We previously talked about the first steps to take when choosing a wedding cake, namely doing your research. Once you’ve set a budget, discussed the style, and met with both the bride and the groom you’re ready to move on to the more specific details. So what are the next few things to consider?

For one, you’ll want to begin gathering possible vendors to meet with, with your bride and groom. As a certified wedding and event coordinator we know that you’ve got a list of your favorite bakeries to work with. Keep in mind, however, that a bride may already have another vendor in mind who is new to you. If you find yourself visiting a new bakery prepare to ask a few questions, such as:

Can they supply references?
Do they have a portfolio to flip through?
Do they offer cake tastings?
Are cake stands and toppers included in the price?
Are they able to cater to certain allergies?
How far in advance do they prepare the cake?
Can you see a list of the typical ingredients they use? (Brand name butters, etc.)
Who supplies fresh flowers, if they’re used?
Are there extra charges for delivery and set up?

Covering all the bases will help insure that the product is the best it can be and the bride is as happy as possible with her cake. Don’t be afraid to meet with new vendors; they might end up being a valuable tool in your wedding-planning belt! Some of you might be saying, “I don’t have a list of trusted bakeries yet. How do I build one?” First, don’t get overwhelmed! A quick Google search of your area or a flip through the phone book may lead you to wonder how you’ll ever weed out the bad bakeries.

* It’s possible to narrow bakeries down by specialty. Which ones don’t even offer wedding cakes? They’re quick to mark off your list.
* Price can vary significantly from bakery to bakery. Try organizing them from least to most expensive so you’ll know exactly which ones to match with each bride.
* Make an appointment and meet with them. Letting them know that you’re coming will help them prepare to offer you their best information, including photos, prices and maybe even a tasting of your own. Brides will appreciate your opinion of the product before they consider calling a certain bakery.
* Find out the specifics of each bakeries’ contract. How much do they charge for changes or cancellations? How far will they travel? Do they often any satisfaction guarantees? How much deposit do they require, and how far in advance do they expect orders and payment?
* Find out who does the work. If you’re looking at the portfolio of the owner or head baker make sure they’re the ones making the cakes - not assistants. If assistants are doing the work they should be able to offer you a portfolio, too.
* And finally are they willing to recommend you to their customers since you’re recommending them to yours?

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Wedding and event coordinators are often only as good as the vendors they work with. You need to have relationships with vendors whom you trust, which means you have to do quite a bit of leg work before you even bring a bride through their doors. If you can answer a bride’s questions about a bakery’s previous work, pricing and contracts you’ve already completed half the battle. The rest - design, flavor and frosting - are, as they say, a piece of cake!

Tags: bakery, bride, cake, wedding

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