Wedding Planning Home
Wedding Planning Tips Home
SELECTION OF A WEDDING CAKE SUPPLIER / DECORATOR
Word of mouth is still the best way to find the better wedding cake supplier and
decorator in your area. Ask your friends, relatives and associates for
recommendations. Lacking a good word of mouth referral you will need to shop to
compare quality and pricing. Even with a good word of mouth referral it is not a bad
idea to shop around since the wedding cake will be one of the focal points of your wedding
reception decor and since the cost can vary greatly from one cake decorator to another.
Although your wedding caterer may want to provide the wedding cake as part of their catering package, you may be able to save a significant amount of money by having the wedding cake provided by someone else who actually specializes in wedding cakes and wedding cake decorating since some (not all) caterers use outside suppliers for wedding cakes anyway and then mark up the price.
When shopping around, have an idea of how you would like your wedding cake to look, the style (photo examples help) that you would like, the wedding color theme (bring samples) of your wedding colors and the facility colors, the temperature factors of the reception location, and a rough idea of the number of guests so you can determine how many slices/cakes will be needed.
Be sure to speak with the specific wedding cake decorator who will be designing your wedding cake and view examples of the wedding cakes he or she has designed rather than relying on a book of examples that a salesperson may show you. Different decorators have different skill levels and provide different levels of creativity and quality. By speaking directly to the wedding cake decorator the odds of getting exactly what you want are greatly increased.
Determine all of the costs involved so you can compare the costs from different wedding cake decorators on an equal basis. Some decorators use disposable plates and pillars for multi-tiered wedding cakes while others rent these items to you and expect that they will be returned after the wedding reception. Delivery and set-up is included by some decorators while other require that you pick up and set up the cake.
SELECT THE TYPE OF WEDDING CAKE
White cake is the "traditional" selection. However, the current trend is to select the
flavor of wedding cake that you like. Anything from chocolate to carrot cake is
acceptable. It is not a bad idea to actually taste the cake/frosting combination
before ordering a flavored wedding cake though...
SIZE OF THE WEDDING CAKE VS. NUMBER OF PORTIONS
Since there are a number of options available when it comes to shapes and sizes
of wedding cakes, your cake supplier will be able to assist you in determining the required
wedding cake
sizes depending upon whether you are serving round or sheet cakes.
SELECTING THE TYPE OF FROSTING (OR DECORATING
MEDIUM) FOR YOUR WEDDING CAKE
There are 3 main types of decorating mediums (frostings) used in
wedding cake decorating; Buttercream, Whipped Cream and Fondant.
Buttercream the most popular and is used in
most applications because it is easy to work with, is very adaptable to a number of
applications and it will hold up well to temperature and humidity variations.
Whipped Cream frostings require refrigeration and do not hold up well to heat and high
humidity. Fondant creates a very smooth and elegant wedding cake covering but
it is less sweet
and more dense than the other frostings types which have lighter, whipped textures.
Be sure to tell your wedding cake decorator about the temperature and humidity conditions of your wedding reception location, i.e. in a tent with potentially high summer temperatures, so they can determine if a stabilizer will be required to ensure that the frosting will not run.
SELECTING THE COLOR AND DECORATIONS
FOR YOUR WEDDING CAKE
Select colors that will compliment your wedding color theme. Also, keep in mind
that due to varying lighting, temperature and humidity conditions the frosting colors may
change after on the cake. For example, purple buttercream frosting may turn blue
when exposed to a high level of Ultraviolet light like sunlight. Be sure to talk to
your wedding cake decorator about the conditions that may affect the frosting.
FIGURINES AND WEDDING CAKE TOPPERS
Cake toppers that are placed on the top tier of the wedding cake can be
traditional using
bride and groom figurines, wedding bells, hearts, love birds, etc., themed with (non
poisonous) floral decor, or sentimental using items that have a special, personal meaning.
PLACEMENT OF YOUR WEDDING CAKE TABLE
Your wedding cake will be one of the focal points of your wedding reception and
great care should be taken to make the most of the visual impact of the presentation
- and
to protect your investment.
When determining the placement of the cake table, be sure to look at the walls surrounding the cake table. A beautiful cake in front of a tacky looking wall or a tacky painting or wall hanging minimizes the visual impact of the presentation (which is something you will be reminded of every time you view your wedding photos). If you are stuck with a tacky looking wall behind the cake table due to space limitations, consider draping the walls or using draping on free standing frames, which are available from local rental companies, to hide the wall .
