Locking In Your Dessert Vendor
I consider dessert level 2 of planning. When you first start the planning process focus on the vendors that can only do one event a day. Once those are booked, we can start thinking about dessert!
A good rule of thumb is to lock in your dessert 6-8 months out. If you are less precious about working with a certain vendor you’ll be able to still find plenty of options closer to your date.
A little heartbreak I give couples is the knowledge that tastings aren’t free. They don’t just hand out free cake, tastings range $25-50 in the Seattle market. It is pretty labor intensive and costly to give you such a variety to sample. You should reach out in advance to the bakery and schedule a time to pick up your tasting box. A cake tasting will typically have several flavors of cake, filling, and frosting that you will mix and combine for the perfect combo.
What Dessert Should You Do?
I think you should pick the dessert you all enjoy the most! A common sentiment I hear is I don’t even like cake. Then don’t do cake, simple. Cake is the tradition but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option.
The most common avenue that I’m seeing is still the small cut cake and then serving the guest Costco sheet cake or having an assorted dessert table. This option is appealing because a cut cake still gives you that cute photo moment. The sheet cake is the most affordable, boutique bakeries can’t compete with the big box company. I think guest enjoy an assorted dessert table the most because it’s bite size and there’s variety.
One thing to think about if you are wanting a more interactive dessert is the cost. Ice cream for example will be more expensive than cake because they need to pay for a staff person to be onsite for the event.
How Much Should I Order?
Your vendor will be able to give some guidance on this. I will say that when an event has cake, I usually have left over cake to pack up and when we do assorted desserts it’s always gone.
Cake: If you are doing more than one flavor guest may want to sample both. If you are doing more than one flavor, I recommend a cake table versus serving so they can choose. Always have a cake box for leftover cake.
Assorted Desserts: I would plan on your guest eating 2.5 pieces.
Who Cuts the Cake?
Typically your caterer will cut the cake. Some will apply a cake cutting fee which is usually around $2 a person. This fee isn’t a bogus wedding tax. A dessert plate usually cost $1 and a dessert fork is $1, they are covering operating cost. If your caterer isn’t a full service caterer, then you can have your coordinator cut the cake in most cases. If you don’t have either then you will have to rope in a family member.
Decide if you want to keep the top tier and let your vendor team know. Also think about when you leave, are you going to an after party? If so, have someone take the cake home for you.
How To Handle Allergens?
You will probably end up with a handful of gluten free, vegan, or dairy free guest. The easiest option is to pick up cupcakes that fit their allergens and let your caterer/planner know what table they are sitting at. Wholefoods has great options. I also love a macaroon for a GF option.
Dessert Timing
I like to schedule the cake cutting right before toast and then have the catering team cake the cake during toast and serve the cake right after toast. This gets the most out of your timing. The older guest will sometime leave after.
Do I Need All Of The Cake Accessories?
Typically not if you don’t want to purchase them for keepsake items. Most venues/caterers will have a cake cutting set. It’s also one of those items couples don’t even think about purchasing. Check with your vendor team to see if they have a set. I rarely see a cake stand these days, most cakes are built on a small white board and that’s often is what is used. You can find cute personalized versions of these items on Etsy.
Cake Topper: I would say about 30% of my couples still add a topper. I don’t really see the traditional couple figurine anymore, usually its a cute little animal. Make sure these get back to you at the end of the night. Etsy will have custom ones you can purchase.
Cake Flowers: Have this discussion ahead of time with your florist. Each stem ranges $3-4 so don’t expect them to just have $50 of product on standby.
Seattle Favorites
Cake
Cold Treats
Bite Size
