Choosing Your Wedding Cake

So you have finally set the wedding date, reserved the wedding reception venue, bought your wedding dress and, yes, you even remembered to send out those invitations! You think you're done with your wedding planning? Think again. You still have many other things to decide on, order, and purchase. Don't forget one of the biggest attractions in any wedding--the wedding cake. And with the wide selection that one has to pick from, choosing that perfect wedding cake is definitely no walk in the park. Try double-checking with the list below to ensure you have picked the right cake for your wedding day:

1. Theme.

Would you like the traditional white wedding cake or would you prefer to have a contemporary cascading cake?

2. Structure.

After choosing the style, picking the right shape and structure for your wedding cake should be easier. Note, however, that the more complicated style will mean an increase in the dollars that you have to shell out compared to the simple two- or three-tiered plain designs.

3. Purpose.

Do you intend to really fascinate your guests with a jaw-dropping design for your wedding cake or would you rather that it serves the basic purpose: for dessert?

4. Add-ons.

Additional decorations on your cake will magnify the personality you want to give it. Gold or pearl, flowers or leaves, chocolates and sugars--all these can be distributed creatively on the cake, if you so choose.

5. Flavor.

Of course, how your wedding cake tastes is a significant factor to consider. Now you can indulge in your flavor cravings and have your wedding cake taste just like how you fantasize it to be.

6. Color.

This will take you back to the wedding theme. The color of your wedding cake should be complementary with the event's motif. Will your square green cake be appropriate for your garden wedding theme?

7. Servings.

How many people will be served with a particular number of slices? Of course, a bigger cake will most likely be tasted by almost all of the guests. Therefore, you should consider the number of guests that you have invited when you are considering the cake's size.

8. Substitutes.

Are there other types of sweets that can be used as a substitute for a wedding cake?  You may wish to consider a sugar-free alternative for some of your guests to enjoy.

9. Cost and Payment Terms.

How much are you willing to spend on your wedding cake? All the elements of this checklist will be dependent on the cake's price tag.

10. Delivery and Setup.

Larger cakes may need to be made at the wedding reception venue. If not, will your cake provider have it delivered to the wedding reception free of charge? If not, you need to factor in the delivery charges when you are considering your budget! Here are other questions to ask your baker.

Following this list should allow you to choose a perfect cake that will fit your budget and appeal to yours, and your guests, tastes! Bon Appetit!