Tasting with Your Baker

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Tastings with Your Baker

Finding the Perfect Wedding Cake

Your wedding planning is one of the few times you get to have your cake and taste it too. Cake-tastings are an imperative, and extremely enjoyable, part of the cake/baker-finding process. The service, which all reliable bakers provide, should take place 4 - 6 months prior to your ceremony, and after you’ve picked the site.

Bakers should offer a cake-tasting after they’ve had a detailed discussion with you on dessert. In general, they’ll give you about 3 ideas for cakes, and take in your input as well. Should you be adamant about trying an Angel Food Cake, the baker will offer that choice, but still provide a couple of other options.

This is the time to tell bakers about any special requirements. If you’re allergic to nuts or chocolate, don’t wait till after the tasting. “Carrot cake is delicious without nuts,” says L.A. chef David Brian Sanders. “As long as I know ahead of time what your restrictions are, I can work around anything.”

You’re not expected to pay for a cake-tasting, nor should you tip. It’s a good idea, however, to have narrowed your search down to a couple of bakers, so you don’t waste bakers’—or your own—valuable time.

A taste of heaven.
Generally, you and your groom, as well as all parents, are invited to the tasting. You don’t need to have an empty stomach, as you won’t be bombarded with sweets. (You probably shouldn’t arrive after a three-course dinner, however.) The tasting will last about an hour and one-half.

Once all cake-tastings are finished, make your decision on which baker to hire within a couple of weeks. Call with any additional questions, but, unless absolutely essential, don’t request another tasting. At that point, and not a moment earlier, you can sign a contract.

Then revel in just how sweet it is.