Ordering the Cake

[Jenn060306]

My Future mother in law has offered to buy us our wedding cake. I just don't know when i should be contacting the baker to meet with her and book our date.
What is the average length of time you need to book a baker?

[wedbyjean]

Generally 3-4 months in advance is the norm. However, if you're getting married during the peak wedding season you might want to give yourself additional time to make sure the best bakers aren't already booked up. As a rule, bakers (as well as florists) don't book up as quickly as some of the other vendors since they can service more than one wedding on any given weekend.

Keep in mind that when you initially book your baker, all the details do not have to be set in stone at that time. The basic info the baker will need to know then is the time, location and (estimated) number of guests. Of course, if you already know the shape, design, flavor &/or fillings that you want (or absolutely do not want) be sure to let the baker know.

[usahgrad]

I booked six months in advance and I was the last cake they were going to make that day...I'd suggest book early...worse comes to worse, you'll save some extra money. It doesn't hurt...

[LaceyinPgh]

I booked my wedding cake in like July 2005 for my May 2006 weddings. Just I waited til just under a year. But hte woman doing my cake only makes cakes for my venue and one other so I knew she wasn't going to be booking up.

[Jenn060306]

Thanks, I think i will get on contacting them over the weekend. I would rather not be told that shes not available.

[SpringBride]

I have about 6 months to go, and I called a couple bakeries last week, and they said they don't usually talk to brides until about 6 weeks before the wedding. I was surprised, I thought it would be much sooner than that! Maybe it depends on the area.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Calling ahead of time and finding out how they work things is the best way to go. You would hate to wait until six weeks before your wedding, call them and be told that they only take orders six months ahead. Be safe not sorry and book them sooner not later!!

~CanadianBride~

[usahgrad]

With the baker I went with, we reserved our spot, but as far as specifics go, she doesn't talk about that until later.

She does several tastings a year and insists that her booked brides come to them so that they can taste as much as possible before deciding. She is also EXTREMELY flexible as far as design (she was excited that I wanted to do a round cake with candles--she's only done square with candles).

My five seconds of associated fame: She was the person who made the BEAUTIFUL cake that blinked across the screen for a second on the Three Wishes about the soldiers returning home that was on a few weeks ago.

Anyways, I would DEFINITELY keep looking around...six weeks sounds crazy! At six weeks, we're going to be working on getting our count in so that we know exactly how many tiers there are going to be.