Rhiannon Hendricks
A wedding cake consultation is a meeting between the couple and a baker or cake decorator to discuss and plan the details of a custom wedding cake order. It is a chance for the couple to communicate their vision and expectations, and for the baker to offer professional advice and guidance. Consultations typically involve discussing the cake's design, including themes, colours, and shapes, as well as flavours, fillings, and frostings. The baker may offer a tasting session to allow the couple to sample different flavours and combinations. Other important topics covered include the size of the cake and the number of servings required, any dietary restrictions or allergies, pricing and payment, and delivery or pickup logistics. Consultations can take place at the bakery, the couple's home, the wedding venue, or another agreed-upon location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people | The couple and one or two other people |
| Location | Usually at the bakery, but can be at the wedding venue or the couple's home |
| Cost | There may be a fee for the consultation, which can be complimentary if a retainer has been paid |
| Duration | Between 45 and 75 minutes |
| Preparation | The couple should bring photos, swatches, invitations, and other details of the wedding |
| Topics covered | The baker's experience, wedding colours and themes, cake designs, flavours, cake setup, costs and payment |
| Outcome | Rough sketches of the cake design, followed by a more detailed sketch and contract |
What You'll Learn
Cake design: colours, themes, shapes, and any specific details
During a wedding cake consultation, the couple will meet with a baker or cake decorator to discuss the design of their cake, including colours, themes, shapes, and any specific details. This is a collaborative process, with the baker offering guidance and suggestions while also aiming to bring the couple's vision to life.
The couple should come prepared with their colour scheme or theme, which could be inspired by the flowers, table decorations, or wedding outfits. They may also bring photos of cake designs they like, as well as ideas of what they don't like. This will help the baker understand their style preferences, such as whether they prefer a naked, buttercream, or fondant cake.
Based on the couple's inspiration, the baker may start sketching ideas or showing pictures of other wedding cakes to help the couple visualise their dream cake. The couple can then decide on the specific details of their cake, including:
Colours
The colour scheme of the wedding cake is often inspired by the wedding's overall colour palette or the couple's chosen theme. For example, the cake may incorporate the colours of the wedding flowers, table settings, or the bride's dress.
Themes
The cake's design can also be influenced by the wedding theme. For instance, a rustic-themed wedding might inspire a cake with natural elements, while a more glamorous wedding might call for a cake with metallic accents.
Shapes
The couple will also need to decide on the shape of their cake. Common options include round, square, rectangle, or hexagon tiers, or they may opt for a mix of shapes. The baker will advise on the best shape combinations to achieve the desired number of servings.
Specific Details
In addition to colours, themes, and shapes, the couple may want to incorporate specific details into their cake design. This could include using a particular ribbon, matching the bride's dress, or adding lace or flower decorations. They may also choose to have a cake topper, either providing their own or requesting an edible one from the baker.
The couple may also want to discuss the type of icing or frosting they prefer and whether they want to include any fillings. If fresh flowers are desired, the baker can advise on the best options, including the need for pesticide-free blooms.
Overall, the wedding cake consultation is a fun and collaborative process that allows the couple to work with the baker to create a cake that reflects their unique style and tastes.
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Flavours: cake, fillings, and frostings
Flavours are a key part of a wedding cake consultation. The couple will be able to choose from a variety of cake flavours, fillings and frostings, and can often request additional flavours for an extra charge. Some bakers will allow couples to choose up to three flavours of cake, filling and frosting each, while others may offer a tasting of three cakes and three fillings.
The couple may already know what flavours they want, or they may be open to suggestions. Bakers will usually offer a range of options and make recommendations based on their expertise and the couple's preferences. Bakers may also offer alternative ingredients and options to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies, such as gluten-free, nut-free or vegan options.
The flavours chosen may also depend on the design of the cake. For example, if the cake involves a ball shape, a particular flavour may be more suitable for carving. If the weather is hot, perishable fillings may not be recommended, and fondant may be preferred over buttercream.
Couples can expect to taste a variety of flavours during the consultation and can either choose their preferred flavours there and then or decide later. Bakers may also provide a sketch of the cake design, incorporating the chosen flavours.
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Size and servings: number of guests and appropriate cake size
One of the most important aspects of a wedding cake consultation is determining the size of the cake and the number of servings required. This ensures that there will be enough cake for all the guests and helps the baker advise on the appropriate cake size and tier arrangements.
The number of servings needed will depend on the number of guests expected at the wedding. It is important to consider whether the couple wants all the servings to be on the cake itself or if they prefer to have a smaller decorative cake with sheet cakes in the kitchen to supplement. This decision can impact the overall cost and design of the cake.
