There is some debate about the history of the wedding cake.  Some believe it goes back to the Roman Empire when the cake was actually a loaf of bread broken over the brides head as a symbol of fertility.  Thankfully, today’s bridal cakes have evolved into both a focal point of the reception and a wonderfully, delicious dessert in which guests partake.  When deciding on your cake, there are several factors to consider:

Quality of the Cake – On a scale from 1-10, where does the wedding cake rank in importance to you?  If it is an 8 or higher, select a baker that is known for fabulous cakes.  If this is lower on your priority list or you will be having additional desserts, the wedding cake might be an area in which you can save some money by going with a lesser known baker.

Reliability of the Baker – Ask for referrals from others who have recently been married and also the reception hall where you will be having the wedding.  Who is consistently on time?  Who is easy to work with? 

Price – Wedding cakes can be priced a few different ways.  Some bakers charge by the amount and size of the tiers they make.  Others charge per the number of guests you will be having regardless of the number of tiers.  One baker might charge for fillings while another may include your choice of fillings in the price.  Intricate designs or fondant icing on the cake will also increase the price.  Ask about the delivery charge.  Does your reception hall charge a cake cutting fee?

Size of the Cake – Your baker can advise you of how many tiers you will need to feed the number of guests you will have.  Some brides insist on duplicating a cake picture with more tiers than they actually need, knowing that they will have cake left over.  Others choose a smaller cake and have a sheet cake in the back.  Ask your baker if the sheet cake will have the same design on it as the full wedding cake.

Flavors & Fillings – Do you want all tiers of the cake to be the same flavor or different flavors, giving your guests an option?  Do you want any type of fruit or fillings inside the cake?  Many bakers will have a tasting with you so you can select the flavor or flavors that you prefer.

Icings – There are several types of icings used on weddings cakes.  Buttercream is the most popular one.  Cream cheese and whipped cream icings are great also but don’t always hold up as well in humid temperatures or outdoors.  Fondant is the icing that looks smooth and is very subjective to the baker.  Some fondants have no taste, others are waxy and some bakers flavor their fondants.  If you are looking for the smooth, elegant look of fondant, be sure to ask for a tasting.

Design – Do you want round cakes?  Square?  Another shape or combination of shapes?  How do you want the cake to be decorated?  Do you want sugar flowers or real flowers?  Do you want the icing to be a specific color?  Do you want them stacked or separated?  Columns?  There are as many designs of wedding cakes as there are brides.  Be creative and have fun!

Location – Many times, the cake is the focal point of the reception room.  Put some thought into how you want the cake table to look and incorporate decorating here also.  Putting the cake on a cake stand always helps it to stand out a little more.

Dessert Bar --  Perhaps wedding cake isn’t very important to you.  Consider having a dessert or ice cream bar instead.  You can still have a small token cake as part of this.

Contract – Make sure you get a contract and have the following things noted:

• Cost of cake, delivery fees & deposit amount
• Number and size of tiers
• Flavors and fillings
• Description of the design
• Date and time of delivery

(© LXM)