Shane Co

Cake Designers

Selecting your wedding cake is one of the more enjoyable elements of the entire planning process. Don't be surprised if your intended is very enthusiastic about interviewing designers - and sampling their cakes!

And why not? Basic white is no longer the obligatory wedding flavor. You can choose from a wide variety of tastes: from lemon to carrot to angel food to deep, dark chocolate. And fillings can run the gamut from liqueurs to exotic fruit purees to mocha-flavored mousse. There are so many fabulous flavors to choose from that many couples are selecting different combinations for each layer.

You may choose to go with a traditional tiered or stacked cake, or you might opt for an elaborate multi-cake, multi-flavored design that covers an entire table instead. You might prefer a brilliant red icing trim to match your roses. Or perhaps the "champagne" frosting style of cream on cream or white on white is your idea of true elegance. Then again, maybe cream on white, or white on cream is more to your taste. You get the idea!

Cake design has developed into an art form restrained only by your budget - and your baker's style and technique. You can be as creative or as traditional as you like. Sit down with your intended and talk about your individual visions of the perfect wedding cake. What styles stimulate ideas, and which ones can you do without? What are your favorite flavor combinations? You may find that you have very similar ideas in mind. Then again, perhaps you'll decide that this will be your first separate "his" and "hers" purchase. The important thing is to enjoy the truly mouth-watering selection process. Bon appetit!

Symbolism

The wedding cake has been a highly anticipated ingredient of the marriage celebration since early times. Ancient Greeks threw small cakes at the bride and groom in the same way we toss flower petals or rice today. The Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility - and guests scrambled for the crumbs to share in her good fortune.

During the Middle Ages, newlyweds began sharing their first kiss over a stack of cakes that symbolized future prosperity. A 17th-century French chef decided to improve on the stacking concept by covering the cakes in icing. The towering tiers of many modern cakes take the frosted stack idea a step higher and are thought to mirror the unusual spire shape of St. Bride's Church in London.

The groom's cake is another symbolic tradition that's been around for quite some time. It's loosely based on the Victorian belief that a single woman who slept with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow would dream of her future husband. Visions of gooey frosting stains aside, this secondary cake is gaining popularity.

The typical groom's cake of today is a smaller, simpler creation usually made out of chocolate or another favorite flavor. It can be served at either the rehearsal dinner or alongside the wedding cake at the reception. Some think of this as an honor for the groom, while others consider it a convenient way to have traditional white wedding cake - and to eat their chocolate too!

Food for Thought

Consider the atmosphere of your reception when making your selections. Hint: Buttercream melts quickly in outdoor summer heat!
Keep your guests in mind when making your flavor selections. Many people are allergic to the more exotic toppings and fillings such as coconut or poppy seeds. Consider using these ingredients on a single cake tier or a separate dessert.
Ask the reception site management for suggestions on where to place the cake and determine table options for its presentation. If possible, take pictures of the table and surrounding area to share with your cake designer.
Make all other decorative decisions before designing your cake. That will ensure its compatibility with your theme, the site decorations, the menu, your gown and the flower arrangements.
Many couples save the top layer of wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. Don't use aluminum foil - it allows freezer burn! Instead, bind the cake in plastic wrap and seal it in an airtight plastic bag.
Make sure that your cake is large enough to offer at least one slice to every guest, especially if you plan on saving your top tier for later.
Your proposal location, reception space, wedding gown, invitations or even your initials can serve as decorative inspiration. Anything goes!
Cake toppers have moved beyond plastic figurines. Consider using a family heirloom - made of porcelain or crystal - to top your cake.
Silk flowers, fresh blooms and greenery, ornate bows, strings of pearls, gold or silver leaf finery, colorful balloons or beads, and swags of tulle or lace can add visual interest and personality to your cake. You are only limited by your imagination. Just remember to have the non-edible decorations removed before serving!

Questions to Ask

Can I get a custom-made design?

You want to know whether a baker will create a custom cake or only allow you to choose from a set selection of designs. Be sure to look at their portfolio to get an idea of their style and decorating skills. And don't hesitate to ask about less expensive alternatives to the more lavish creations.

How do you make your cakes? How far in advance?

Clearly, the better the ingredients and preparation, the better the cake! Freshness counts too, so you want the cake made as close to your event as possible.

Who will set up the cake? Who will be serving?

