Cakes: A Complete Checklist
Taken from www.theknot.com
If you've been drooling over mouthwatering pictures of couture cakes in books, magazines, and in [the knot.com's]
cake gallery, you may be having sweet thoughts about your own wedding cake. 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 (or should we say cheat
sheet) 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
[ ] Petal
[ ] Sheet cake
[ ] Square
[ ] Tiered, stacked
Learn more about the various cake shapes before you decide on which is best for your
wedding.
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.
[ ] Berries and whipped cream
[ ] Carrot
[ ] Chocolate
[ ] White Almond
[ ] Lemon
[ ] Liqueurs
[ ] Mocha
[ ] Mousse
[ ] Banana
[ ] Raspberry
[ ] White chocolate Pistachio
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
[ ] Other____________________
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 sugar paste sugar flowers can accent a cake.
[ ] 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
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: $____________