Tipsheet: Having Your Cake

• By Jo B. Hoffman and Sara Cardace
• Published 2003

Determine what you want. What are your favorite colors and flavors? Do you want classic or whimsical? Romantic or glam?

Interview bakers by phone about prices and lead times. Twelve dollars per person is average, as is six to twelve months' delivery time. it's customary to meet three bakers. Some will invite you to see books and taste at the same time; others just show pictures at the first meeting. Tastings are free.

Book appointments during the week. You'll get more attention and meet the head baker.

Bring pictures of cakes you like, plus linen swatches and florists'proposals, if you have them. Sample ten fillings and frostings.

Ask for a sketch from the designer once you've decided on a cake; verbal descriptions can be misleading.

A contract should specify delivery date and location, and when and how you'll pay (expect a 50 percent deposit). Include if-the-cake-collapses provisos (potholes, wacky drivers . . .) to insure you'll get your money back if disaster strikes.

Want more? A groom's cake is a southern tradition, meant to symbolize a sweet life to come (the main cake is for fertility). These used to be fruitcakes; now they're chocolate. Goofy is the norm.