Try to place the table in a well lit area away from entry doors, windows, heat registers and high traffic areas to protect your wedding cake. Actually, against a wall is ideal when it comes to protecting your wedding cake. If a well lit area is not available, hanging directional spotlights or low wattage mini tabletop spotlights are available from local rental companies that will greatly enhance the visual impact of the wedding cake and table.
Before placing the cake on the table, BE SURE to check to make sure the table legs are securely locked in place since there have been occasions when due to an oversight the table has collapsed. ALSO, avoid moving the table once the cake has been put in place. Multi-tiered cakes can topple rather easily if the table is tipped or abruptly jolted, transforming a beautiful photo opportunity into a not so beautiful pile of frosting.
WEDDING CAKE TABLE TOP DECOR
A color coordinated table top and drape combination can greatly enhance the
presentation of you wedding cake. Additions like candles with mirrors, fresh
flowers, etc. can also create a stunning presentation. If using flowers be sure that
they are of the non poisonous variety and that they do not come in contact with the
cake unless the flowers are specifically selected for that purpose and washed to remove
pesticides, etc.
WEDDING CAKE MONEY SAVING TIPS
Consider a decorated dummy wedding cake for the display and sheet cake(s) for actual guest
service. Some "larger" decorators have very beautifully decorated display
wedding cakes available
for rental for that purpose. Display the "dummy" wedding cake while using simple,
frosted sheet cakes for service to the guests. It can enhance the appearance of your
presentation while saving you a bunch of money.
OR
Consider a smaller decorated display wedding cake with sheet cake(s) for actual service.
HEADACHE SAVING TIPS
Once you have selected the supplier, get a written contract that specifically
outlines the design and color of the cake, number of serving portions, included accessories,
specific delivery and set up times, details and charges, rental item return requirements, etc. Also,
notify the wedding cake supplier of the contact name of a person who will be on site at the
reception location at delivery time should they have any questions.
During set up of the wedding reception location, have someone place a card on the cake table indicating "Cake Table" since on occasion the cake has been discovered on the "Gift Table" or "Punch/Coffee Table".
If the cake table is to be decorated by someone other than the cake supplier, be sure that it is scheduled to be completed well in advance of the scheduled cake delivery time.
A reader supplied tip from Shawna in Winner, SD - If you are getting married in a warm month, make sure to turn the air conditioning of the reception area on prior to the cake being delivered. Often, the wedding reception hall will not be air conditioned in advance due to high costs...make sure to inquire on this service prior to booking the hall because extra costs may also be involved. Usually having the air conditioning on about 2 hours before the cake is delivered is sufficient, unless unusually hot. It will then need to remain running until your reception begins to maintain the cake itself, and the frosting.
Back To The
Wedding Planning Tips Index
Popular Searches
Wedding Planning Guide Index
Wedding
Reception Beverages and Bar Service
Wedding Cakes - How To Shop For A Wedding Cake
Wedding Catering - How To Select A Wedding Caterer
Wedding Ceremony Locations - How To Select A
Wedding Ceremony Location
Diamonds and Wedding Rings - How To Shop
Wedding Dresses - How to Shop For a Wedding Gown
or Wedding Dress
Wedding Entertainment- How To Select Wedding Entertainment
Wedding Floral and Florists- How To Select A Wedding Florist
Wedding Invitations -
Guidelines
Wedding Insurance
Wedding Party Transportation -Limousines
Money Saving
Wedding Planning Tips and Tricks
Wedding Photographers - Selecting a Wedding Photographer
Wedding Photographs - Must Have Photos List
Wedding Planners- Selecting a Wedding Planner
The Wedding Party - The Receiving Line
The Wedding Reception - Order of
Events
Wedding Reception
Seating
Wedding Reception Facilities - How To Select A Reception Facility
State Wedding / Marriage Requirements
Tents for The Wedding Day - Different Tent Styles and Selection
Guide
Wedding Toasts and
Speeches
Wedding Videographers - How To Select A Wedding
Videographer
The Wedding Party - Who Does What?
Wedding
Expenses - Who Pays for
What?
Copyright©1998
Hospitality Networks, Inc.
All rights reserved
WeddingPlanning.com