Complete Cake Checklist
Aside from your tables, the wedding cake is going to be a focal
point of the reception so it's important to give it a lot of
thought. Start meeting with bakers three to six months before the
big day, and use this handy confection checklist to help you get
inspired.
THE STYLE
When
you think wedding cake, what comes to mind? Do you like what you see?
Which word (or words) best describes the vision you'd like to create?
[ ] Contemporary
[ ] Dramatic
[ ] Ornate
[ ] Regal
[ ] Round
[ ] Simple
[ ] Square
[ ] Traditional
[ ] Unique
THE SHAPE AND STRUCTURE
Given your cake's style, which shape will represent it best? (Your
cake designer can help you decide.)
[ ] Cupcakes
[ ] Hexagonal
[ ] Rectangular
[ ] Round
[ ] Scalloped
[ ] Sheet cake
[ ] Square
[ ] Tiered, stacked
THE USE
Your
decision here will help cake designers put your money to use in the
most efficient manner. For instance, you may only want your
multitiered confection for show, in which case, your cake baker may
encourage you to cut your costs by agreeing to display a fondant
covered, ornately decorated fake cake and serve slices from a massive
sheet cake that's seen only by the cooks in the kitchen.
[ ] For show
[ ] Primary dessert
[ ] Both
FLAVORS AND FILLINGS
Now
is not the time to hold back. Go ahead.. indulge your wildest flavor
fantasies.
[ ] Angel food
[ ] Berries and whipped cream
[ ] Carrot (spice)
[ ] Chocolate
[ ] Golden
[ ] Lemon
[ ] Liqueurs
[ ] Mocha
[ ] Mousse
[ ] Orange
[ ] Raspberry
[ ] Truffle
[ ] White chocolate
COOL COLORS
Stick with tradition or select shades that complement your wedding
colors..think bridesmaid dresses and the bridal bouquet:
[ ] Baby Blue
[ ] Green (pale)
[ ] Lavender
[ ] Peach
[ ] Pink
[ ] White
[ ] Yellow
THE DECORATIONS
Details and embellishments, be they lavish or laid-back, will
transform the landscape of your cake.
[ ] Chocolate shavings
[ ] Fresh flowers
[ ] Gold or silver leaf
[ ] Pearls
[ ] Sugar blooms
[ ] Toppers
FAVORITE FLOWERS
Real
or sugar-spun, simple or sumptuous, you are no longer limited to pink
rosebuds. Be imaginative. Here are our suggestions for flowers that
make a great impression:
[ ] Hydrangeas
[ ] Lilies
[ ] Orchids
[ ] Ranunculuses
[ ] Roses
[ ] Stephanotis
[ ] Tulips
[ ] Violets
CREATIVE CONCEPTS
The
cake should first and foremost taste great. But it should look
fabulous, too. Here's a list of ways to consider decorating the cake,
beyond the simple chocolate shavings:
[ ] Sugar flowers: Don't underestimate how great gumpaste sugar
flowers can accent a cake. In fact, we prefer them to fresh blooms.
[ ] Fresh fruit: Having a summer wedding? Consider trimming the tiers
in ruby red cherries. Having a fall affair? How about dotting the cake
with tiny apples, grapes, and pears for a twist on the traditional?
[ ] Motifs: An innovative way to decorate a cake, we encourage brides
and grooms to use their wedding motif on the cake, too. For example, a
20s-themed flapper affair might call for a cake decorated in fancy
flapper-style feathers.
[ ] Patterns: We're mad about all things plaid. But we also love the
idea of adorning the cake in a pattern that mimics the wedding gown
(think lace) or the bridesmaid dresses.
[ ] Themes: If you've chosen a theme for your wedding, then those
ideas should definitely be visible on the cake. Having a wedding with
a French flair and centerpieces made of French tulips? Adorn your
white wedding cake with faux French tulips to create a cohesive look.
THE GROOM'S CAKE
Having one? If so, apply the same thought process used above.
[ ] Yes
[ ] No
NUMBER OF SLICES
[ ]
0-50
[ ] 50-100
[ ] 100-150
[ ] 150-200
[ ] 200+
YOUR CAKE BUDGET
Estimate the damage before you proceed further. Jot it down here:
$____________
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