Chad Fitzgerald

Co-Owner and Designer

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Eduardo Navejas

Co-Owner and Designer

11 TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR BAKER

When you interview your baker vendors there are certain things that should be addressed. Obviously you should be able to see pictures, a resume and references, but all of those things are really not necessary. Any vendor can make up references. Vendors will never give you reference information on negative experiences and who is to say that all of those pictures are theirs. You can learn a lot more about your baker at a cake tasting then how the cake tastes. Below are some tips to make your baker selection a lot easier.

1. Price

The number one question on any bride’s mind – money. Make sure to examine exactly what you are getting for your money, not just the “cost per serving.” Elements to inquire about include the number of tiers, fake cakes (also know as faux cakes) cake and icing flavor, décor and design – all things that should be accounted for in your cake bid. Keep im mind that all the the mean price in DFW per slice is $4.55 per serving for bridal cake (9 top bakeries base prices averaged.) Also, remember that price should not be the bottom line, because there are ways to cut cost and still get the baker you want. You just need to find out what all the "extras" are and determine if you are willing to leave those little things out....

2. Taste

Most bakers do (and should) offer free cake tastings. Chad’s piece of advice? If you don’t enjoy the way the cake tastes, immediately cross them off your list no matter what a good deal is. Remember, the cake is for your guests and it is a center point of all receptions. How many times have you heard..."it sure was pretty, but tasted horrible..."

3. Cake Servings

How much do you really need? Some bakers, he advises, will often try to “oversell” the amount of cake you will need. Consider your guests appetites if you are serving a full dinner and/or alcohol as well. A very good rule of thumb is one piece of cake for each guest......BETWEEN the bridal and groom's cake. example: guest count is 200, do about 140 bridal and 60-70 groom's cake...etc... But always make sure you are comfortable with the amount of cake and the budget. Some people don't mind having left over cake, but it can save you considerably to watch how much cake is actually ordered.

4. To Faux, or not to Faux?

Fake Cakes – Fake, or Faux Cakes, are a must in most instances. Fake cakes offer the opportunity to have a nice size cake without having to spend extra on wasted cake. Fake cakes are very cost effective; however some baker’s fakes are almost as much as the real cake.

5. Organization is Key

Was the baker on time, friendly, organized, efficient? Your baker should provide you with a drawing/sketching of your cake design – as well as your cake details and pricing information in the form of a written contract. This is essential in keeping everyone involved on the same page, with the same expectations.

6. Sanitation

Most bakeries book multiple weddings each weekend. Make sure to inquire about their kitchen, appliances, equipment and resources to ensure that your cake will be completed in a clean and sanitized environment that complies with industry standard sanitization requirements.

7. Visual Appeal

“When guests come into your reception...the FIRST thing they see or go to is the cake!” Does the cake design, color, attention to detail and over all presence leave you speechless? It should.

8. Delivery

Make sure to ask..... who does deliveries and what kind of vehicle. A refrigerated van or truck is a must in this DFW weather, especially in the spring and summer, early fall. Most bakeries have regular vans, but you can rest assured if your cakes are delivered in a refrigerated vehicle! Keep in mind that each reputable baker has a delivery fee. The standard fee is anywhere from $50 - $100. It is better safe than sorry and a reputable baker will make sure that your cake arrives safely.

9. Personal Feelings & Preferences

After your consultation, do you walk away feeling confident in the baker’s presentation? Did he or she listen to all of your ideas, questions and concerns? Was everything addressed thoroughly and to your expectations? You should be able to walk away with the peace of mind that this particular baker is worth your investment, knowing that he or she will be able to produce the cake of your dreams while maintaining the discussed budget and price point.

10. Did you meet with the baker/owner themselves or was it an employee?

11. Did you enjoy the cake consultation experience?

Dear Customer,

THESE TIPS ARE A PROFESSIONAL SELF EVALUATION OF OUR INDUSTRY. WE ARE VERY UP FRONT, HONEST AND APPROACH AND TREAT OUR CLIENTS AS WE WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED IF WE WERE IN THE SAME SITUATION. BECAUSE WE ARE THE EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD, WE OWE EACH OF YOU A REALISITIC APPROACH TO CHOOSING YOUR BAKER. IN MOST INSTANCES, THIS EVENT IS THE FIRST TIME YOU HAVE PLANNED AND RESEARCHED WEDDING CAKES. WE HOPE AFTER READING OUR WEBSITE, YOU CAN TAKE OUR INFORMATION AND USE IT TO HELP SELECT THE BEST VENDOR FOR YOUR EVENT. OBVIOUSLY, WE HOPE YOU CHOOSE THE CAKE GUYS, BUT IF NOT WE HOPE WE HAVE PROVIDED SOME INFORMATION THAT IS BENEFICIAL TO YOUR PLANNING NEEDS.

Sincerely, Edward and Chad