Detroit Area Wedding Guide
The Wedding Cake
The Wedding Cake
Most people love treats and the wedding cake is no exception. The cake is usually the center of attention at the reception and stands out proudly for everyone to admire. Although, the wedding cake has traditionally been the English style fruitcake with marzipan icing, many brides and grooms are now opting for other kinds of cakes.
Whatever type of cake the couple chooses and whether or not they choose a baker-made or grocery store cake, it is important to taste a similar cake before making the final decision. Cake tastings seem to be apropos now as wedding cake creators compete for the order. They may offer different fillings, exquisite icings and specially flavored cakes. Some cakes are many tiered while others are long slabs. There may even be two types of cakes in order to satisfy different cultures or food allergies.
Other well-received variations on the traditional wedding cake are mini wedding teacakes, wedding cupcakes and gourmet wedding cookies. Cupcakes and cookies can be elaborately decorated and displayed beautifully on fancy stands and specialty racks. For beach themed weddings, prettily iced, whimsical cookies cut out in shapes of brides and grooms in bikinis provide some fun to be remembered.
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When choosing a cake, there are many decisions. Although, the decision for all of the following items may not be required at the time of deposit, they are important to the cake and its final presentation at the wedding reception.
do you want a fresh cake or rental cake
will all the tiers be real cake or just one tier and the rest "dummy" cake
do you want to save a tier for your anniversary or birth of first child
how many cakes are required
how many persons does each cake serve
cost per serving
ask about costs for setup
cake body - white, chocolate, coconut, carrot, cheesecake
do you wish filling for the center - custard, pudding, cream
do you want cake flavoring
type of icing - fondant, marzipan, ganache, whipped cream
if choosing nuts, remember food allergies
decorations on the cake - edible plants, icing roses, silk flowers
if using edible plants, where to order - from the florist or the baker
type of cake top - religious, personalized, whimsical, cultural
cake serving platter
columns or pillars for multi-tiered cake
cake serving utensils
make sure you discuss your options with baker - you do not want a meringue topped cake in the dead heat of summer
will the baker be sending someone to cut the cake - if not does he/she provide a cake cutting guide
Once you have interviewed bakers and have decided which one to use and which cake to purchase, complete a written contract that includes the following terms:
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every specific detail of the cake or cakes
type of icing
colors of icing
type of filling
body of cake
any flavoring
nuts or fruit
edible flowers or special decorations
number of tiers
how much is real and what is ornamental
dimensions and shape of cake
if you require a cake made to dietary restrictions, clearly state the specifics - for example, dairy-free cakes, nut-free cake, kosher
costs per serving
rental costs for pillars, columns, plates, cake topper, utensils, specialty stands
extra costs for setup, delivery and pickup of rentals
is the baker permitted to make any substitutions in flavors, fruit or colors
date, time and location of wedding reception
whether you will provide a cake topper or you are purchasing from baker
if using cake topper from baker, are you renting or buying
should a portion of the cake be preserved for a later date
any extra orders such as another cake, cookies, cupcakes
total costs, deposit amount and balance amount with due date
As mentioned earlier, beautiful wedding cakes can be ordered through the grocery store with your special wishes. Although, you may not have as many choices as a professional baker provides, the grocery store cake may still suit your purposes. Also, you can add to your treat or dessert table by purchasing fancy cookies and pretty squares and bars from the grocery bakery section. Petit fours and bite size cheesecakes are nice additions to the dessert display as well.
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