Questions to
ask when Choosing a Decorator
There are many things to
consider when choosing a decorator, below are some questions you might ask and
consider when making your choice! Don’t ever feel there is a “stupid
question” when it comes to making your choice – it is your special day… you
have every right to ask your questions!
· Taste: be sure to
request a sample!
· Are
the cakes frozen? Some
people feel freezing a cake dries it out... if you are offered several flavors
at a consultation, and they are small slices or cupcakes, they were most likely
frozen.
· Can I use fresh flowers? Yes,
however, there is much to consider when deciding to use fresh flowers on your
wedding cake.
Please CLICK HERE for
more information on fresh flowers.
· How
many cakes does the decorator do in a typical weekend (including birthday and
occasion cakes)? This
will let you know how much time and attention will be spent on your cake.
· Side
or main job? Is this
the decorators main job, or do they have another full
time job? This will also let you know
how much time and attention will be spent on your cake.
· How
long has the person been decorating cakes? Skill level increases with time... you
should be able to have input with your design, rather than be shown a few
options to choose from!
· Are
you meeting with the person who will bake, decorate, and deliver the cake? As an order is passed from employee to
employee, instructions on the order may not be interpreted in the same manner
that you wished when placing the order.
· Cost: There is always
a reason for price differences in cakes… Typically, "great deal!"
cakes come with less experience (higher risk of uneven or leaning, even falling
cakes), cheaper ingredients used (again, be sure to request a sample!), or a
"production line" attitude if the decorator’s mind is only on getting
to the next order.
· Licensed: Being
licensed by the Dept. of Agriculture means that there is a separate kitchen
which is inspected by the state and is used strictly for commercial
purposes. The decorator will have been
trained in food safety (food handling gloves, hair issues, etc…) Also, there are no
pets, no smoking, etc… allowed in a licensed kitchen. This should also mean that the decorator
will have liability insurance in case anything happens to your cake during
delivery or set-up.
*You may also
want to check with your reception site to find out if they have restrictions
about the cake, as many are now requiring a licensed bakery due to their
insurance company’s requirements for liability purposes.
Again, these are just a few
things you may want to consider… some may not concern
you as much as others, or you may have a
completely different set of concerns – whatever
the case may be, just always remember you are
entitled to ask your questions! J
LINKS:
Wedding Gallery Pages
Questions to ask when Choosing a
Decorator
* No photo’s may be re-published in
any format without the written consent of Cake Connection