GARDEN LODGE GATHERING

PLANNING & DESIGN / BRANCH & BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHER /

VENUE /

FLORAL /

RENTALS / RSVP RENTAL STATIONERY / CMDESIGNS CAKE /

Before you book your cake, you’ll want to do your research and make sure you have an idea of what you have your heart set on. Do you want a large threetier cake or multiple cakes? Do you love the look of fondant or is butter cream frosting your must have? Of course, if you’re completely unsure of what you’d like in a wedding cake, a great baker will certainly guide you through your options. It also helps to come prepared with inspirational images to visually explain exactly what you have in mind. Cakes are an art form and not all bakers have the same skills, or level of experience. But, we are confident that if you choose a Bliss Wedding Pro, you’ll be in great hands!

YOU NEED TO FINALIZE YOUR GUEST LIST FIRST. When deciding what size cake to order, first look to your guest count. Generally, three tiers will serve 60-75 guests; you’ll likely need five layers for 200 guests or more. If the reception is in a grand room with high ceilings, consider increasing the cake’s stature with columns between the tiers. You can even add florals in between for a more dramatic look!

BE UPFRONT ABOUT YOUR BUDGET. There’s no use in being shy about the amount you’d like to spend on a wedding cake, so plan to discuss pricing either in the initial email or during an in-person meeting. If there’s a particular cake vendor you’d love to work with but think they may be out of your budget, don’t count them out just yet. In fact, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding cake and some vendors are happy to incorporate creative cost-saving techniques. Again, this is where it’s helpful to first determine your style so wedding cake vendors can give you an accurate quote rather than ballpark pricing.

RESEARCH THEIR WORK AND THEIR REVIEWS. In the age of social media, many wedding cake vendors have an Instagram or Facebook page to easily access photos of their past and current work. In addition, they may have a more extensive portfolio on their website or even a hard copy for you to flip through in their studio. As you review samples of their previous work, ask key questions about their experience, their licensing as a professional baker, and wedding day logistics of delivery and set-up. Be sure to search online for reviews and ask your other vendors if they would refer them. As much as reviews can be helpful, don’t take one bad review as your final decision maker. The term “bridezilla” is a real thing and some reviews may simply be that. If you see many reviews that are positive, that should be your final decision maker.

SCHEDULE A TASTING. You’ve asked all the right questions, and now it’s time to kick back and let your taste buds do the work! Most wedding cake vendors will provide you with a range of flavor options to sample so you can truly experience their work for yourself. Keep in mind that this in-person meeting is about more than just tasting, but also provides you with an opportunity to see if your personalities mesh well together. Pay attention to their communication style and ability to hear out your ideas, ensuring the collaboration process is a smooth one.

QUESTIONS TO ASK: Do you customize wedding cakes or do you offer set styles to choose from? What are the filling choices? How far in advance do I have to book my cake with you? How long have you been making wedding cakes? Do you offer gluten free or vegan Options? Do you offer cake tastings and is there a charge? What is the delivery process? How are wedding cakes priced? Is there an extra charge for certain designs, flavors or types of icing? What is your payment structure and when is the deposit due? What’s your cancellation and/ or rescheduling policy?

Sweetness Desserts | Neva Michelle Photography

Cuppiecakes | Angel Owens Photography

313 S. Main Street, McGregor, TX, 76657 (254) 840-7030 | cuppiecakesofwaco@gmail.com

Cuppiecakes started with 2 best friends wanting to provide consistently yummy cakes and cupcakes to the people they love. Ten years later, nothing has changed. Their goal is to provide the customers with the best of the best in sweet treats and the feeling that they have been served by family. Cuppiecakes takes great pride in closely working with individuals to create memorable cakes that guests will associate with a fantastic party! They can make your dreams come true and work with your budget. Go give them a try, and you’ll see why they are consistently at the top of so many recommendation lists.

CUPPIECAKESOFWACO.COM

Kayla Sellers Photography

(254) 332-0090 | mary@doughremitx.com

Dough Re Mi is a Temple-based business that makes cookie dough without any harmful ingredients, such as raw eggs and raw flour, making it safe-to-eat unbaked. With five different flavors to choose from, their dough has quickly become a local favorite. Dough Re Mi offers two different catering options: Mini (2oz) Cups, perfect for dessert tables or passed desserts; and a Build-Your-OwnDough Bar, which includes a large (64oz+) tub of plain dough and various toppings for guests to serve and mix themselves. Whichever you choose, your guests are

Neva Michelle Photography

360 W. Central Texas Expressway, Suite #204, Harker Heights, TX, 76548 (254) 319-3555 | lilyscakestemple@gmail.com

Food Networks, Cake Wars, and Holiday Wars winner, Lilian Halabi with Lily’s Cakes, has been serving Central Texas since 2012 and has delivered over 1,000 wedding and groom’s cakes to happy couples! From simple designs to the most intricate and time-consuming showstoppers, if you can dream it, Lily can create it! Schedule your tasting and consultation today!

LILYSCAKES.COM

Kayla Sellers Photography

200 S. Commerce Drive, Waco, TX, 76708 (254) 732-5333 | simplydcakes@aol.com

Simply Delicious Bakery is a locally owned and operated specialty bakery located in Waco, Texas! They specialize in making your cake & dessert dreams come to life! Simply Delicious has over 13 years of experience serving Waco & surrounding areas. They would love to be a part of your special day with cakes that taste as

2034 N. Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX, 76710 (254) 756-0590 | laura@sweetnessdesserts.com

“We taste with our eyes, then with our mouths, so let every dessert be a work of art followed by a sense of Sweetness!” As a Certified Master Cake Decorator, Laura Summersett has been delighting brides since 2008, when she began creating wedding cakes from her church kitchen. In 2013 she opened her first storefront to better serve both brides and the community. “The wedding cake and groom’s cake were show stoppers! Absolutely stunning and exactly what my daughter visualized. And the taste... hands down the best wedding cake I have ever tasted. Perfectly moist, so delicious. Highly recommend!” - N. Hunt

CHRISLYNN’S CONFECTIONS (337) 281-5903 | chrislynnscreations@gmail.com

Bridal cakes are Chrislynn’s specialty, and are made uniquely for your big day. Chrislynn will work with you every step of the way to create a cake that is not only stunning to look at, but so tasty it melts right in your mouth! From decadent dessert cakes, to sculpted novelty cakes, Chrislynn can create grooms cakes that highlight your personality as a couple and leave your guests in awe!

“I have always been passionate about art. Allow me the chance to make your wedding just a little bit sweeter with a bit of my passion and creativity.”

(254) 947-8840 | info@sugarshacksalado.com

The Sugar Shack is “the” local candy store in historic Salado, TX. “ We believe life is sweet, and we want to make yours a little sweeter.”

The Sugar Shack has a large selection of bulk candies and chocolates perfect for candy buffets, wedding favors, or bridesmaids’ gifts.

The Sugar Shack can create a Custom Candy Buffet that will delight you and your guests! Their Candy Buffet displays are not only beautiful but also affordable and will make more sense than DIY. Let the professionals do the work for you so you can be free to enjoy your special event!