Whether we are honoring a new marriage, a fiftieth wedding anniversary, a first birthday or a ninetieth, the most important part of any festive celebration is, of course, the cake! The guests of honor deserve their moment in the spotlight, but everyone looks forward to cake time when they can enjoy moist, creamy confectionery perfection. Don’t disappoint with a dry, cloyingly sweet cake; your guests will not be happy. Here are some tips for finding a fantastic cake baker and hosting an affair to be remembered.
When choosing a cake baker, it is helpful to focus on your priorities. If, for instance, you want to dazzle your guests with a gorgeous design, then appearance is paramount, but taste is also crucial. On the other hand, you may want your guests to love each bite more than the next but are not as concerned with the design. This will influence where you look for a baker. Your budget, as well, plays an important role.
Here are two excellent options to consider:
- A custom cake bakery
- Your neighborhood supermarket or specialty bakery
A custom cake bakery will be able to create the cake of your dreams, whether it is a fondant-covered vision with pearls and flowers or a multi-layered cake that looks like a lovely stack of presents. The advantages here are, of course, the ability to replicate the design you want and superb taste. A talented cake baker is as concerned with the taste as with the display.
The downside is that a custom cake baker and their sweet treats will cost much more than a market bakery. According to the Bridal Association of America, the average cost of a wedding cake is $543. Decorations, such as fondant, special fillings, and other extras add to the cost per slice. Prices will be lower for non-wedding cakes that are less extravagant, but it can still be a big expense.
If you are in love with the design in your head and want a professional cake baker to handle its creation, word-of-mouth is an excellent way to find the right baker. Chances are very good that you know someone who has just recently been married or had a baby or has celebrated a major anniversary. Ask who did their cake. You can also do the virtual version of word-of-mouth by looking online; there are forums, social networking sites, and other resources where you can find invaluable information.
When you have a list of possibilities, take the time to interview each baker. This is especially important for weddings, but it can be a great idea for any type of party.
Questions to ask include:
- Can I see a portfolio of your work? (Many bakers will have an online gallery for you to peruse.)
- Can I have a tasting?
- Can you provide a list of three references I can contact?
- Can you create the cake I have in mind? Or do you have designs from which I can choose?
- What is your pricing?
- Are you available for my event? (Cake bakers book up fast, so reserve them as soon as possible.)
If the cost of a custom cake baker is prohibitive, don’t be afraid to look at your local bakery or supermarket. No, they will not be able to create an elaborate design for you, but to make up for the simpler cakes, they tend to focus on ingredients and flavor. Look at a portfolio of their work (most have it on display, but if not, make sure to ask), and ask for samples. This is the great part of going to a supermarket or bakery; they usually have samples on hand for you to try. While they are more limited with their design options, you can personalize your cake with colors, names, and more.
Questions to ask include:
- When will the cake be made?
- How much is it?
- Do you deliver to the site?
No matter which option you pursue, your guests are sure to appreciate the beauty of the cake at your wedding reception – and more importantly, the taste – of your efforts.
More on Wedding Cakes:
- Black & White Wedding Cake Ideas
- Inspiring Chocolate Brown & Blue Wedding Cakes
- Wedding Cake Trends
- Fake Cake Budget Secrets
