| Once you have decided what type of wedding cake | | | | flowers on the wedding cake, if your wedding cake |
| you want and have at least a general idea of the | | | | design includes fresh flowers. Some cake decorators |
| design you want, it's time to begin visiting bakeries. | | | | are very picky and will not allow the florist to place |
| When you do, be sure to taste their wedding cake | | | | flowers on their cake (in fairness, in some cases this |
| samples. Don't let yourself be swayed by talk about | | | | has come out of a bad experience where a bride |
| the ingredients they use. Instead insist on tasting their | | | | wasn't happy with the cake after a florist placed |
| wedding cake samples and decide for yourself | | | | flowers on the wedding cake). Of course, if the cake |
| because, frankly, your guests aren't going to know if | | | | decorator is going to put the flowers on the cake, the |
| your wedding cake was made from flour imported | | | | flowers will need to be in the reception hall when the |
| from a water powered mill on the south bank of a | | | | cake is delivered. This way you can ensure that the |
| coastal stream in upper Scotland. All they are going to | | | | flowers on the wedding cake match the rest of the |
| know is whether or not your wedding cake tastes | | | | flowers in your wedding and actually do get placed on |
| good and looks good. So let taste and artistry be your | | | | the cake. |
| gauge in choosing your bakery to provide your cake. | | | | Also, ask about their policy regarding cake flavors. |
| Look at the pictures that the bakery has of past | | | | Some bakeries charge extra for a variety of flavors |
| wedding cakes to decide if the bakery is even | | | | while others do not. |
| capable of doing what you have in mind. Toward this | | | | Check also on delivery charges for your wedding |
| end, it is helpful to have a picture in hand to show the | | | | cake as these too can vary greatly. If your wedding is |
| decorator what you want, that way they will know | | | | close, delivery may be free, but if much travel is |
| what part of their wedding cake portfolio to show you | | | | required expect to pay a delivery fee. Most bakeries |
| - though you might want to peruse the entire thing just | | | | will require, along with your initial deposit, a deposit for |
| in case you see a wedding cake that you like even | | | | the cake plates and pillars. This deposit is usually |
| better. | | | | returned as long as the plates and pillars are returned |
| Take the time to talk to the decorator and try to | | | | by an agreed upon time. |
| develop a rapport. You may not have much contact | | | | Likewise, if you want the bakery to match a color in |
| with them once you place your order but it is important | | | | your color scheme (such as the color of the |
| that you are certain that they have understood and | | | | bridesmaids dress); bring a swatch of the colored |
| are going to create the wedding cake that you want | | | | fabric to the initial consultation with your cake |
| rather than some fantasy from their mind which might | | | | decorator. Her idea of mauve and your idea are |
| or might not reflect your tastes and values. | | | | probably not exactly the same so unless you want to |
| To avoid surprises on your wedding day, ask your | | | | run the risk of having colors that clash, provide a |
| cake decorator how much time they need to set up | | | | swatch. Be warned, though, icing has to be colored by |
| the cake. In most cases they will need to set up one | | | | hand so trying to match a color will be time consuming, |
| to two hours prior to the time the guests will begin | | | | which will mean more expense to you. |
| arriving, but that all depends on the wedding cake you | | | | If you want that elegant wedding cake but money is |
| order and the other cakes your decorator has to | | | | an issue consider a simpler design. A simple cake with |
| deliver that same day. This will mean that your | | | | ribbon or roses can look beautiful. Likewise, consider |
| wedding cake location will need to already be | | | | ordering a smaller wedding cake with plain sheet |
| established in a highly visible but safe area - wedding | | | | cakes to make up the difference in servings. The |
| cakes don't like fireplaces, children, and high traffic | | | | sheet cakes can be held behind the scenes and used |
| areas if your table is the least bit wobbly. | | | | to supplement the wedding cake and will hold down |
| Likewise, ask about their policy for putting fresh | | | | your cost tremendously. |