Wedding Cake Basics

Wedding season is just around the corner and with that also comes our busiest time. In speaking with brides, we have learned that most really don't know what they want. I have found that the consultation is key in helping the happy couple decide on what cake they want and how to make their cake fit their budget. First, we (the bride and myself) decide on where to have the consultation and tasting. Some choose to come to the bakery but most decide on having it in their own home. Having this done at their home can help them feel at ease and not pressured. But don't worry, I bring everything with me, including the cake, plates, forks and napkins.

The bride can bring up to 3 additional guests and can choose 4 different cake flavors. She can choose something off our menu, or something else, as long as we have time to perfect the recipe in time for the tasting. We want this cake to be as unique as the couple that is getting married. Why be stuck with the standard menu if there is something else that you are dying to try? In addition to the 4 cake flavors, she can choose 4 additional frostings. The cake and frosting is served separately. To explain, 4 individual cupcakes are baked, served unfrosted, then 4 individual servings of frosting and/or fillings. Everyone can mix and match to decide on what flavor works for them. I find this process works best as the couple can choose THEIR cake, not have the cake chosen for them. I have had brides choose a flavor combination that I never would have put together, but once I tasted it she was right on...it was delicious!

Then once all the deliciousness has been tasted, we start to work on a cake. I use the cake serving guide by icedjems.com as a guide in determining the right size cake. In this economy, most brides and grooms are very budget conscious. Is a 4 tiered cake right for their budget or would a smaller cake with a sheet cake be better? Are cupcakes a better fit to side step the caterers cake cutting fee? All of these options are explained fully at the tasting and hopefully one fits their budget. For example, some caterers can charge upwards of $3/slice for a cake cutting fee. This is an additional $300 charge for a wedding of 100 guests. This fee does not apply to cupcakes.

All of the cakes we do start at $3.25/slice, whether its a wedding or birthday cake. Just because we are making a wedding cake over a birthday cake doesn't give us the right to increase our price. This cost includes a basic buttercream cake with minimal detailing and decoration. Prices do increase, however, depending on the decoration and detail of the cake. A fondant covered cake is $4.25/slice. Want sugar flowers instead of fresh flowers? The cost is $5/slice. Sugar flowers are very time consuming and sometimes painstaking work, which is why they cost more. Fondant vs buttercream, sugar flowers vs fresh flowers, fresh fruit filling or jam? Again, these are my prices. I can't speak for other bakers, but all of these options need to be considered when deciding on the cake and having it fit in your budget.