Marked For Dessert: Wedding Cakes

How far in advance should I start planning my cake?
It is never too early to begin making plans for your wedding cake. Once you have confirmed a reception date, booked a hall, and selected colors and floral motifs, it is time to plan your cake. Some people book the cake as far as one year in advance. This is not necessary, but early booking increases the odds of a cake designer's availability. It is customary to book the cake 3-6 months in advance of a reception date.

How much does a wedding cake cost?
Wedding cakes run the gamut in style and, as a result, have a wide range in price. During a wedding cake consultation, you will learn that many choices affect the total cost of your cake. At Marked for Dessert, the price of your cake is a function of the total number of guests to be served, the flavor combinations that you select, and the elaborateness of the design that you create. Your choices for items such as decorative sugar flowers, ribbons, and handmade figurines impact the total cake price the most.

How much cake do we need?
The amount of cake you need is directly proportional to the number of expected guests at your reception. We will help you select appropriately sized cakes for your event depending on your style and design choices.

What kind of cake designs are available?
Since all of our cakes are custom, the options are endless. You will create your own cake design by reviewing photos of our past work, sharing photos and ideas of your own, and by looking at real cake models. Round cakes are still the norm, but couples can explore different shapes from square to octagonal. Gum paste flowers have replaced the plastic toppers. And techniques such as airbrushing and chocolate modeling and draping allow for a stunning cake display to mark your special day.

What is rolled fondant?
Rolled fondant is an elegant, smooth icing used to decorate cakes. It can be tinted to many colors and allows for a wide range of artistic touches to enhance the beauty of your cake. Rolled fondant is extremely common in Europe and Australia and has become more popular in the U.S. in recent years. Its texture and taste is quite different from buttercream—if you are not familiar with rolled fondant, we recommend you sample it!

Who will serve the cake?
Many people wonder how they will ever get two hundred pieces of cake—all the same size—from a tower of frosting left behind by a caterer. Because wedding cakes are assembled in a specific manner, it is important to make sure that someone who understands this assembly is available to serve the cake. Most restaurants and banquet halls have trained personnel on hand to serve cake. However, if your reception is in your home or in a park, for example, be sure to plan for a cake server. Also, keep in mind that some reception halls charge an extra fee per slice to cut the cake.

What are gum paste flowers?
Gum paste flowers are lifelike imitations of flowers made from a malleable icing that dries to a solid state. Each flower is a piece of art, with each petal, leaf, and stamen being made separately by hand. Each component is shaped, veined, and dried at a carefully planned angle. Then, individual flowers are wired together to create elegant swags and bouquets for cake decorations. Best of all, these flowers may be saved as a memento of your wedding for many months or even years. Marked for Dessert recommends gum paste decorations for the most elegant presentation. To see examples of some of our sugar flowers, please see our sugar flower gallery.

Who will set up the cake?
Marked for Dessert will deliver and set your cake up at your reception site. We will work directly with the site manager to coordinate a delivery time. You do not need to provide anything other than contact information for the hall.

What kind of decorative accessories can be used to accent the cake table?
We can decorate the cake table with a variety of ornamental finishes including fresh flowers, candles, and fabrics to enhance the cake's display. This can be discussed during your cake consultation.

Does our cake need to be white?
Absolutely not. There are many alternatives to traditional white cake today, including chocolate, yellow, or even banana. And each tier can be a different flavor if you like. Like everything, wedding cake styles are influenced by fashion, cultural backgrounds, and traditions. Your cake is simply a matter of personal preference.

How do I plan my wedding cake with Marked for Dessert?
Your first step in planning a perfect cake for your reception is to arrange a cake consultation. Consultations last generally 60 to 90 minutes. During your consultation, you may review our portfolio of past creations and share your own ideas and photos with us. And, of course, taste our delicious cakes! After the consultation, you will receive a written description of all of your choices along with a complete cost breakdown of the cost. You can confirm your cake order at that time by signing the cake confirmation and returning it with a check for the specified amount.

Call today to schedule a cake consultation for a full introduction to our cake selections.