Hiring a Cake Designer
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Revamped takes on cakes have spawned a new breed of cake baker, now referred to as a cake "designer". These high-end pros are more artists than you might imagine. It is very important to choose and book one as soon as possible as their skills are coveted. Some of the most reputable designers are booked up to a year in advance. However, depending on how elaborate a design you have in mind, you may not be in such a rush. On average, those with a modest budget and less extravagant cake needs may wait until three to six months before the wedding to score a designer to create a cake.
So where to start? Like with most aspects of planning a wedding, always start with your closest pals and relatives. Ask around and find recommendations. Even your florist, reception site, or bridal shop might be able to drive you in the right direction. Of course, perusing the Web is another great place to start. Once you have a list of folks to call, give them a ring. Inquire about what the average price per person/slice will cost. This quickly helps slash people from the list if they don't fit within your budget. Then as a follow-up, ask what style cakes the designer makes. This then tells you if the designer might be a good match whether you are looking for something traditional, contemporary, or romantic. Finally, narrow down your selection to about two or three and make an appointment to meet with them all individually.
When you do go to meet with a cake designer, first ask to see a portfolio or samples of the designer's work. will give you an idea of his or her style, level of creativity, and skill. If the cakes look too mundane for you, chances are that the designer won't be able to create the elaborate leaning tower with six tiers of chocolate and cascading sugar and lace that you had in mind. The bottom line is make sure that the bakery is up to snuff with your needs. If they can't do the specialty work you desire, move on to the next designer on the list.
While meeting with the designers make sure that you get to sample a few different flavors of cake, frosting, and filling. These tastings are the perfect opportunity to test out the goods for yourself. And in the end, it's not only the look that counts, but also the way the cake tastes. Besides the cake itself, you'll need to know a little bit about how the designer works. Make sure to ask if you can have a custom design or if you must choose from the designs shown in the portfolio. If flexibility is what you want (especially when it comes to getting the right cake at the right price) then having the option should be a concern. Other logistics that you should inquire about are about delivery and setup (can the cake be delivered, is this included in the price, will they set up the cake) and the designer's schedule. If he/she has a lot of orders to do during the week of your big day, the designer may not be able to dedicate as much time to your cake. In case you want them, ask if there are cake accessories that you can rent including
pedestals, and stands.
Lastly, ask the cake designer if he or she has references that you can get in touch with, especially if it was someone you found on the Internet or in the phone book. Upon choosing the right baker for your needs, be prepared to go and chat in detail with the designer. Bring along some samples of cake styles that you like (either from magazines, catalogues, or things that you have seen on the Internet). You might also want to bring a fabric swatch (3"x3") of the color you want the cake to be (in the case that you don't want it to be white). You should also show the designer as much about how the rest of your wedding will look. This gives him or her an idea of the feel and style of the wedding. Then you can more accurately choose the flavors, designs, colors, and embellishments that you want.
Be sure to discuss your budget with the designer to see what you can afford. Don't forget that the more complex the cake, the more it will cost. The more labor, the better the ingredients, and the size are also factors in cost. Have the designer discuss the different options with you, and see if he or she can help you get the look and taste you want without spending too much money. You'll need to have a rough head count when you discuss overall cost of the cake since it is usually charged by the slice ($1.50-$15 a piece).
Keep in mind that hiring a personal cake designer is not a cheap option, but it is the way to get the cake of your dreams. If getting a masterpiece cake is not high on your list of wedding planning to-do's, forgo the fancy baker and stick to either the options provided by your caterer or those of a commercial or small bakery. The cost will be significantly lower, but you won't have as much say over the details.
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Payment and the Contract
Have a deposit ready when you go to hire a cake designer. As soon as you find the one you want, you need to secure him or her as soon as possible. Also be sure to ask about the final cost of the cake and when the payments are due. You might also inquire about cancellation refunds in case you change your mind. This information along with contact details and both party's signatures should be included in a written contract. Finally, and most importantly, the contract should include exact details about what you are ordering. It can be in a drawing, photo, or written. The bottom line is that you should know exactly what it is that you are paying for and what the cake will look like.
