Its months before your wedding, and you have everything picked out. Everything that is, except for the wedding cake. Cakes, like wedding dresses, are a traditional element of every wedding celebration, and choosing the best cake is a lot like shopping for the perfect dress. It never hurts to go window shopping, or shall we say "taste testing" first.
Before you grab your car keys and head out, it's best to have an idea of what you are looking for, before you visit the local bake shop. By now, you've got stacks of magazines, visited a bridal show or two, and have surfed the internet searching for wedding attire and new trends. You can do the same for cakes too.
Once you've gotten a few ideas collected, it's time to go visit a few bake shops. Local bakeries work great for close and timely deliveries. Bigger places like Wal-Mart and grocery store bakeries might be able to cut you a better deal price wise, but will be more limited on style and design then a private baker.
Know the size of the cake you are seeking. Size can be determined by the number of guest on your list. Many bakeries will ask for the number of guest first, and often times base their rates on the number of slices your cake will be made into for serving.
Next, you'll want to determine the type of frosting for your cake. This is very important; the type of frosting you choose can expand or limit the style and design of your cake. There are several different types of frosting. For instance, butter cream is soft and rich to the taste buds. Fondant is used most often for sculpting fancier designed cakes, and a little heavier on your wallet. You will also want to discuss optional fillings inside your cake such as a fruit filling, pudding, or another frosting.
Once you have decided upon size and type, you'll need to pick a style. Hopefully, by now, you've collected a few ideas or have some stored in your mind, however, be sure to ask the baker for photos of their most recent work to help you determine which style will best compliment your wedding theme.
As you choose the accents of your cake, remember, it can be as simple or decorative as you and the baker agree upon. Fresh flowers or gum paste, ribbon weaved icing, edible beading, little accent cakes, and delicate trims of frosting, no matter how you choose, your cake will become a beautiful creation for your special day.
Traditionally, the cake topper is a bride and groom, however, it can be anything you want that symbolizes your union. Bells, hearts, dancing figures, are all typical types of toppers you may see. Don't be afraid to step out of the store and head to a local craft shop to piece together to complement your style. After all, it's your wedding cake, and a year from now, you don't want to be wishing you'd choose anything differently when you pull out that top layer on your anniversary date.
Window shopping can be a lot of fun, like your dress, you had to try on a few before finding the right one. Only this time, while you are searching for the best cake, leave it to your taste buds do the envisioning for you. You'll have the perfect cake in no time.