TIP: Choosing a wedding cake is not as simple as calling a bakery and ordering the cake. If you want to do this right, you will need to plan four to six weeks before your wedding and start by collecting photographs of the style you like.  You may wish to contact me sooner to hold your date.

Personalization: It's your wedding. It's your cake.  Look for a unique way to add a special touch to your cake. 

	Incorporate family heirlooms into your wedding such as your grandmother's serving set that she used 60 years ago,  or the linens and lace your great-grandmother borrowed from her mother.  Family wedding photos, a special cake plate, etc.
	Use a monogram cake topper - very trendy these days and come in a wide variety of price ranges.
	Instead of one huge cake, many couples are opting for smaller cakes, still beautifully adorned, for each table. These centerpiece cakes are often baked with different fillings and flavors. Some ambitious couples stop by each reception table and slice the first piece. This way they can say hello to all their guests. Other couples ask their guests to slice and sample different cakes at different tables, using this atmosphere to encourage guests to mix and mingle.
	Don't forget the groom!  Historically, the groom's cake was usually dark (e.g., chocolate) to contrast with the bride's cake and appeared at the reception along with the wedding cake. Today, the groom's cake is a reflection of his own taste, interests, or hobbies and can be any color or flavor.  In the weddings that I have done, the groom's cake has been cut at the reception and served to all guests along with the bride's cake.

TIP:  That wonderful, sweet cake will make just about everyone's mouth water -- including insects!  So keep an eye out for uninvited guests buzzing around your tasty treat.  If you're holding your reception outdoors, light a citronella candle or two to discourage yellow jackets from bugging your guests, and your cake.

Building Blocks:  Here is what you will need to consider when planning and ordering your wedding cake.

	Number of servings  Order your cake based on the number of servings you think you will need.  Keep in mind that some may opt for no cake at all, while others may try more than one flavor.  It's better to err on the side of too much than to be caught with an empty cake table.  Most couples choose not to include the top layer of cake in the number of servings, and save it for their anniversary.  Serving Size Chart for Weddings
	Decoration  Your cake should look amazing!  Whether it be modern or traditional, a lot of work goes into decorating a cake.  You can use fresh fruit, or a combination of decorating techniques to make your cake shine in the spotlight.  Fresh or silk flowers can be arranged on a cake for breathtaking elegance. Search for ideas online, in magazines, books, or visit me to discuss any number of options.
	Design  This refers to the set-up of your cake.  Will it be stacked (one layer directly on top of another), or will you set your cakes apart with pillars for a taller  appearance?  Will you use fountains, candles,  or ribbon?  Maybe you like many smaller cakes surrounding a centerpiece cake.  Ask about Satellite set-up, when your cakes are arranged on several heights of stands. (satellite display) How about the table decoration?  A color coordinated table top and drape combination can greatly enhance the presentation of you wedding cake.  Additions like candles with mirrors, fresh flowers, lights, fabric, etc. can also create a stunning presentation.
	Flavor  Not only should your cake look incredible, it should also taste that way!  Determining the flavor of your cake is yet another opportunity for you to both showcase your tastes.  The most popular wedding cake flavors are white, chocolate, carrot or spice, and yellow.  However, if your tastes are more adventurous, the possibilities are limited only to your imagination!  At my own wedding, I used two flavors per cake so that each guest enjoyed more than one flavor.
	Filling  This refers to what is between the two layers of cake in one slice.  It can be frosting, cream, jam, mousse, fruit, cream cheese, chocolate, or anything your heart desires.
	Frosting Refer to the Menu for all choices.  Be knowledgeable of  the temperature and humidity conditions of your wedding reception location, i.e. in a tent with potentially high summer temperatures, so that I can ensure  the appropriate frosting is used to prevent melting or running of colors. Be sure the hall is cooled prior to the cake arriving.
	Colors  Be sure to bring a swatch of fabric if you want the color of your cake to match your wedding colors.

TIP:  Although your 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.  Some caterers use other bakers for wedding cakes and then mark up the price.

Budget:

	Flowers Not only are flowers one of the most beautiful ways to decorate a cake, they are also one of the least expensive. To cut costs, adopt a "less is more" motto, keeping sugar decorations to a minimum and letting your blooms take center stage.
	Sheet Cakes Your fantasy cake look and taste is just right, but costs a fortune. What to do? Go ahead and order your dream dessert -- only in a smaller size. After you cut the cake together, pose for pictures and feed each other the first bite, your caterer can whisk the cake behind the scenes where it will be supplemented with sheet cakes. Trust us -- no one will know the difference.
	Square Edges Boxy cakes are trendy, but they are difficult to build and frost. It takes time and patience to even out all those edges -- so if money's an object, go for more traditional, round layers.
	Something Borrowed  Your cake is new, so why not borrow from the past for accessories like cake toppers and cutting knives? After sifting though Grandma's hope chest or Mom's china cabinet, you might just find another way to honor brides of the past, revive the life of an heirloom -- and save money while you're at it!
	Servers  Have a family member cut and serve your wedding cake.  You will save money over having the caterer work that extra hour or so.
	Rentals  Some items come with a rental fee, such as fountains or bases.  For items such as pillars and plates,  I will also charge a deposit that will be returned when the items are returned.
	FREE Delivery and Set-Up is included within 30 miles.  I do not charge for the top tier - my gift to you. J
	Dummies  Consider the cake dummy; a normally decorated cake made of Styrofoam or plastic.  The cost is approximately 1/3 less than a real cake.

The Cake Table - Decoration:

	Your cake table is yet another opportunity to reflect your wedding theme and personal style. Start with the tablecloth -- white is always safe, but for a more dramatic touch, use a bold shade of one of your wedding colors. You can also add texture by draping tulle or organza along the sides. For an air of classic romance, sprinkle rose petals on the table top and complete the look with pillar candles.
	To personalize your cake table, display your engagement photos, as well as photos of your parents cutting their wedding cakes. Use heirloom lace and linen, or a special tablecloth that represents your cultural background. If your wedding encompasses a specific theme, surround your cake with corresponding symbols. For example, poker chips are fun expressions of a Vegas-style wedding, while seashell and starfish adornments are perfect for a seaside theme.
	Your cake table is also the best place to present your toasting flutes and cake serving set. Wind ribbons, silk flowers, or other beautiful embellishments around the glass stems, and place your knife and server alongside the champagne flutes. Engrave the crystal  and silverware for an extra special touch.