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Updated 3-08

Cakes & Desserts

Pieces of Knowledge
in Amanda's opinion

Wedding Cakes & Desserts
Many couples see their cake as a showpiece and an expression of their whole wedding theme - simple & elegant to wild & whacky.  Others see it simply as a prop for pictures and a little something sweet to eat for dessert. 

Wedding cakes are priced by the slice, and range from $1.25 or so for a grocery store cake (can be pretty, but not as tasty as a boutique cake) to $6 and up for cakes d'arte. 

For large weddings, a way to save money on your cake is to order a smaller wedding cake and put it on a stand, then order sheet cakes from the same cake vendor that can be brought out at serving time.  This also allows the cake cutters to serve different flavors of cake simultaneously.  A tiered cake is cut one layer at a time, so different flavored tiers come out sequentially.  Sheet cakes can be cut a row or two at a time, alternating between sheets of different flavors - a nice touch for your guests. 

Cake stands can be rented from a party supply company or created by you.  Some cake designers have them available as well.  Glass blocks are easy, or you can simply bring a very sturdy box and a piece of color coordinated material to cover it and cloud around it. 

Remember that your cake table may not have electrical service, so if you want lights on it choose contained candles or battery-operated twinkle lights.  (Most facilities do not allow "open flame" candles such as lit candelabras.)

Cake toppers can be anything from fresh flowers to a small, framed picture of the two of you.  Beware of very heavy toppers and make sure your cake maker knows if you choose one of these.  Also beware of "tippy" toppers that don't balance well.  They can make quite a mess of your frosting as they tumble down the side of your cake.

No one says you must choose regular cake.  Cheesecake, cupcakes, tartlets, and brownies are all fun and tasty alternatives.  We recommend renting a specialized stand if you choose to go this route.  Also, make sure your cheesecakes are pre-cut unless you want guests standing in line for cake the rest of the night.

There are several elements that determine how much cake you should order.  One is your number of guests, two is whether you are saving the top for your 1 yr. anniversary or getting a fresh cake at that time, and three is whether there will be alcoholic beverages served at the reception.  If you do choose to serve alcoholic beverages keep in mind that fewer guests will eat cake and order accordingly (for perhaps 2/3 of your total guest count.) 

Remember to bring sealable containers in case you do have leftover cake.  It freezes well, or can be eaten for breakfast for the next few days.  A package of plastic wrap left on the cake table is a great way to encourage guests to take home a piece or two at the end of the night. 

Outdoor receptions need to choose their cakes even more carefully.  Heat can do very ugly things to buttercream frosting!  See if you can have it delivered as late as possible, try to find a shaded location for it, and take your cake maker's advice on options to avoid the magic melting cake. 

Candy, Mints, & Nuts
Nuts and mints are popular reception nibbles that can be placed on each table or in a few central locations, such as the cake & beverage tables.  Make sure someone is in charge of putting them out before guests arrive.  This could be a coordinator, the caterer, or a friend depending on the level of service you choose to hire and how much time you have at the facility. 

Also, be aware that your mint color will make an impact on the overall look you're trying to achieve.  It looks odd to have pastel pillow mints next to a cake decorated with red flowers or on guest tables with brightly colored centerpieces.  If your mints don't match your color scheme, but you love their flavor anyway, have them put on the beverage tables where they won't clash. 

Another popular choice is to add silver or gold Hershey's kisses/hugs to your tables.  This is a great way to add a metallic color, and it gives guests something to pick at until you arrive.