Buttercream or fondant? Sugar flowers or fresh? Round tiers or square? Phew! Who knew something so delicious could be so complicated?! The choices are endless when it comes to your wedding cake, which means things can get a bit overwhelming. To make sure you get the confection of your dreams, it's important to talk to your baker and ask questions. Use our list below as a guide when evaluating a potential cake designer.
Tip: We recommend even printing this list out and bringing it with you!
THE WEDDING DATE:
- Is my wedding date available?
- How many wedding cakes do you schedule for the same day?
- How soon before the wedding will the cake be baked?
- Who will bake my wedding cake?
BACKGROUND CHECKS:
- How long have you been in business?
- How many weddings have you done?
- Are you licensed and insured?
CAKE DESIGN:
- Can I see your portfolio, and did you make all the cakes in it?
- Do you customize wedding cakes or do I select from set designs?
- What are your specialties?
- I have family cake recipe that I love. Can you adapt it for my wedding cake?
- If I provide you with a picture of what I'd like, can you recreate it?
- If I don't have a clear vision of what I would like, can you offer some design ideas based on my theme and budget?
- What cake and filling flavors do you offer?
- Do you frost the cake with buttercream or fondant?
- What kinds of ingredients do you usually use?
- Do you offer organic, vegan, and gluten-free options?
- How will the cake be displayed?
- What if I want fresh flowers on the cake?
- Can you make a groom's cake? How are they priced?
PAYMENT:
- How do you price your cakes? Do you charge per slice?
- Does the wedding cake price include the top tier (many couples freeze the top tier to enjoy on their first wedding anniversary)?
- Do you have a minimum cake cost?
- Will there be any additional rental fees (i.e., for cake stands, toppers, platters, cake-cutting knives, etc.)? When will these items need to be returned?
- Will there be an additional delivery fee?
- How far in advance should I order my cake?
- How much is the deposit and when is it due?
- When is the final payment due?
- When should I finalize the order?
- What is your refund policy if for some reason I need to cancel my order? What if I'm not happy with the cake?
- When can I expect to receive my contract from you?
- Can I set up a cake-tasting appointment? Is there a charge?
LOGISTICS:
- What are your delivery services?
- What do you do if the cake gets damaged in transit to or at my reception site?
- Do you decorate the cake table to match the cake?
