Dessert!! Yum! This is often one of my couples’ favorite wedding categories. The wedding cake is not just a dessert, but a centerpiece that reflects your style and tastes.

 Here’s a guide to help you find and hire the right cake/dessert designer for your big day.

Define Your Vision & Style

First of all, let me start by asking you, “Do you like cake?” 

Over the past few years, I have noticed many of my couples confessing to me in our dessert conversations that they “hate cake” and/or do not want one at their wedding. 

If this is you, you are not alone. Many couples are opting to just have a small “cake to cut” and then offering a delicious dessert table display for their guests to enjoy. 

Keep this in mind as we walk through the process of hiring your dessert designer (cake/mini desserts). 

Therefore when you think of “wedding cake” – also think of wedding dessert options that reflect your personal taste and will surprise and delight your guests. 

Cake

If you want to have a traditional wedding cake here are some elements to consider:

• Style and Theme: Whether elegant, rustic, whimsical, or modern, make sure the cake aligns with your wedding theme.
• Flavors and Fillings: Explore flavors and fillings that you and your partner love, and consider a variety to cater to guests.
• Size and Shape: Think about the scale based on your guest list and preferences like tiers or unusual shapes.

Mini Desserts

If desserts are more your style, or you’re thinking of offering mini desserts and cake, consider these following elements:

• What are your favorite desserts? Can your favorite dessert be made in a miniature form? (i.e. mini cheesecake bites, mini pies, strawberry shortcake in a dessert shot form)
• Visual appeal is everything. What mini desserts do you find the most appetizing and beautiful?Select desserts that add visual interest, such as colorful macarons, layered parfaits, or artfully decorated mini cupcakes. Presentation can enhance the dessert table’s appearance.
• Variety & Inclusivity. Provide a mix of flavors and types to accommodate diverse tastes, including chocolate, fruit, and creamy options. Also consider dietary restrictions by including gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free choices.

Once again, an image is worth a thousand words. Gather inspiration from wedding blogs, Pinterest, and magazines to help communicate your vision.

If you need help creating your mood board on Pinterest. Check out this guide here.

Know Your Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding cake. Costs can vary based on size, design complexity, and flavors. Establishing a budget upfront helps narrow down your choices and guide discussions with cake designers. 

Also, don’t be afraid to get creative.  If a big wedding cake is out of your budget, just offer a small spread of mini desserts to your guests. This choice is often less expensive than a formal, large wedding cake – and is still a crowd pleaser.

Schedule Tastings & Consultations

Schedule tastings with your shortlisted designers. Tasting sessions allow you to sample different flavors, discuss design ideas, and assess the designer’s creativity and ability to execute your vision.

Questions to Ask Your Cake/Dessert Designer

Here are a few questions to ask your potential cake designer before hiring him or her to craft this integral part of your wedding décor.

Event Essentials

• Are you available to design a cake for my wedding date?
• How many cakes do you schedule to be delivered in one day? How are these deliveries handled?
• What are the fees for delivery and setup for the cake? Do you decorate the cake table as well?
• What is our back-up plan if the cake is damaged in transit to my reception site?
• Do you provide cake toppers, cake knives, etc.? If so, what are the fees/prices for these accessories?
• How do you price your cakes? By the slice? Per person? Does the cost vary depending on the cake design?
• What is your minimum per-person/per-slice cake cost?
• How far in advance should I order my cake?
• What is your payment structure? What deposit do you require? When is my final payment due?
• Are there additional fees I should be aware of that are not included in your proposal?
• What is your refund policy if I decide to cancel my order?
• What if I am not happy with the cake?
• When can I expect to receive a contract from you?
• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions? If so, what is your process?

Resume Check

• How long have you been in business? Are you licensed?
• How many weddings have you done?
• Where did you receive your training?
• Can you provide contact information for 3-4 of your recent brides who I may contact for references?

Cake Design

• Can I view a portfolio of your past wedding cakes? Did you make all the cakes in this portfolio?
• What are your cake specialties? Are there any cake designs you are particularly proud of?
• Can you design a custom cake to match my wedding theme, color and/or design? Does a custom design cost extra?
• Can you design a cake from a picture?
• If I am not exactly sure of the cake design I would like, are you able to offer suggestions that will fit into my wedding design?
• What flavors and fillings do you offer?
• What ingredients do you use? Are you able to offer organic, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free options?
• Do you offer buttercream and fondant icings?
• What icings would you recommend I consider for my desired cake design?
• Can you create sugar paste, gum paste or chocolate flowers or other designs for my cake?
• If I decide to have fresh flowers on my cake, will you work with my florist to obtain and place them on the cake or will you purchase the flowers yourself?
• Will you preserve the top tier of my cake for my first anniversary or do you provide a special cake for our first anniversary instead? If you provide a special anniversary cake, is this an additional charge or included in our cake price?
• Can you make a Groom’s Cake as well? What is your groom’s cake pricing structure?
• Do you offer a tasting? If so, is there a fee?
• How early is the cake made prior to the wedding? Do you freeze your cakes?

Mini Desserts

• Do you offer mini desserts? If so, do you have a menu of mini choices I can review?
• How do you price your minis?
• How do I estimate how many mini desserts I will need for my guest count?
• If I pair mini desserts with a wedding cake, how does that affect the size wedding cake you suggest for my guest count?
• What mini desserts do you feel are your speciality?

Make Your Decision

Most of the time, the tasting seals the deal. After evaluating proposals and tasting sessions, choose the designer who best understands your vision and offers the perfect blend of style, taste, and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

The perfect wedding cake and/or dessert table adds a sweet note to your celebration, both in taste and aesthetics. Don’t skip it! Guests look forward to this treat. 🙂 

By following these steps, you’ll find a cake designer who can bring your vision to life, ensuring your wedding cake and mini desserts are a stunning (and delicious)  highlight of your big day. 

I hope this guide helps you on your journey to selecting the perfect cake designer for your wedding!

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Casey Green Weddings, LLC | 2501 S Village Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326