There are a bunch of articles about what brides and grooms should ask their baker before shelling out hundreds of dollars for a wedding cake. Here’s the Bakerettes version. Take it from two former counter girls and two pastry chefs.
1. When should I start looking for my cake?
You can go as early as you like, it’s always a good idea to shop around. Never order your cake from a bakery that cannot provide you with a tasting. After all this is one of the most important desserts you’ll ever serve. It’s a good idea to go four to six months ahead of your date to book your cake.
2. What should I bring to my appointment?
Be prepared! Come to your appointment with some ideas. You don’t have to have the cake of your dreams picked out, but think about flavors and colors ahead of time. Most places have a time limit with how long you have to spend with them for your appointment. You don’t want those precious 45 minutes to be squandered debating square or round. Come with color swatches so your mint and gold cake doesn’t show up at your reception green and yellow. Your baker will appreciate this! You also wouldn’t want a call the night before your wedding from the decorator asking if you wanted light pink or hot pink roses.
3. How much is the deposit to reserve my date?
Depending on the size of your cake, expect to put down 50%. Some bakeries will have a set amount ie: $100, which reserves your day. But just to be sure expect to pay half.
4. How does your pricing work?
Most times bakeries charge for wedding cakes per slice. Depending on where you go this could include the flavor of the cakes and the decoration. While others will have additional fees for cake flavors and the decorations. Just know that fondant is always more than buttercream! Also, there will always be a delivery charge if you want them to deliver your cake. Most places charge by the distance from the reception to the bakery. This may be an opportunity to cut cost if you are able to find a bakery close to your reception site.
5. When will my cake be delivered?
The cake should arrive at your reception area no later than an hour beforehand. Provide the reception site with the phone number to the bakery so they can contact them if there are any issues. If the reception site doesn’t want them there that close to the start time, then they need to provide refrigeration if necessary. A cake that needs refrigeration can only be out for up to four hours!
6. Does the serving count include the top tier?
Usually the top tier is included in the serving size. If you plan on saving your top tier let your baker know so they can accommodate for the servings lost. Some bakeries may offer a free or discounted one year anniversary cake so you won’t have to freeze it! Don’t forget to tell the wait staff, so they won’t cut the top tier if you plan on saving it.
Hopefully these tips help you out with trying to book your wedding cake! If you have anymore questions that need answering leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you right away!
Until next time,
The Bakerettes
