What to expect from your wedding cake consultation
Ok so this one’s easy, you get to eat cake and forget about table plans for a while, right? Yep, that’s entirely true and frankly it’s one of the major perks of wedding planning, but it pays to be prepared…
Let’s eat…
Since I started my business, the world has changed considerably (global pandemic anyone?) and along with it, I’ve streamlined some of my processes for the better. My consultations are now held virtually via Zoom video call and you’ll receive a luxury box of cake tasters via post for you to enjoy at your leisure in the comfort of your own home before we meet virtually. Let’s face it, eating cake in front of your wedding cake designer doesn’t make for the most relaxed experience and this way, I can be more flexible to your availability and if you’re not located locally then it’s a real time saver.
Image by Nicola Dawson Photography
Let’s meet...
Here’s my chance to meet you and really get to understand what floats your boat, design something uniquely special to you and be on hand to answer (and ask) those practical questions that you never thought you would need to think about.
Also, and at the risk of sounding like an egomaniac, it’s your chance to meet me. I don’t mean in the ‘oh my God I just met Mary Berry’ kind of celebrity meet but you need to like and get on well with your wedding suppliers; they need to get you and your vision for your special day and hopefully I can meet that criteria.
Image by Nicola Dawson Photography
The Design Process
There’s nothing I love more than talking weddings and cake so forgive me if I get more than a little enthusiastic! As we talk through your ideas and formulate a design, my eyes will light up and my sketching may go into overdrive. The creative process of designing something bespoke and special to you as a couple is what drives me and if I can get your eyes to light up at the prospect of your wedding cake then my job is done.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a definite idea of what you would like; it’s my job to tease that out of you, pick your brains and suggest ideas to help to reach a design that you’re excited about. Plus, I will have a range of display cakes on show for you to have a look at and they come in particularly handy when it comes to explaining cake sizes and showing you different decorating techniques to ignite your imagination.
What next?
After we’ve reached a design, I will be able to provide an accurate price dependent on the size and level of detail required for your cake, and I’ll follow up your consultation with a fully detailed quote and a colour sketch of your wedding cake.
If you then wish to lock in your order, a booking fee of £200 will secure your date and fear not, if you have a change of heart on design or would like to make any changes, these can be made right up until 8 weeks before the big day. In the meantime, I’m always on hand if you need advice, whether that be cake-wise or if you need some help with other wedding supplier recommendations.
Top tips:
Finally, I shall leave you with some advice for getting the best from your wedding cake consultation:
Have a good look at the wedding cake designer’s portfolio. Does their style and ethos match yours and does their work excite and inspire you?
Have a think about when you will serve your cake. Serving it as a dessert or as part of the evening food will make a difference to the portion sizes you might need.
Bring inspiration (a link to your Pinterest board is always welcomed!); it will help your cake designer to establish your likes and, just as importantly, your dislikes when it comes to your style.
In light of the above point, please don’t expect your cake designer to create a carbon copy of another cake designer’s creation. By all means, bring inspiration but allowing creativity will result in a cake design that is uniquely yours.
Trust the cake designer when it comes to the practicalities, as they know their medium well and can advise you of the possibilities.
If you would like to schedule a consultation then please feel free to contact me with your wedding date and requirements. I would love to hear all about your wedding plans!