Clueless About Cake!

girlinchicago

Ok, so I should probably be ashamed of myself, but I have no clue what we're supposed to do about wedding cake!  FI & I are doing an "announced elopement" next summer just the two of us, but we're going to do a celebratory dinner when we get back.  We haven't picked a restaurant yet, so we don't have a specific date or a place but I don't want to wind up finding that every bakery is already spoken for.  It will definitely be a Friday night in late July/early August.  Am I already running late? 1. Are bakers going to blow me off if I don't have a specific plan for a place or do I just need to give them the date? 2. Who are some reputable cake bakers in the city?  We are most likely thinking of having the reception dinner at Frontera Grill or Carnivale in their private dining space.  The cake is important- I'd like a wide variety of flavor options.  I'm thinking we can probably budget around $200, so up to $5 a piece.  3. We are only having about 45 people at our reception.  Will bakers do a cake for this small of a group?  Can they still do multiple tiers/flavors?  4. Finally, if I email a bakery, what info should I tell them/what questions should I ask?I hope my questions aren't too ridiculous.  Because we're eloping, there's been very little planning or research I've had to do!  Please help out a clueless Chicagoan!  I don't know where to start. 

jess&lane52804

I would secure the restaurant first. Sometimes, if you do a wedding package, cake will be included.Our wedding is Aug. 7 and we had our cake tasting yesterday. The bakery we're using (Lovin Oven in the North Suburbs) said they make about 30 wedding cakes a week in wedding season, so you probably have some time before you have to decide on the cake.

rhodesign

Pick your date first. Once that's settled, then search for bakers. They sometimes can do things as quickly as 2 weeks notice, so I don't think you have a ton to worry about. Also, you'll need to know where it's at so that way you know the policies of the restaurant. Some will do cakes for you, others may have special vendors you have pick from, some charge you a certain amount of money, etc. Get those things in order, then just shop around!When you do get to shopping for bakers, tell them how many people and what flavors you want. bring/send them inspiration pictures if there is a specific style you want. Tell them your budget. They should be able to handle any size order you want--10 people or 10000.good luck! I love Carnivale, so I'll be jealous if you have a party there!

chosen175

I'm doing a planned elopement as well and our cake here at home is being done by dinascakes.com - and I know she would do a smaller cake. To answer your specific questions: 1. Some might, but most will do a contract with just a date, # of servings, and a "deadline" to give them the final delivery address. 2. We've used Dina before and LOVED her. Some ladies have a hard time getting a hold of her, but I never have. Our non-fondant cake is well under your budget. My family also goes to Weber's on Archer near Midway airport and their cakes are good as well. 3. I don't think most places will have an issue with your smaller cakes, aside from the high profile boutique bakeries like Cake Girls. I know Dina's Cakes and Weber's wouldn't have any problems with smaller cakes. 4. When you contact a bakery, let them know you're looking for a wedding cake to serve @ 45-50 guests. Ask if they'll do that, and then give them a general idea of a date. Most places will want you to set an appointment to come look at pictures and do a cake tasting. Ask about delivery area, delivery fees, whether it includes setup, and whether they supply fresh flowers (if that's what you want.) Also, start looking around for designs you like so you can go to your meeting prepared.

morgie44

You are totally fine, I think you can book 3-4 months away and be fine.  Especially with a smaller sized order.  I think it is going to be difficult to have a wide variety of flavor options for a group that small though... Usually they do it by tiers (each tier a different flavor)  so you will probably have to get a lot of extra cake to have multiple flavors.