 |
A wedding cake designer answers her most frequently asked questions
Micki Wood, a professional wedding cake designer, who owns and operates
Wedding Cake Creations in Bloomington, Indiana
answers some of her most frequently-asked questions for you:
Micki says:
"In my experience, there is no such thing as a "dumb question".
Your Wedding Day is one of the most important days of your life, and should be perfect.
If you don't know the answer to your wedding cake question, then it is a good question and you should ask!"
|
|
| What is Rolled Fondant Frosting & what does it taste like? |
|
Rolled fondant frosting is that smooth-as-silk cake covering so popular lately.
Popular because it looks so perfect, not showing any spatula marks or swirls.
It is rolled out like a pie crust and draped over the cake layer, then trimmed to fit.
Taste? It is made from sugar and water, so it really has no taste.
Buttercream is always spread on the cake layers under the fondant, so that is where the flavor comes from.
If your dress is white, your cake should be white...Ivory dress/ivory cake.
| Do I have to buy the flowers for my cake from my cake designer? |
|
Not at all, you should be allowed to use the florist you've hired for your wedding.
This is often the most convenient for brides. I've never yet met a florist who wouldn't work with another wedding vendor.
If you do choose to arrange for your cake designer to provide the flowers for your cake, make certain the price
is agreed upon up front, and I would even ask to see the flowers before they go on the cake.
| What do you charge for set up and delivery? |
|
Set up and delivery is something I, personally, do not charge for
(unless I am hired to deliver the cake outside of my regular area).
Most of the Cake Designers I know follow the same policy.
| Do I keep everything delivered and set up? |
|
It depends. Most cakes are presented with something that should be returned to the Cake Designer after the
reception is over...base, pillars, flower spikes, fountains, etc.
You should discuss this with your designer before your event to make arrangements for those items to be returned.
If the return of these items is not possible, let your designer know and pre-payment can be made.
| Can you copy a design from a magazine? |
|
Yes, I do it often. Many brides come to me with a design they have their hearts set on.
A talented Cake Designer should be able to construct a wedding cake from a single photo, or from a
combination of photos. I would have to say that 60% of the cakes I create are copies of photos brought to me by brides.
| Do I have to pay a deposit? Why? |
|
Most reputable Cake Designers require a deposit for 2 reasons.
First, it guarantees that your event date is booked with the designer, and that you will
receive a cake on your event date. Second, it ensures the designer that she/he has a legitimate sale.
I've heard horror stories from bakers who have delivered cakes without a deposit or payment, only to
find the bride has changed her mind & gone with another baker.
| What if I'm not happy with my wedding cake? |
|
A reputable Cake Designer should offer a money-back guarantee.
Most designers will offer to refund all but the deposit. The way to avoid an
unsatisfactory experience is to work very closely with your cake designer and leave no questions un-answered.
| Steps to follow to ensure a perfect wedding cake experience: |
|
- Have at least a general idea of what style of cake you want when you meet with your cake designer.
- Bring any and all photos, swatches, notes, hopes and dreams with you to your first meeting. Be completely honest about what you really want.
- Discuss your budget up front, and bring the person who is paying for the cake with you to meet your designer.
- Ask for cake samples in the flavors you are considering. You might be expected to pay a nominal fee for the samples.
- Ask for references from brides who've recently received wedding cakes from the designer.
- Meet with your designer as many times as necessary to ensure all of your details and questions are addressed. I often meet with my brides 3 or 4 times.
- Be open to suggestions from the designer. For example, the number and size of the cake tiers in your photo might need to be adjusted to serve the number of guests you expect. And remember, he/she is the professional and knows what will and will not work.
- Have an exact guest count and the final design agreed upon at least one month prior to the event.
- If you are pleased with your Cake Designer, by all means, recommend him/her to your friends. Most Wedding Cake business is done by word of mouth.
- And finally, on you wedding day, relax and let the Cake Designer worry about your cake. After all, that's what you hired me for!
|
|
