How to Choose the Right Wedding Cake
Your wedding cake is more than just a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner. Most couples opt to display the cake throughout the entire reception, and the size of the cake means it will be a focal point of the room. Plan the majority of your reception décor before ordering the cake so you can choose a style and color that will work with the rest of the décor. Order the cake at least four to six months before the wedding. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Look through bridal magazines to find styles of wedding cakes that you like. Tear them out to give to your baker later on.
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Calculate how many guests you'll be having. This dictates the size of cake you'll need, which will affect how much the cake will cost. Since you likely won't have received RSVPs yet, add up the number of guests you invited. Assume that everyone will come and you'll need enough to feed each person. Plan for three tiers of cake for between 50 and 100 guests. Add another layer for every 50 guests after 100.
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Make a list of potential bakers to interview. Consider the cakes you've enjoyed at weddings you've attended nearby. Ask those friends for the names of the bakers they used. Ask other local friends for recommendations.
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Schedule a meeting with each baker on your list. Ask each baker to show you examples of cakes that she has made in the past so you can see what kind of skills she has. Ask for an estimate of how much she would charge.
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Taste each potential baker's cakes. Invite your fiancé to come along for the tasting so you can each agree on flavors you like. If you're having an outdoor reception or getting married during hot summer months, ask the baker to give you samples of frosting that will hold up to the heat and won't melt.
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Choose the baker who best suits your budget and makes attractive and tasty cake. Give her pictures of your flowers and swatches of fabric that match your table linens and the colors of your wedding palette. Ask her to draw a few samples of designs she can use for the cake that incorporate the colors, flowers and style you've discussed.
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Make a final choice of the design and flavor of cake you want. Ask the baker for a written agreement confirming the style and price of the cake you've agreed on.
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Tips & Warnings
Some reception sites will require you to order your cake from their caterers or will charge you extra if you choose to use a different baker. Check with the venue before ordering any cake.
References
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