Talk to your baker about how you'd like the cake table to be set up. You also need to determine who will cut and serve the cake. Ask if this service is included. If not, you'll need to make arrangements with your caterer.

Does the price include the top cake tier?

Many bakers throw in the top tier for free, but be sure to ask!

Does the state health department license you?

A licensed cake designer has met all health department standards.

How do you handle rentals?

You may need pillars or columns for your tiers. Make arrangements to have these returned or picked up.

Will you coordinate the cake delivery with the site management?

You or the designer will have to arrange for delivery and set-up of the cake. Consider the time needed for assembly and cake service as well as details like whether on-site refrigeration will be required.

How do you handle emergencies like personal illness or delivery problems?

Your wedding cake is an integral part of your celebration. A baker without a back-up plan is a not a good choice.

Will you coordinate decorations with the florist?

If you choose to adorn the cake with fresh flowers, make sure that the blooms are not treated with any type of harmful chemicals. Talk to your designer and florist to decide which one will decorate the cake and who will trim the table.

Costs Involved

Wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Cost is calculated per slice depending on ingredients and labor involved in creating your design. Average prices fall between $1.50 and $5.00 a slice, but an elaborate creation can run three to four times higher!

That means a five-tier cake that feeds 200 guests will cost at least $300 and could run up to $4000 for a "couture" creation like those modeled in the bridal magazines. You are primarily paying for the designer's time, but the ingredients you choose can also influence the price. Check out Ways to Save for ideas on taming this budget buster.

Be prepared to leave a substantial (and usually non-refundable!) deposit to reserve your date. Many bakeries are booked up to two years in advance. Fortunately, you won't have to make your design selections this early. You are simply reserving the date. Final payment is usually expected two weeks or more prior to the wedding.

Ask your designer about delivery and set-up fees. Those costs are often - but not always - covered by the per-slice cost. Make sure you get a written breakdown of all services and fees!

Ways to Save

The wedding cake is second only to the bridal gown when it comes to the scrutiny it will receive, but that doesn't mean you'll have to subsist on bread and water between now and the wedding in order to pay for it!

Decide on a particular style and size of cake before asking for quotes. You can always decide on a different design later, but you want to be sure that you are comparing the same costs.
Ask about slice size. You can't compare per-slice costs unless the pieces are the same size. You may get more for your money with a 2-inch rather than a 1- inch slice of cake.
Be realistic. The magnificent cakes you see in the magazines are usually in the $10- to $15-per-slice range. Ask about modifying designs or substituting ingredients. For example, buttercream icing is very tasty and quite a bit more affordable than the fondant style.
Substitute fresh arrangements for expensive sugar flowers. Ask your baker to coordinate designs and duties with your florist.
Be aware of hidden costs when making price comparisons. You may have to pay a fee to your reception site if you hire an outside designer. Or, you may get a great deal on the cake only to find out later that you'll be paying almost as much again to cover the serving fee.
Order a smaller display cake and then serve your guest slices of sheet cake or a "side cake." You can do the traditional slicing of the cake in front of your guests and then have the side cakes served from a back room.
If you want to impress, consider ordering a smaller cake that will sit on top of fake tiers.
Order a wedding cake that will feed at least half of your guests and then offer several more-affordable desserts.
You pay for excessive variety in additional ingredient expenses, design costs and service fees. Many couples are opting for sleeker, less-expensive creations.

The Contract

Your wedding cake is too important to be left to chance! Get all order details and service agreements in writing. And make sure that all your questions and concerns have been addressed before you sign.

Your agreement with the cake designer should include:

Reception date
Cake style and flavor(s) of each layer
Description of the decorations
Description of the cake topper
Number of layers
Type of filling between each layer
Frosting type and flavor
Acceptable substitutions if a certain flavor, frosting or filling becomes unavailable
Deadline for guest count including fees for any changes after this date
Proof of licensing and liability insurance
List of server duties including delivery, set up and cake service
List and description of any rentals plus terms for return or loss
Exact reception location including street address and room name or number
Exact time of delivery
Total price including all rentals, service fees, taxes and gratuities
Due date for deposit
Balance amount and due date
Disposition of leftover cake
Back-up plan in case of an emergency
Cancellation and refund policy
Designer's name, contact information and signature

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I purchased a necklace for our 35th anniversary. I must say that the stone is exquisite. The fire, color and clarity are outstanding.

Alex N. - Peyton, CO

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