Cake questions

Wedding cakes are costly because creating them is time-consuming and most of the decoration is done by hand. A large, formal, tiered wedding cake will make a large dent in your budget. Therefore you have a right to expect a high level of service and the opportunity to both see and sample the cakes of potential suppliers. Don't be bamboozled. If you can't sample a cake, how do you know what you will get on the day?

The cost of your wedding cake is likely to be calculated upon the number of servings. Check whether price includes delivery and assembly. Cakes are rarely sent-out assembled; they need to be set-up on the day. If they are decorated with fresh fruits or flowers they can usually be delivered within a couple of hours of the start of the reception. If the supplier is unable to deliver and set-up the cake, who will? How are tey going to suitably transport the cake and when? If it is a complicated tiered cake or a largge sculptural design, does the person have experience of setting-up and dressing celebration cakes? If not, it's risky and it's therefore worth paying extra for the cake supplier to do it for you. Alternatively, your caterer or venue may be willing to assist if they have experience, but check first.

Also ask about ingredients. For example, will they uise butter rather than vegetable shortening? If they won't, does the quality of the cake match the price? The use of organic ingredients may also be a consideration; if so, are you willing to pay extra?

You will also need to liaise with your reception venue. Ask when the cake can be delivered and set-up on the day and whether they can provide a cake stand, knife and cake table - preferably with wheels if a large tiered cake has to be removed to the kitchen for plating. The cake is likely to be one of the focal points in the room. Check with your cake supplier that the table on offer is a suitable size and stable. a huge round table can make even a large cake look tiny and make it very difficult to reach the base tier for cutting. If it isn't the right size consider hiring one. Ensure you have discussed with the venue exectly where the cake table will be placedand that it will be provided with a clean cloth. It needs to be positioned in an area that is well-lit and with no distractions near or around it to spoil the photographs. If you are adding special lightning to the room, add a spotlight for the cake table too. If you want the table decorated with flowers, ask your florist to liaise with the cake supplier to ensure they are both happy and that each understands what the other is providing.

If you would like to send cake to family and friends who are unable to attend your wedding, bear in mind that many cakes will not stay fresh enough once sliced. Seek the advice of your supplier who mightmay be able to bake small individual cakes, or different suitable layer of wedding cake especially for sending-out.