Select your Baker
With so many highly qualified cake decorators in the Milwaukee area, you may be wondering how to begin your search for a wedding cake vendor. Budget, quality and reliability are important considerations when selecting your vendor. It will be helpful for you (and the vendors!) if you are well prepared. The following tips will help you get started.
|
Be Prepared
• Estimate number of guests • Develop a budget • Learn some basic wedding cake vocabulary • Determine specifics such as location, room décor, ceiling height, lighting, wedding colors and theme • Gather ideas from magazines, cake design books, our design gallery or other wedding cake resources Budget In 2009, the average wedding cake in the U.S cost $543. Prices can range from a couple of dollars to upwards of $15 per serving, but price doesn’t have to be the deciding factor in designing your dream cake. These helpful tips offer easy ways to manage your budget without sacrificing your vision. • Real flowers and ribbon are less expensive than sugar flowers or fondant ribbon • Supply your own cake decorations to save money • Different flavors and fillings on each layer can increase costs • Fondant can add $1 or more per slice • Square cakes yield more slices than round cake Tiered wedding cakes are usually delivered and assembled on site by the baker. Depending on the distance and size of the cake, delivery and set-up charges can be $50 or more. Cake-cutting fees can run $1 or more per slice if the caterer provides this service. To cut costs, some couples opt to slice the cake themselves or ask a family member or friend to help out. A groom’s cake can be a fun addition to your wedding. Groom's cakes are less expensive than traditional wedding cakes, but be sure to include this option in your budget. Quality & Reliability On your wedding day, you want to be confident your cake will look beautiful, taste great and arrive on time in perfect condition. The best bakers are in high demand, so begin your search at least 3-6 months before your wedding date. A high quality baker will: • Listen to your unique needs, ask questions and offer recommendations • Offer samples of their cakes, frostings and fillings • Provide references and a portfolio of their work • Encourage a signed agreement to formalize expectations for both parties • Provide an experienced delivery driver qualified to make emergency frosting repairs • Request contact information of caterers, reception hall, florist, wedding planner and others to coordinate details Begin your search by browsing our Milwaukee area wedding cake directory. |
 |
Do you have advice for choosing a baker? Send us an e-mail!
