Secrets Behind- Wedding Cakes

Wow, I can't even begin to explain how excited I am with all of the feedback from my readers.  Vendors and Brides from all over have emailed me to respond.  People from Chicago to San Francisco Bay have sent in feedback and positive reviews of the "Secrets Behind" series.  So, without much further ado, I am happy to introduce- Secrets Behind- WEDDING CAKES

Today's Interview is with Erica Fill from Designs by E.  

Erica is a "self-taught" baker with some amazing work at quite affordable prices.  Her cakes look and taste amazing, which is all you can ask for in a wedding cake!

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: That it's "just cake". 
I don't think people are really aware of all the planning,
time and ingredients that go into creating a cake. Additionally,
if chocolate clay or fondant decorations are needed,
those need to be started at least a week
before they're due, to allow time for drying. 
Once the cakes are baked and the icing is made
(which can take hours!),
it can take HOURS to decorate it,
depending on the level of detail. 
A part of what the bridal couple pay for
when hiring their baker is for the baker's time! 

Another big misconception is that our costs should
be the same as the grocery stores. 
I don't freeze my cakes nor do
I ice from a bucket of pre-made icing....
everything is made fresh, to order!  

Q: What are a few mistakes brides make when choosing their vendor?

A: Research!!  Always take the time to do research about the
services you want to hire for your special day, so you know what to expect. 
In the area of cakes, call around to local bakeries to see
what the going rates are per serving. 
However, you need to compare "apples to apples". 
Don't call Walmart and compare their price with the
gourmet bakery down the street.  Also, know your budget!!
What do you want to spend vs. what can you afford to spend.

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor?

A: The bride and groom should definitely look for a vendor

that knows his or her trade.  If you are meeting with
someone and you get "that feeling"
that they don't quite know what they're doing, politely move on!

Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?

A: I don't believe in over-charging a bride for her
wedding cake simply because it's for a wedding. 
I don't see dollar signs when a bride steps into my kitchen.
Every cake I create gets the same, undivided attention,
whether it's for a birthday, a baby dedication or a wedding. 
When I book a wedding cake, that date is filled. 
I love to give my brides a gorgeous cake for a fair price. 

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?

A: Delivery.  Nothing is more heartbreaking than
to order a gorgeous cake, only to have it destroyed
by the time it gets to the reception hall because someone
else picked it up and delivered it.  
Trust your baker to get your cake to your reception hall! 

Q: What is the worst story you have heard about a mistake someone in your industry has made, anyone, ever. Alternatively, what is the worst mistake a person in your industry can make?

A: One horrible mistake a baker
could make is to not properly support the cake! 

Dowels do take up some space (minimal),
but they are the difference between
your cake staying upright or falling over! 

Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts with their vendor/site?

A: Know your payment dates!  If your baker is paid in advance,

then that is one less thing you have to worry about on your wedding day. 
Also, depending on the policies of your baker,
paying in advance will ensure that you get your cake! 
Many bakers have the "no payment, no cake" policy.

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?

A: Always bring basic info to your consultations.  Reception info,
phone numbers of contact people, color swatches,
pictures, ideas that you've drawn up. 
If you have an idea of what you want
your cake to look like, then your consultation will not only run
smoothly, but it will be a fun experience!

 

Well, there you have it,some behind the scenes information on Cakes.  Thanks to the response, after we list some of our local vendors, I will be taking interviews with vendors from around the United States in order to illustrate different styles and ideas from all different areas.  

 

Let me know your thoughts and feedback and who else you'd like to see listed.  If you have a favorite vendor, send them the blog and have them contact me!