect Wedding Day: The Wedding Cake Prices Guide
• Maribelle Cakery: Complimentary Taste Testings

Resources

• Wilton: Wedding Cake Cutting Guide