You are on your way to see a cake designer, and you’re still wondering, what kind of cake do I really want? Is it butter cream icing and fresh fruits, or a magnificent fondant structure that is breath taking. Here is a guide to make the process of choosing a cake and the designer easier. It also ensures that you get the right price for the right cake. Our Vendor Listing will give a full list of cake designers in your locality.

1. Reserve your date. Contact the cake designers in your locality to check for date availability. Date availability will assist you in narrowing down to a few possible designers out of a wide list. If the date is open then try to make an appointment with the designers. Thursday through Saturdays are very hectic for baking, decorating and delivering wedding cakes. Most weddings are on the weekends and therefore the bakers deadlines also coincide with that timetable. A phone call to make an appointment to visit with the individual or bakery about your cake will be appreciated.

2. Be sure of the vendor. Ensure you are talking to the person who will actually bake your wedding cake and not just a sales person. Ask questions. Does he have references? How many weddings cakes has she baked? How long has the cake designer been in business? A designer who tells you they can bake your wedding cake in one day is not being realistic. Wedding cakes are created in stages -- layers are baked, assembled and finally decorated. This process usually takes between three to five days.

3. Know your style. Give the cake designer an idea of what your wedding colours will be, and how you might want to incorporate them in your cake's decoration. If you have any cake design you’ve been dreaming of since your eighteenth birthday, tell him. Show him pictures of cake designs you like that you’ve stuck to your planning notebook and other cake designs. Let him have an appreciation of what you want and your style.

4. Payment Schedule. Do you have to pay a deposit to the cake designer? How much does he require for a deposit? When will the other installment be due? Make sure you collect a receipt for all payments.

5. Stick to your Budget. No matter how tempted you may be by a particular cake design, if the price is above your budget substantially, let it pass. Be as up-front as possible about your budget, and be determined to stick to it. The cake cutting is an important element of that day, but it is does not make the day.

6. Confirm details. Does he know how to get to the venue location? Is he sure of the dates and times? Does he know the kind of venue, you be using – Will the reception (and the cake) be outside? Is he or she going to give a speech about the cake style and colours.

7. Know his quality. Can he strike a balance between taste, style and budget? Does his cakes taste good? Do you like the selection of flavors and fillings the designer offers? The taste, flavor and texture of the cake itself is the most important decision you will make when you order your cake. The outside beauty of your wedding cake will be important for your pictures and style. However, the cake itself is what you will be serving to your guests. You want a cake that is tasty and yummy to eat. Do you like the cake designer's portfolio? Does their work reflect the different styles and personalities of their clients?

8. Logistics and Arrangements. Will your cake designer personally deliver the cake on the day of your wedding? They should be available to arrange the cake table or to make emergency icing or decoration repairs? What are the plans for packaging the cake for transport? The cake designer should be ready to package and wrap the top layer of your wedding cake so you can preserve it until your first anniversary or child christening?

9. Be sure of the cake content. Do you want a lot of brandy? Avoid the use of nuts in your wedding cake, some people might be allergic to them. Confirm the quality and type of the fresh fruits fillings. Seeds and coconut in fruit fillings can be very difficult for many people.

10. Cake Placement at the reception. Where will your cake(s) be place at the reception grounds? Consult your décor professional and your cake designer. If possible let them visit the reception venue together at least a week before to understand the layout of the grounds. Other things you might want to consider at the reception site are how the traffic will flow. Food placement in one area might cause heavy traffic. A cake placed near a dance floor is risky. Can everybody see the couple while they are cutting the cake? Are the tables strong enough to hold the cake(s)?

11. Outdoor Pitfalls. If your reception is outdoor, you have to take into consideration a new set of factors - flies love sweets and heat melts icings. You need to put all these in consideration while choosing the cake.