Finding the perfect wedding cake is no easy feat: It’s impossible to even begin narrowing down the choices of style, color, flavor, size … the list goes on and on. There are several things for certified wedding and event planners to keep in mind as they begin to help couples narrow down their choices for choosing and ordering their cake. First things first: Do some research. (That is a requirement for you and the bridal couple!)

First: Have your bridal couples prepare for the Cake Talk. It’s a good idea for them to have an idea of what they want, and encouraging them to keep a folder of clips is a great way to get a feel for what they’re going for. But be sure that you also have a folder of suggestions for them to flip through. Who knows? That one cake they’ve been trying to find but can’t might be just the clip you’ve collected for them.

Second: Make sure that they have gone into this together. The cake should be a reflection of them and what they like to eat. You don’t want the groom scrunching his nose as he eats a piece of cake with rose-water-flavored petals on top! (Pictures do speak louder than words, you know.) Suggest cakes with different flavored layers. Or maybe they would consider cupcakes: one for him, one for her, so they each take a bite of exactly what they like!

Third: Make sure the cake fits into the overall design. It’s very likely that you have already discussed with the couple their colors and style for the wedding. Elegant? An all-white cake would be gorgeous. Vintage? Pound cakes made with family recipes, lightly dusted with powdered sugar, would be perfect. Colorful and funky? Topsy-turvy cakes are popular right now and can set a fun tone to the reception.

Fourth: Know the budget. This goes without saying, really, but knowing how much the couple is willing to spend on the cake will guide a lot of the decisions. Don’t let them get their heart set on a five-foot, gold-dusted cake with hand-made lilies if they can’t afford it. (No one likes to see a bride with a broken heart!)

There are lots of other things to consider when buying a wedding cake, but these suggestions are a great way to start. What questions do you ask your couples when you begin helping them design and choose their wedding cake?

Tags: bride, cake, reception, wedding

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