Cake Time,

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A wedding cake is important to the traditional wedding for its looks and its great taste. But, when it comes down to picking the perfect cake, does a bride and groom know everything there is to know? The cost of cakes can easily be a few hundreds of dollars if they are not careful. The question is, how can a couple save money for a cake? What options are out there?

I did my own research. First I wanted to know how much the typical wedding cake averages. According to The Bridal Association of America from an article Wedding Cake Cost- How much does a wedding cake cost, “the average cost of a wedding cake is $543”. In my opinion, this is pricey. My wedding is around the corner and I do not think I would be spending this much for a cake at my wedding. However, every cake ranges depending on different factors a couple will decide on. For example, the more complicated or fancy the cake is, the more expensive it will be because the labor. I believe creating a wedding cake is a work of art and bakers want it to be perfect for the bride and groom.

When choosing a wedding cake, a bride and groom should first start with preferred bakers their wedding planner, coordinator, or venue offers. This gives great ideas of where to begin looking. Once a few places are chosen begin to researching online. Look at reviews other costumers have written. Also most bakers will have a photo gallery on their website for cakes they have done for special events. This will give an idea of what quality of work that certain company provides. Once decided on a place, the next step is to actually go visit in person or set an appointment. At the appointment, the staff should give a couple ideas of what they have done with past events, and a cake testing to try the different flavors.  It is a great idea to provide photos or ideas to show the staff what you are looking for in your wedding cake. Most importantly, before leaving, a bride and groom should have discussed enough with their baker of what to expect, so there are no surprises.

What to keep in mind?

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From an article “The Wedding Cake Prices Guide”, broke down of what to keep in mind when determining what cake a couple is looking for in 7 categories.

“1. The icing or frosting.  There are many choices such as rolled fondant, marzipan, white chocolate, milk or dark chocolate frosting, royal icing, chocolate ganache, flavored buttercream, and the list can go on and on! According to this article rolled fondant and marzipan are the most expensive. Rolled fondant and marzipan are quite delicate and can tear easily during the process if not applied with experienced hands, also a fair bit of labor goes into rolling a perfectly smooth and even canvas for the decorations. 

 2. Cake Decorating. The decorations will vary depending on what icing is chosen and also the theme of the wedding. It can be limitless! If a couple prefers a cake covered in either buttercream or ganach, then the best choice for decorations are swirls, patterns, fresh flowers, or a satin ribbon. Looking at wedding cakes online can give ideas for inspiration. 

3. Layer Structure. The more cake layers or tiers the cake has, the more costly it becomes. Also the size of the tiers also increase the overall cake price. 

4. Cake Shape. A simple round shaped cake is the least expensive as far as shape is concerned. Most wedding cake bakeries will have all the round baking tray sizes. The square shape is also quite common but a little less than the round. However, if you are wanting an oval shaped cake, a heart shaped cake or something less common. These cake pans may need to be especially ordered to make your cake. 

5. Cake Size.  The size of your wedding cake is a direct reflection of your guest list. The larger the wedding cake, or the more complex in design. 

6. How Many Servings.  This of course depends on your guest list – and whether or not you're keeping the top tier to celebrate your first wedding anniversary – if so, then you'll need to order an extra layer or tier to feed your guests. 

7. Wedding Cake Toppers.  The wedding cake topper can be as simple as a small bouquet of fresh flowers or silk flowers – to a crystal monogrammed topper, photo frame topper, heart shaped topper, blown glass topper, themed topper or costumed made caricature topper of the bride and groom” (The Wedding Cake Prices Guide).

 TO BE CONTINUED...