Tips, Hints, & Suggestions for your Cake & Topper

Although the cutting of the cake is the last planned event of your wedding festivities, the planning of the cake certiainly shouldn't be! In fact, as one of the more important details of your wedding (as a decorative centerpiece and having a special role in the event), it is something you will probably want to put much time and attention into planning. The Q&As and savings tips below should arm you with the knowledge you need to get started.

Where do I buy the cake?

Either from your caterer, or from an outside bakery. Often the cake will be included in your meal package, but you do have the option to go elswhere if you choose. This may be the case if your caterer does not offer the flavor or style of cake that you desire. If you do go elsewhere, expect additional charges for delivery and set up and for cake cutting, which is often an additional charge from the caterer, as an attempt to entice you to go with their cake. Delivery/set up is around $25 - $50 and the cake cutting fee can be anywhere from $1 - $3 (or sometimes even more) per person.

Savings tip:Many people have a friend or relative cut & serve the cake for them. Have the caterer/baker adjust your cost to account for this if you choose this option.

Savings tip: In addition to the wedding cake, some caterers include a dessert as part of their meal package. Since guests are often full after a three course meal and don't need two desserts, see if you can forego the alternate dessert and put that money, instead, towards the cake cutting cost.

How much cake do I need?

Don't skimp on the cake! While it is true that not every guest will eat a piece, you will also have guests that indulge in two or more. There's nothing more embarassing than running out of the very treat you have been showcasing all night before everyone gets a piece. Also, remember that you will need the top layer to freeze, should you choose to participate in that tradition. So, you will need one piece per guest plus whatever you intend to save.

Savings tip: Since you are required to purchase a piece of cake for every guest, you could save money, again, by passing on any other desserts regularly served with the cake.

How much will my cake cost?

Whether you go with your caterer's cake, or buy one from an independant baker, expect to pay per slice. The cost per slice will sometimes depend on the flavors that you choose, but more-so on the style of your cake. Bakers generally have a cost-per-slice minimum, and then will add on to that based on the decorations you desire. The cost per slice will range from $3 - $7 on average, but extremely elaborate designs from popular bakers can cost up to $15 per slice, or more.

Savings tip #1: Since you are being charged for the baker's time, ask your baker for a smaller display cake and a hidden, undecorated (or less elaborately decorated) sheet cake in the back. The undecorated sheet cake will cost much less per slice since it will not take nearly as much time to prepare. Your guests will never know the difference since the cake is usually cut and put on plates in the kitchen before it is served to your guests.

Supposing you have 250 guests, and your baker charges $7 a slice for the decorated cake, and $2.00 a slice for the sheet cake, ordering a 100 person display cake (which will be a large 3-4 teir cake itself), and then sheet cakes for the other 150 guests will save you $675, almost 40% of the original cake's price!

Savings tip #2: If you want flowers on your cake, but the cost of gum paste or sugar flowers just isn't in your budget, talk to your florist about putting real flowers on the cake. This will save the bakers time, you money, and is a beautiful touch. Just make sure you speak to a professional before you choose your flowers to make sure you do not choose something toxic!

Savings tip #3: Because most of us do not have unlimited funds, and we don't like to have our hearts broken, do not stop on the first "must have" cake that you come across. Before you meet with your caterer or baker, look at as many examples as you can and bring in a variety of choices. What is a masterpiece to one baker, may be the most common for another. By having a range of choices, and being flexible, you and your baker will be able to match you up with something he or she does well that is also, and more importantly, well within reach of your budget.

One last word of advice. I'm sure you've heard many times by now that you will not get to taste your cake because you will be too busy during the reception with your guests. This may or may not be the case for you, but the truth of the matter is: why risk it? Indulge in the cake tasting and enjoy it -- it may be your best chance!

Toppers for the special couple on the special day!

So you’ve selected a pastry chef or baker, and chosen the most delicious flavored cake with the perfect icing. What’s left? The topper! Cake-toppers go in and out of fashion, but lucky for you, what’s hot these days seems to be just about anything, from the traditional flowers to bride and groom figurines and everything in between. Here are a few ideas for something unique.

Fresh flowers

More and more people are incorporating fresh flowers seen in the bridal bouquets and centerpieces onto the cake. It’s a gorgeous, fragrant way to tie the cake in with other decorations. Some pastry chefs are even selecting edible flowers that stay on the cake and add a tasty bit of flare.

Silk flowers

Silk flowers can be used in much the same ways as fresh flowers, with the exception being that you are able to use any type of flower when using artifical. You don't need to worry whether they're toxic or safe when they're silk!

Fruit and seasonal treats

Pastry chefs are also turning to the garden for inspiration in the form of fresh fruits and berries. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are all bright, flavorful additions to summer cakes. For receptions during the winter holidays, sugared miniature pears, apples, and figs can make for a gorgeous formal cake. Other seasonal favorites include miniature pinecones, holly leaves and berries, and even mistletoe.

Edible jewels

What would be better on a bride – or a cake – than diamonds and pearls? Pastry chefs can do wonders with a bit of sugar and a good mold; ask about whether they’ve done cakes with jewel themes before.

Candles

I’ve seen some beautiful cakes with tea lights or more elaborate candles adorning their top and tiers. Especially at evening receptions, a little flame can go a long way. Ask your pastry chef about lighting up your dessert delight.

A romantic remembrance

Last June, a couple I know got engaged on a paddleboat on the Potomac, within the reflection of the Jefferson Memorial. During the holidays, the groom gave his bride a simple Christmas tree ornament of the Jefferson Memorial. When it came time to select a cake topper for the wedding this summer, the bride knew just what she wanted. The ornament that held such an important spot on their wedding day will hang on their Christmas tree every December as a lovely reminder of both their engagement and their wedding.



Monograms

Candy or sugared initials of the happy couple seem to be very in-fashion these days, and there are plenty of ways to do it. Whether it’s two-dimensional initials in icing or a three-dimensional display made with sugar or even porcelain, monograms are a tasteful way to personalize your cake.

Heirlooms

If you have a nostalgic parent or grandparent, there’s a chance they’ve saved the topper from their own cake. I have a friend who happened upon her parent’s cake topper while helping them move into a new home. She snuck it out and, to the surprise and delight of her parents, it appeared a few months later atop her own wedding cake.

If you really want to make a statement

You can find just about anything online. A quick search on “unique cake toppers” turned up everything from castles and miniature Harleys to polymer figurines made to your likeness. Whatever you can imagine in your head, you can likely find it online.

If all else fails …

Go bare! There’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple, and many bakers and pastry chefs create such beautiful cakes that there’s no need to add on. If simplicity is your mantra, you should feel comfortable going without any topper at all.

Hugs & Happiness~~~ Paula