Cake maker, Anna Tyler from ANNA Cake Couture, gives us her key wedding cake questions to ask before ordering
About to order your wedding cake? Here are the key questions you need to ask your wedding cake maker before you buy (don't worry - asking for samples is in here!)...
1. What size cake should I go for?
This depends on how many people you need to serve, so pin down your guest list then take advice from your cake maker about what size cake you will need. Remember fruit cake usually serves double the number a sponge-based cake would as it is cut in smaller portions.
2. Can I have different flavours?
Discuss with your cake maker what flavours and types of cake they offer. You could have all the tiers different flavours if you like, but the heaviest should be at the bottom as this will give the rest of the cake a good sturdy base.
3. Can I try a sample of the cake?
You should always sample the cake you’re ordering. The cake may look beautiful, but it is just as important that it tastes fabulous too! In your first consultation you should get to sample the flavours on offer.
4. If any guests have allergies can you cater for them?
If you let your cake maker know well in advance about allergies, they should be able to help. You can have one of the tiers baked to suit the allergy sufferer, while the others can be different.
5. How soon before my day will it be delivered?
The cake is usually delivered to the venue on the morning of the wedding. Check with your cake maker that they will deliver the cake and that they will liaise with your venue to make sure it is delivered at an appropriate time.
6. How will the cake be delivered?
This will depend on the size and design of the cake. If your cake is an elaborate design it will be delivered in single tiers and assembled at the venue where any intricate finishing touches can be made.
7. Do you supply a cake stand and knife?
Most cake makers will have a stand and knife which they can lend you, but they don’t always come as standard, so check!
8. How long can I keep it for?
Most sponge cakes will keep for a week if well wrapped and stored, while fruit cakes will last for months. If you’re unsure, ask!
9. Should it be stored in the fridge?
Iced cakes shouldn’t be kept in a fridge because on return to room temperature the icing will sweat, making it sticky and causing colour bleed. Most cakes should simply be kept in a cool room.
10. Are there any hidden costs?
It’s important to check this, especially if you’re ordering a bespoke design with a lot of intricate work, or if your cake will be topped with fresh flowers. Tell your cake maker what you are expecting to pay so there are no crossed wires.
This depends on how many people you need to serve, so pin down your guest list then take advice from your cake maker about what size cake you will need. Remember fruit cake usually serves double the number a sponge-based cake would as it is cut in smaller portions.
2. Can I have different flavours?
Discuss with your cake maker what flavours and types of cake they offer. You could have all the tiers different flavours if you like, but the heaviest should be at the bottom as this will give the rest of the cake a good sturdy base.
3. Can I try a sample of the cake?
You should always sample the cake you’re ordering. The cake may look beautiful, but it is just as important that it tastes fabulous too! In your first consultation you should get to sample the flavours on offer.
4. If any guests have allergies can you cater for them?
If you let your cake maker know well in advance about allergies, they should be able to help. You can have one of the tiers baked to suit the allergy sufferer, while the others can be different.
5. How soon before my day will it be delivered?
The cake is usually delivered to the venue on the morning of the wedding. Check with your cake maker that they will deliver the cake and that they will liaise with your venue to make sure it is delivered at an appropriate time.
6. How will the cake be delivered?
This will depend on the size and design of the cake. If your cake is an elaborate design it will be delivered in single tiers and assembled at the venue where any intricate finishing touches can be made.
7. Do you supply a cake stand and knife?
Most cake makers will have a stand and knife which they can lend you, but they don’t always come as standard, so check!
8. How long can I keep it for?
Most sponge cakes will keep for a week if well wrapped and stored, while fruit cakes will last for months. If you’re unsure, ask!
9. Should it be stored in the fridge?
Iced cakes shouldn’t be kept in a fridge because on return to room temperature the icing will sweat, making it sticky and causing colour bleed. Most cakes should simply be kept in a cool room.
10. Are there any hidden costs?
It’s important to check this, especially if you’re ordering a bespoke design with a lot of intricate work, or if your cake will be topped with fresh flowers. Tell your cake maker what you are expecting to pay so there are no crossed wires.
Source: http://www.planyourperfectwedding.com
