Choosing Wedding Cake Designer

How to Choose Wedding Cake Bakers and Designers :

Finding a baker to make your wedding cake is an easy task, but finding a baker who will create a "cake to remember" requires a little more thought. You deserve a cake that will not only dazzle the eye, but tempt the taste buds as well.

• Finding the Right Designer and Baker
  1. Like many decisions you'll be making for your big day, a recommendation is worth a lot. Ask recently wed family and friends who they used, and whether or not they were satisfied with their experience.

  2. Ask your caterer or wedding site. They can most likely create a delicious wedding cake for you. If they can, be as specific with them as you would with any cake designer- ask to have a tasting, show them pictures etc. If they don't make cakes, they'll likely have a host of recommendations.

  3. Keep it simple and consult the yellow pages under bakery.

  4. Your florist, photographer or other wedding vendor may have some connections to a wedding cake designer.

  5. Your favorite restaurant's pastry chef may have recommendations, or might be willing to bake the wedding cake himself.

  6. If you've got the perfect bakery where you buy your morning croissant or eclairs for that special dinner, talk to them about making it. But make sure you ask the right questions to ensure they know their wedding cake stuff. 7. If you dream of a designer magnificent creation, and nothing but the best will do, check out Sylvia Weinstock's creations.

• Questions to Ask
  1. How many years have you been in business?
  2. Do you have references?
  3. Is your health department licensing up to date?
  4. May I see your working facilities?
  5. Have you made all of the cakes in your portfolio yourself?
  6. How do you determine the cost of your cakes? Is it per slice?
  7. Do you charge additional for each layer of the cake being different flavors? Do you charge additional for fillings?
  8. Is there a delivery fee?
  9. Do you rent equipment? If so, what is the charge?
  10. What type of retainer fee do you require?
  11. When is the balance due?
  12. How soon do you bake before the wedding?
  13. Do you ever freeze cakes? (If they do, do not book them!)
  14. What time will you deliver the cake on my wedding day?
  15. Do you customize cakes, or do I have to pick a design in your portfolio?
  16. What days are best for me to reach you?
  17. Do you have cake tastings? Can I participate more than once?
  18. Do you provide fresh flowers? Or do I get these from my florist?
  19. Have you won any awards for your talent?
  20. Do you specialize in any a particular technique or art form?

• Click here for list of Wedding Cake Designers and Bakers.

Now that you have found your baker, do not chance losing them. Sign a contract and leave a retainer so that someone else doesn't book your day and time. Get copies of receipts and keep them in a file for your records. Continue to maintain contact with your baker and update them on your most recent ideas. This will help orient the cake designer to the style of cake you are envisioning. Collect photographs of cakes from magazines, websites, and books so that you can give your baker a visual representation of what you want.