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just desserts
With a basic idea of your wedding style and theme, finding the perfect confectioner is a piece of cake!

Gone are the days when guests used to leave the reception early without having a little dessert - -which explains why today's couples are putting more time and attention into choosing their wedding cake. It’s nice to know you're in good hands - - today's pastry chefs and confectioners are creating cakes that not only are pleasing to the eyes, but tantalizing to the tastebuds. So take this opportunity to design a cake made especially for you, to reflect your uniqueness as a couple.

FINDING YOUR BAKER
Although wedding cakes are the last item on the menu, they are usually one of the first to consider when you begin planning your wedding. You can begin to interview, taste test and compare licensed wedding cake companies up to a year in advance. At least six months before the wedding, you should reserve the services of a professional, but the actual design, flavor, and decorations need not be decided upon until one to two months before your wedding, depending on the bakery.

Although wedding cakes are the last item on the menu, they are usually one of the first to consider when you begin planning your wedding. You can begin to interview, taste test and compare licensed wedding cake companies up to a year in advance. At least six months before the wedding, you should reserve the services of a professional, but the actual design, flavor, and decorations need not be decided upon until one to two months before your wedding, depending on the bakery.

Begin your search for the perfect cake by feasting your eyes on as many cake photographs in bridal magazines as you can. Before you start interviewing cake designers, place a bookmark or post-it next to the cakes you really love. Once you've collected a few ideas, start comparing your favorites. Does a pattern start to emerge? Chances are, you'll be drawn to a particular look or design element.

Once you've gathered up your favorite ideas, meet with several different decorators/bakers and ask to see samples of their work. Most will have a portfolio with photos of recently decorated cakes. And remember that each decorator has his or her own style and strong suit – be sure to select the decorator that suits your personal style.

Once you've narrowed your search down, arrange for a tasting. Sometimes couples choose a beautiful cake but neglect to taste it. So call up the best bakeries you’ve found and let them know you're considering them for your wedding. Most likely, they'll want to schedule a time for you to come in and review their cake portfolio. Often bakeries will have open house tastings where brides are able to sample different cakes.

When you’ve made your decision it’s time to meet with your baker. Bring swatches of your bridesmaids dresses and/or samples of the flowers or colors used at the reception, as well as the cake designs you loved from bridal magazines. Many times a local baker can re-create a style or design you are particularly partial to. Don't be afraid to take this opportunity to design a cake made especially for you, to reflect your uniqueness as a couple.

When planning your wedding cake, take the decorator's advice to heart. They have the years of experience behind them and know what works and what doesn't. Ultimately you will have the final decision, after all, it's your cake, your wedding and your money – but smart planning in the beginning will ensure a beautiful, enjoyable cake in the end.