When Planning...

• Decide how important the cake is to your celebration. From the beautifully decorated showstopper to a simple slab…and everything in between, there is a wide range to choose from. Your cultural traditions, style of wedding and budget will all influence your final choice.
• Do some research. Ask recently married friends and family and co-workers for referrals. Word of mouth regarding service, quality and price can give you a good idea about cake decorators worth calling.
• Cakes featured in magazines can certainly give you ideas about what you like. Remember though, a good decorator would prefer not to copy someone else's work but will use the ideas to design something for you.
• Be flexible. Your dream cake could become your worst nightmare if it does not fit in with your style of wedding or your budget.

Budgeting...

• Designer cakes will attract designer prices.
• Prices can differ greatly from one geographic area to another. Other factors affecting the cost of the cake include the reputation and experience of the decorator, the complexity and time and skill required to create the cake, special ingredients and special props. The level of service from the first phone call to the set-up (and sometimes takedown) of the cake should also be factored in. All these facts should be considered when comparing the cost of custom cakes with those produced in volume at your local bakery or grocery store.

Booking your cake decorator...

• If you know who you want to do your cake book the date well in advance. Custom cake designers will limit themselves to a relatively small number of cakes in any given week (sometimes only one!). Details of the cake design and flavours can be worked out at a later date.
• Your decorator may not have a stand or prop featured in a magazine so be flexible on this issue.
• As with most professionals, not every decorator is an expert in every technique or style. Be prepared to shop around for the right person and don't be afraid to ask for referrals.

Your consultation...

• A good decorator will ask many questions in order to get a feel for the wedding and the personality of the couple. Bring color swatches if possible and know the type of flowers the florist plans to use. Bring photos, magazine clippings, a picture or drawing of the brides dress, the invitation/wedding stationary or anything else that may be used in the final design of the cake.
• Have an idea of the number of guests you expect to attend the wedding as this will assist the decorator in recommending size of the cake.
• Cake interviews take from one to two hours but become more difficult when too many people are involved.

The cake...

• Cake photos in magazines will often feature 'fake' cakes made on Styrofoam dummies rather than actual cake. Actual cakes may not look quite so perfect.
• If you opt for fresh flowers, choose ones that match the flowers used elsewhere and be aware that you are generally proceeding at your own risk regarding the safety of those flowers on food.
• Perishable fillings and frostings are not suitable for cakes left on display for the entire wedding reception or at outdoor weddings. Be guided by your cake decorator as they are just as anxious as you are to have a great cake that will not only look good but taste good as well and be safe for consumption.
• Contracts are often made months in advance. Remember to advise your suppliers of any changes that may affect the service they are providing.
• At your reception location be sure that the person cutting the cake knows what your expectations are about portion sizes and any other special instructions regarding the top layer, topper, flowers etc.