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BEFORE THE MEETING
Remember to do your research and meet with multiple cake designers before you make your final decision. Set up appointments close together so the other meetings are fresh in your mind. Do your research in advance so you are prepared for the meeting.
- Set a realistic budget based on the size of your wedding. Have an idea of how much you want to spend per slice.
- Do your research online or with magazines. Bring pictures of cakes you like to the meeting.
- Bring ideas of unique elements you want to add to your cake like cake toppers or fresh flowers.
- Bring swatches of your wedding colors if you would like to incorporate them in the cake.
- The cake designer may create a few cakes before your arrival so let him/her know which flavors you would like to sample.
DURING THE MEETING
Use the following questions as guidelines of items that need to be discussed during your meeting with the cake designer. Jot down notes during your meeting so you can review them later.
- Ask to see a portfolio of cake designs that the designer has created. Will she do a custom design? (This is when you should share your pictures and ideas).
- What flavors and fillings are available? Can different flavors be included in one cake?
- How far in advance of the wedding will the cake be prepared? (The closer to your wedding the better)
- How many cakes are created per weekend? Will adequate time be given to your cake?
- Will she work with your florist if you want to incorporate fresh flowers in your cake or will you or the florist be solely responsible for adding the flowers to the cake?
- Will the cake be priced per slice? Will there be extra costs for different flavors or a unique design? Does the designer offer cake accessories and what are the prices? (Ask detailed questions on all costs).
- Will the designer deliver the cake to your reception hall? What is the delivery fee? What time will the cake be delivered? Will the cake be set up on the table or will it just be dropped off?
- Can the designer offer references from other couples who recently ordered a cake for their wedding?
- Does the designer have a back-up plan in case an emergency arises and the cake cannot be created as planned?
AFTER THE MEETING
Think about the personality of each cake designer and how creative each seemed. Determine who you felt most comfortable with and who seemed the most reliable and willing to work with your ideas.
After you have tasted the cakes (and invited all of your friends and family to taste them!), determine which tasted the best.
Ask around to see which cake designer is the most recommended by other couples and call references.
THE CONTRACT
Once you have made your final decision, make another appointment with the cake designer to sign a contract. Ensure that the contract includes the following items and make sure that you and the designer both sign it. Keep a copy for your records.
- Date, time and location of delivery
- Description of the cake that will be created, included the fillings/flavors
- List of accessories and their individual costs
- Delivery fee
- Cost of cake
- Indication of whether payment has been made or not
When in doubt, remember that the contract should include all of the items and services that you have discussed with the vendor.
[Article thumbnail photo by Atika Studios]
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