Photo Cred: Stephanie Kopf Photography

When you are searching for that perfect cake, you will be presented with an overwhelming list of choices to make form your Wedding Cake Vendor. You may want a multi-tiered cake, a cupcake tower, or even a cheesecake. Your wedding cake is one of the biggest parts to your wedding day and it should be a reflection of your personality as a couple. 

Cake by: SugarBakers Cakes

Photo Cred: Melissa McClain Photography

Once you haven narrowed down a possible wedding cake vendor, begin by scheduling a tasting. Keep in mind, not all tastings are free. Find someone who specializes in wedding cakes and ensure that they are available for your wedding date. Unsure of what to ask during your consultation? Be sure to keep some of these questions in mind:

The Day of the Wedding:

• Is my wedding date available?
• How many wedding cakes do you schedule for the same day?
• How soon before the wedding will the cake be baked?
• Who will bake my wedding cake?

Business:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many weddings have you done?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have any brides I can call for a reference?
• Where did you receive your training?
• What are your delivery services?
• What do you do if the cake gets damaged in transit to or at my reception site?

Cakes: 

• Can I see your portfolio, and did you make all the cakes in it?
• What are your specialties?
• Can you recreate a cake from a photo that I have?
• Do you customize wedding cakes or do I select from set designs?
• If I don’t know exactly what I would like, will you offer design ideas that will adhere to my budget and theme?
• What cake and filling flavors are available?
• Do you frost the cake with fondant or butter cream?
• What kinds of ingredients do you usually use?
• Can I put fresh flowers on the cake if I wish to?
• Can you make a groom’s cake and how much will it cost if you can?

Payment: 

• Can I set up a cake-tasting appointment? Is there a charge?
• How do you charge for your cakes and is it by slice or person?
• Do you have a minimum cake cost?
• Are there any rental fees for cake stands, cake toppers, cake-cutting knives, etc.?
• When should I order my cake?
• When is the deposit due and how much will it be?
• When is the final payment due?
• When will the order be finalized?
• What is your refund policy if for some reason I need to cancel my order?
• What if I’m not happy with the cake?
• When can I expect to receive my contract?

Cake by: Couture Cakes by Sabrina

Photo Cred: Jennifer Oetting Photography

We took a moment to get some feedback from some of the area’s best wedding cake vendor on topics you’d like to know!

• How far in advance should the cake be ordered?

As a cake boutique, we limit ourselves to 2 to 3 cakes per week due to the amount of customization with each order. Therefore, to ensure that the couple’s wedding date is available; orders should be placed at least 4 to 6 months in advance – Sabrina, owner of Couture Cakes by Sabrina

• What is the most common wedding cake that you make?

We are seeing allot of ruffles, lace, pearls, and bling at this time. In addition, I have noticed that cakes are getting smaller. – Sabrina, owner of Couture Cakes by Sabrina

• What was the most unique wedding cake that you have made?

The most unique wedding cake that I have made was a Harley Davidson cake for a same sex couple that owned bikes.  I loved bringing that personal touch to their cake to make it extra special. – Sabrina, owner of Couture Cakes by Sabrina

• What suggestions to you give to a couple that is not exactly sure what kind of cake they want?

Couples unsure of a wedding cake design can be really fun to work with. I try to discover what they do and don’t like, as well as specific personality traits. We create a process of elimination while building a cake on desirable design elements. – Jamie, owner of SugarBakers Cakes

• What about your role in the wedding is most rewarding?

Designing a beautiful cake is always rewarding, but the thank you notes we receive from our brides, honoring the staff for their excellent work and exclaiming how much the cake was enjoyed, is the most special gift for me. – Jamie, owner of SugarBakers Cakes

• What are some cake trends that you are really looking forward to this year?

Rustic, farm style is still popular; suggesting textured icing styles in butter cream, and introducing blackboard-style cakes with inscriptions and simple symbolism. Soft pastels and wallpaper florals are on the rise, along with gorgeous hand painted floral cakes, executed with coconut oils and resulting in a lovely watercolor look. Hand painted metallic accents still shine on. – Jamie, owner of SugarBakers Cakes

Cake by: SugarBakers Cakes

Photo Cred: DFinney Photography

Tiffany Rivera is a Wedding Planner & Event Planner serving DC, Maryland, Virginia and beyond!