Wedding cake servings are typically smaller than party cake servings. A traditional wedding cake serving is 1" wide, 2" deep, and 4" tall. This means that the number of servings per cake tier can vary, and it is important to understand how the baker calculates the number of servings to ensure an accurate estimate.
When determining the cake size, the baker will consider the number of guests, the desired number of servings, and the desired cake design. If the couple wants a particular shape or style of cake, this may impact the overall size and tier arrangement. For example, a couple may want a cake with multiple tiers of different shapes, such as round, square, or hexagon.
In addition, the baker will discuss any dietary restrictions or allergies that need to be accommodated. If there are guests with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan requirements, the baker will suggest alternative ingredients and options to ensure that everyone can enjoy the cake.
To ensure an accurate estimate and avoid disappointments, it is crucial to discuss the size and servings early in the consultation process. This information will also help the baker provide a more accurate price estimate, as the cost of the cake often depends on the number of servings it provides.
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Dietary restrictions or allergies: alternative ingredients and options
Dietary restrictions and allergies are an important consideration when planning a wedding cake consultation. Here are some detailed suggestions on alternative ingredients and options to accommodate various dietary needs:
Vegan Options
It is essential to speak with your cake decorator ahead of time to prepare a cake that is free of any animal products or by-products. Inform them about common ingredients in cakes and frostings that may not be suitable for vegans, such as eggs and dairy. You can also suggest using plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter or egg replacements, to ensure that the cake is safe for vegan guests to consume.
Vegetarian Options
While vegetarians do not have the same restrictions as vegans, it is still important to ensure that the cake does not contain any meat products or by-products. Ask your cake decorator about the ingredients used and confirm that the cake is suitable for vegetarians.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, so it is crucial to offer a gluten-free alternative for your wedding cake. Discuss this option with your cake decorator and ask about gluten-free flour alternatives, such as rice flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Ensure that all ingredients used are gluten-free, including any fillings or toppings.
Nut-Free Options
Nut allergies can be severe and life-threatening, so it is vital to know if any of your guests have this allergy. Inform your cake decorator about any nut allergies and ask about the possibility of preparing the cake in a nut-free environment to avoid cross-contamination. Opt for nut-free toppings and fillings to ensure the safety of your guests.
Kosher Options
If you have guests who observe kosher dietary laws, you may need to cater to their specific needs. Kosher meals typically have restrictions on food and beverage types and how they are prepared, handled, and served. Consult with your cake decorator to see if they can accommodate kosher options or if you need to source these cakes from a separate company that specializes in kosher catering.
Other Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
In addition to the common restrictions mentioned above, be sure to ask your guests about any other allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. This could include dairy intolerance, celiac disease, or other specific allergies. Communicate this information to your cake decorator, and work together to find suitable alternative ingredients or options. This may include using alternative milks, such as almond or oat milk, or offering fruit-based desserts for guests who cannot consume traditional cake ingredients.
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Pricing and payment: deposit requirements and payment due dates
Pricing and payment are important topics to cover at a wedding cake consultation. The average cost of a wedding cake in the US is around $500, with most couples spending between $300 and $700. However, the price can vary depending on the size, style, and complexity of the cake design. Fondant-covered cakes tend to be more expensive than buttercream-covered cakes, with starting prices of around $5 and $4 per slice, respectively.
During the consultation, it is essential to discuss financial boundaries and expectations. Be prepared to talk about your budget and ask about the baker's pricing structure. Find out what is included in the cost of the cake, such as delivery, setup, cake stands, and cake toppers. Inquire about any additional fees, such as delivery charges, setup fees, and cake stand rental.
Deposit requirements vary, but it is common for bakers to request a deposit to secure your booking. Ask about the amount of the deposit and when it will be due. Some bakers may offer instalment plans, so clarify if there are multiple payment due dates leading up to the wedding.
It is also important to discuss the cancellation policy and understand the procedures if you are unsatisfied with the cake. These details should be outlined in a contract, which you will sign after the consultation and tasting.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding cake consultation is a meeting between the couple and a baker/cake decorator to discuss and plan the details of the wedding cake order. The couple can convey their specific requirements and preferences, and the baker can provide guidance, suggestions, and expert advice.
During the consultation, the couple and the baker will typically discuss the design, flavours, size and servings, dietary restrictions or allergies, pricing and payment, and delivery or pickup. The baker may also show design samples or provide a portfolio of their previous work. The couple can usually expect to taste different cake flavours and pick their favourites.
A wedding cake consultation typically lasts between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of the design. Some consultations may last up to two hours.
It is helpful to bring photos or ribbon swatches of your colour scheme or theme, copies of invitations or other wedding stationery, photos of wedding cake designs or styles that you like and don't like, and any other elements of your wedding that you have finalised, such as flowers or decorations. Mood boards are also a great way to give the baker a sense of your style and vision.
