EVENT PLANNING HOME
WEDDING CAKES AND WEDDING CAKE DECORATING
SELECTION OF A CAKE SUPPLIER/DECORATOR
Word of mouth is still the best way to find the better cake supplier and
decorator in your area. Ask your friends, relatives and associates for
recommendations. Lacking a good word of mouth referral you will need to shop to
compare quality and pricing. Even with a good word of mouth referral it is not a bad
idea to shop around since the cake will be one of the focal points of your wedding
reception decor and since the cost can vary greatly from one decorator to another.
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 specializes in cakes and cake decorating since some caterers use outside suppliers for wedding cakes anyway and then mark up the price.
When shopping around, have an idea of how you would like your cake to look, the style (photo examples help) that you would like, the color theme of your wedding (and the facility), the temperature factors of the reception location, and a rough idea of the number of guests so you can determine how many slices/cakes will be needed.
Be sure to speak with the specific decorator who will be designing your cake and view examples of the cakes he or she has designed rather than relying on a book of examples that a salesperson may show you. Different decorators have different skill levels and provide different levels of creativity and quality. By speaking directly to the decorator the odds of getting exactly what you want are greatly increased.
Determine all of the costs involved so you can compare the costs from different decorators on an equal basis. Some decorators use disposable plates and pillars for multi-tiered cakes while others rent these items to you and expect that they will be returned after the wedding reception. Delivery and set-up is included by some decorators while other require that you pick up and set up the cake.
SELECT THE TYPE OF CAKE
White cake is the traditional selection. However, the current trend is to select the
flavor of cake that you like. Anything from chocolate to carrot cake is
acceptable. It is not a bad idea to actually taste the cake/frosting combination
before ordering a flavored cake though.
SIZE OF CAKE VS. NUMBER OF PORTIONS
Since there are a number of options available when it comes to shapes and sizes
of cakes, your cake supplier will be able to assist you in determining the required cake
sizes depending upon whether you are serving round or sheet cakes.
SELECTING THE TYPE OF FROSTING OR DECORATING
MEDIUM
There are 3 main types of decorating mediums (frostings) used in cake decorating;
Buttercream, Whipped Cream and Fondant. Buttercream the most popular and is used in
most applications because it is easy to work with, vary adaptable to a number of
applications and it will hold up well to temperature and humidity variations.
Whipped Cream frostings require refrigeration and do not hold up well to heat and high
humidity. Fondant creates a very smooth and elegant cake covering but is less sweet
and more dense than the other frostings types which have lighter, whipped textures.
Be sure to tell your decorator about the temperature and humidity conditions of your reception location, i.e. in a tent with potentially high summer temperatures, so they can determine if a stabilizer will be required to ensure that the frosting will not run.
SELECTING THE COLOR AND DECORATIONS
Select colors that will compliment your color theme. Also, keep in mind
that due to varying lighting, temperature and humidity conditions the frosting colors may
change after on the cake. For example, purple buttercream frosting may turn blue
when exposed to a high level of Ultraviolet light like sunlight. Be sure to talk to
your decorator about the conditions that may affect the frosting.
FIGURINES AND CAKE TOPPERS
Cake toppers that are placed on the top tier of the cake can be traditional using
bride and groom figurines, wedding bells, hearts, love birds, etc., themed with (non
poisonous) floral decor, or sentimental using items that have a special, personal meaning.
PLACEMENT OF YOUR CAKE TABLE
Your wedding cake will be one of the focal points of your wedding reception and
great care should be taken to make the most of the visual impact of the presentation and
to protect your investment.
When determining the placement of the cake table, be sure to look at the walls surrounding the cake table. A beautiful cake in front of a tacky wall hanging minimizes the visual impact of the presentation (which is something you will be reminded of everytime you view your wedding photos). If you are stuck with a tacky wall hanging behind the cake table due to space limitations, consider draping the walls or using draping on free standing frames, which are available from local rental companies, to hide the wall hangings .
Try to place the table in a well lit away from entry doors, windows, heat registers and high traffic areas to protect your cake. If a well lit area is not available, hanging directional spotlights or low wattage mini tabletop spotlights are available from local rental companies that will enhance the visual impact of the cake.
Before placing the cake on the table, BE SURE to check to make sure the table legs are securely locked in place since there have been occasions when due to an oversight the table has collapsed. ALSO, avoid moving the table once the cake has been put in place. Multi-tiered cakes can topple rather easily if the table is abruptly jolted, transforming a beautiful photo opportunity into a not so beautiful pile of frosting.
TABLE TOP DECOR
A color coordinated top and drape combination can greatly enhance the
presentation of you wedding cake. Additions like candles with mirrors, fresh
flowers, etc. can also create a stunning presentation. If using flowers be sure that
they are of the non poisonous variety and that they do not come in contact with the
cake unless the flowers are specifically selected for that purpose and washed to remove
pesticides, etc.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
Consider a decorated dummy cake for the display and sheet cake(s) for actual guest
service. Some decorators have very beautifully decorated display cakes available
for rental for that purpose. Display the "dummy" cake while using simple,
frosted sheet cakes for service to the guests. It can enhance the appearance of your
presentation while saving you a bunch of money.
OR
Consider a smaller decorated display cake with sheet cake(s) for actual service.
HEADACHE SAVING TIPS
Once you have selected the supplier, get a written contract that specifically
outlines the design of the cake, number of serving portions, included accessories,
delivery and set up times and charges, rental item return requirements, etc. Also,
notify the cake supplier of the contact name of a person who will be on site at the
reception location at delivery time should they have any questions.
During set up of the reception location, have someone place a card on the cake table indicating "Cake Table" since on occasion the cake has been discovered on the "Gift Table" or "Punch/Coffee Table".
If the cake table is to be decorated by someone other than the cake supplier, be sure that it is scheduled to be completed well in advance of the scheduled cake delivery time.
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Hospitality Networks, Inc.
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