Austin Cake Lady

Outside of the bride, the wedding cake will probably get a lot of attention. For some brides it is more than just the dessert served after dinner with coffee and tea; it is has to be a show stopper. Knowing how to choose the right cake for you is another important must in wedding planning. Remember that this is another extension of personalizing your wedding so take time to search for what you really want.

When is your wedding?

Why should the date matter? Well all wedding cakes are not created equal in terms of their ability to survive certain temperature conditions. Wedding cakes can be covered in a variety of icings, however not all will sustain the heat during summer months. Make sure to speak to your baker about the best choice for you. You would not want your cake wilting as your guest arrive.

How big will the cake be?

When meeting with your baker you should provide the number of guests that will be presents. This information will help the baker decide if the cake you have in mind is too small or too big for your occasion. Sometimes that will not matter too you if you are going for a particular look, however budget wise is does not make sense to pay for more cake than you need, just for looks. Your baker should be able to work with you to create a cake that meets your visual requirements as well as your guest’s servings. Keep in mind that most bakers charge per slice.




What's your flavor or color?

There are limitless possibilities on the flavors that you could have for your wedding. While traditionally cakes have been white, many couples are choosing cakes that match there overall décor. With cakes that have different tiers you could even have all of your favorite flavors.

DIY or bakery?

As a planner I do not usually recommend DIY unless you are a professional baker. Not to mention that with all the stress of planning, adding this to your list of things to do is not advisable. Even a family member who has the best intentions if not professionally trained can yield unfavorable results. This is such a prominent part of your wedding that the idea of Aunt Betty’s cake leaning slightly to one side is not very appealing. Money savings might be your goal, one lesson that I have learned is value or economy. The economic end of a DIY cake might yield some savings. However, the idea of the DIY cake not being delivered or not coming out to your liking may not be the most valuable experience for you.

Gradeur Affairs

Extra Tips

o Cake should be ordered 6-8 weeks in advance. Unless you are ordering from a very popular baker and/or require a lot of details, in this case you should even consider 6 – 12 months.
o Carry swatches, pictures, etc. to help present your vision to the baker
o Get the details in writing! Find out the details about delivery, set up and any additional cost

Get some inspiration for your wedding cakes

Wedding giveaway

Long are the days of throwing rice at couples as they depart from the church. New Eco-friendly options are available (i.e bubbles, biodegradable confetti).

The Kansas City Etsy team is hosting a giveaway of Wedding 50 Hand Rolled Wedding Ceremony / Reception Exit Sendoff Streamers with Finger Loops. I have never seen these before, however my minds eye envisioned a great photo opt with all of the streamers in mid air. i love when guests say "This is so unique, I have never seen this before". Christina of Extravagant Exits, has indeed created an extravagant exit with these ceremony streamers. I will definitely keep this product in my file for future brides

Check out the Kansas City Etsy blog for more details on this giveaway. The giveaway will run January 4th through January 10th. Also visit Christina and her Etsy shop for more Extravagant Exits.

Be Inspired by an Extravagant Exit at your wedding

Top 5 things to do when planning a wedding

Congratulations you are engaged! You have undoubtedly been on cloud nine for the last few days or weeks. As you gradually come down from that cloud excitement gives way to panic when realize the magnitude of planning a wedding. All of the small details, all of the big ones and everything in between. Where do you start? Here is a list of items you need to address first.

1. Set a Date

Setting a date will give you an idea to the time of year that you will be working with. Time of year can direct cost, colors, locations and so much more. Also consider that mid week and non wedding season dates are good for your budget. Consider the season that works best for you. A month that is special to the two of you. When you start looking for a venue, the date will be the number one questioned asked by the event coordinator.

2. Set a Budget

Now that you have an idea of when you will be getting married decide how much you will need to pay for this magnificent event. Also, how you are going to pay for it. Scary I know, but very necessary. Remember there is life after the wedding and you don't want to be paying for your wedding on your 5th anniversary. The average wedding cost will be over $28,000.

First, find out where your funding sources will come from. Will you and your fiance pay for everything? Do you have family members that will contribute to the wedding? Did you start saving already? Traditionally, the brides family have absorbed most of the cost of the wedding. Today, that is not always possible; however, you could request that family contribute towards items (i.e flowers, limos, invitations).

Once you are clear of where the funding is coming from, you should then decide what you want to spend on each aspect of the wedding. The average breakdown is as follows:

* If you are budgeting 3$0,000 for this events

40% percent is usually allocated to the reception. This will include site fees, catering costs, bar and beverages, wedding cake, etc.

10% is usually allocated to Music

15% is usually allocated to flowers

15% is usually allocated to Wedding Attire

10% is usually allocated to Wedding Photography

5% is usually allocated to your Stationary

5% should be left of additional items such as bridal party gifts, marriage licence, wedding transport.

Remember that if you spend a little less in one are it could be applied to another area you may want to spend more on. A budget will help you keep focus and not overspend.

Set a Style

Decide on the type of wedding that you like, formal, semi-formal, casual. Where would like to have it? What colors do you like? All questions that you should ask yourself when selecting your style.