Choosing The Perfect Wedding Cake Baker

	pictures of cakes you like
	swatches of colors you'd like to match
	design elements you'd like to incorporate
	favorite recipes you'd like to duplicate

Ask friends and wedding venues for bakers that might suit your tastes; a good referral is often an indicator that you're onto the right baker.

Start calling these bakers to schedule appointments for tasting and portfolio viewing; note that smaller bakeries may require more lead time, as popular May and June wedding dates book early.

6-9 Months

Meet with targeted bakers. Be sure to have the following information handy:

	your wedding date
	the reception location and start time
	a preliminary guest count
	your preferences and ideas collected earlier

Sharing such information with the baker will allow him or her to quickly assess your needs and to determine if (s)he is capable of serving you.

Ask each baker for the following items:

	his/her wedding cake "philosophy" (for example, are cakes made from scratch and with high quality ingredients? will the baker entertain a custom design?)
	a listing of available cake flavors
	a cake sample (note that smaller bakeries may require you to specify the sample in advance)
	a portfolio or pictures to review
	pricing (be sure to distinguish base cake pricing from other incidentals; labor-intensive or custom designs will merit a surcharge; delivery and cake-top flowers are also generally extra)
	contract requirements (industry standard is a 25 - 50% deposit)

Gathering such data will allow you to better evaluate a baker's skill and flexibility.

	Evaluate the flavors and designs of each baker.
	Gauge your personal compatibility with each baker; "chemistry" is often the best determinant of a successful working relationship.

6-3 Months

	After carefully weighing your choices, select the right baker for you.
	Have the baker draft a contract and review it carefully.
	Send in the necessary deposit to hold your date. Most bakeries will not reserve dates without this formal commitment from you.

3-1 Month

	Finalize any remaining style or flavor details with your baker.
	Provide your baker with key contacts at your reception site and florist, so that (s)he can coordinate any last minute details directly.

1 months - 1 week

Call your baker to confirm delivery time, place and any other critical items. Chances are that the right baker will contact you first!

The Big Day!

Relax and enjoy your cake. Relish the fact that careful planning and the right baker have given you the cake of your dreams!

 

Wedding-Club.com Resources For Wedding Cakes

• Sugaree Baking Co. - www.sugareebaking.com

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This article was contributed by Julia M. Usher. .