What Should You Look for in a Wedding Cake

The cake is an important part of the wedding. Like the gown, many brides have an image of what the cake should look like. Then again, many brides do not even think of the cake till the last minute. There are several things to consider when deciding on a cake.

Taste

Though it often takes a back seat to appearance, the taste of the cake is important. If it is pleasing and delicious, it will be more special to you. Something to consider also is how popular is the flavor. Carrot cake, though delicious (and one of my favorites) is too unusual for everyone to enjoy.

Freshness

If the cake is made well in advance, you will be sure that it will be ready for your ceremony. You can also be sure that not many people will enjoy it. Cakes will show their age if made too far in advance, so be careful!

Appearance

Perhaps the most important aspect, the cake should look like it belongs at your wedding. Take pictures of the reception hall prior to ordering the cake. The pictures will help you and the baker decide on an appearance that matches or plays off the surroundings. A white cake will be very striking in a colorful environment.

Be original. It is the bride's right to create choose a cake that reflects her personality and lifestyle. Most bakers will show you pictures of their work. Though this can give you ideas, you don't have to choose a cake that looks like any of those pictures.

Balance

Make sure the cake is "in balance" with the rest of the reception. Are you ordering a chocolate cake, even though you have other chocolate desserts? Are you ordering an exquisite ten-layer masterpiece for a cozy reception of close friends?

Presence

Remember this is the centerpiece of the reception. It should make an impression. It can be anything you like, German chocolate, quadruple-tiered with the figures of the whole bridal party sculpted in sugar on top. However, you like it, the cake should not be a forgotten part of the ceremony, glanced at once and never mentioned again. We just recommend that you do not use real flowers to decorate the cake as they may contain pesticides which, though memorable, would not make the impression that you would like.