Things to Remember When Choosing Your Baker
Choosing the person to design and bake your wedding cake can feel daunting. You want to make sure it not only tastes great, but looks beautiful and on theme with your big day. It is one of the key centerpieces for your reception!
To alleviate the stress, we’ve broken down the ins and outs of how to select your baker.
Consider Style and Aesthetic!
A great starting point is to peruse different bakery’s Instagram pages or portfolios. There is nothing wrong with asking for examples of their work! It can help you make your decision, by pinpointing a baker whose style matches your wedding vision.
Are you looking for: classic tiered cakes or modern minimalist designs? Floral or rustic styles? Or maybe you’ve got your eye on the intricacies of fondant! These are things to pay attention to when you review their portfolio.
Flavor!
You should never select your baker without scheduling a tasting! Tastings are usually free, and you can expect to try 3-5 flavor and filling combinations.
Are you wanting classic flavors like almond, vanilla, chocolate or red velvet? Maybe you want to switch it up and do something unique like lavender honey, lemon basil, or champagne raspberry. It’s important to let your palate do some of the decision making here!
Dietary restrictions: Your baker should not only tantalize the tastebuds, but also meet your dietary needs! If you’re gluten free, vegan, or have a nut or egg allergy, this conversation with your baker can’t be forgotten!
While you’re there for a tasting, be ready to discuss your cake’s design.
Bring inspo photos (like your invitation, color palette, or a picture of your flower choices)
Know your guest count so you can decide on how big of a cake you need.
Money Matters
Honoring your wedding budget means you’ll have NO regrets about the baker you choose. Here are some things to know about cake pricing:
Cakes are usually priced per slice (on average, you can expect between $5-$15 per slice).
Don’t be afraid to ask cost-specific questions. What is the price difference for 2, 3, or 4 tiered cakes? Do different flavors have different pricing? How much does the baker charge for custom designs? Is there a delivery and set up fee? Do you need to rent a cake stand from them?
Pro Tip: Ask if they offer a “display cake.” You can cut the cost by having a smaller cake for you and your spouse, and order sheet cakes to be sliced for your guests.
Logistics
Before meeting with your baker, decide what services you’re looking for and ask if they can meet your needs.
Are you ordering your cake in time for your wedding date? Wedding cakes usually need to be booked 4-9 months ahead of time.
Do you need them to deliver your cake to the venue? Will they set it up on a cake stand for you?
Will they communicate with your coordinator to determine delivery time?
Contract Details
Make sure your contract includes:
Flavor selections, design details, delivery time and location, total cost (with deposit and dates), cancellation or refund policy, and a backup plan for (possible) delivery issues.
How The Exchange Helps
Our Full Service Wedding Package includes a wedding coordinator (Chelsey!) who will communicate with your baker of choice to ensure timely delivery of your cake(s) and tasteful arrangement in your space. Booking a wedding with The Exchange also gives you access to our Something Borrowed Decor Closet, where you can choose from a variety of cake stands to display your cake.