Choosing A Cake Baker
The tradition of wedding cake dates back to the Roman Empire and fortunately, much to the delight of sweet tooth’s everywhere, it’s a custom that has stood the test of time. With so many innovative and creative bakers in the world, your wedding cake can be a piece of art, a centerpiece of the reception that conveys a certain theme, message, or feel. Whether you prefer whimsical or classic, modern or romantic, there’s a wedding cake and baker out there that’s right for you. In your quest for the perfect bakery, here are a few things to consider:
Custom Cakes: Many bakeries offer custom cakes, meaning you can pitch an idea of exactly what you want, but others have relatively strict rules on the types of cakes they offer. During your initial meeting with bakers, ask about whether or not they have set styles you must choose from. If so, make sure to peruse their portfolio before deciding on a bakery.
Cost: Most wedding cakes are priced by the slice, but the price can often increase based on the flavors, fillings, and elaborateness of details. Discuss all of the factors that could increase your overall cake cost before signing a contract. If you want an elaborate wedding cake, but need to stay within a tight budget, ask about additional sheet cakes that can be cut in the kitchen and served to guest while a smaller, more elaborate cake is on display.
Flavors: Many bakeries offer brides an opportunity to sample various cake flavors. Not only is this a fantastic and tasty way to spend an afternoon, it will help you select a baker based not just on how beautiful their cakes are, but how good they taste. Even if a bakery doesn’t offer a taste testing, ask about the flavor and filling options available for wedding cakes and whether or not, you can mix and match flavors in different tiers.
Preparation: Depending on how intricate your cake is going to be or how popular the bakery is, your wedding cake may need to be made several days in advance. Ask ahead of time when exactly your cake will be baked. A few days in advance is common, but obviously, the cake will taste better and fresher the more recently it is prepared.
Delivery: Be sure to ask about the bakery’s delivery policy. Most bakers will deliver and set up your wedding cake for an extra fee, but some expect it to be picked up. If your cake is elaborate, large, or contains many tiers, paying the fee for delivery will be well worth it. That will ensure that the baker can set up the cake, fix any minor blemishes on the cake, and have it looking perfect when your guests arrive.
