1. Determine your budget 
Urgh, not very romantic, I know.  However, there’s no escaping it, no matter how hard you try.  The quickest way to remove this particular overhanging shadow is to simply make the decision; once it’s done you can reward yourself with some cakey fun.  
 
Identifying your budget doesn't only free up mind space, it can also help your cake maker.  If you approach them with a budget, they are able to let you know what they can create for that amount and may be able to tweak a design to bring it in line if needed. 
 
(Not sure where to start with your cake budget?  Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s post!) 
 
2. Realise you don’t need to consider every single choice available
 
We're inundated with so many options these days that wedding inspo can be more overwhelming than inspiring.  If you don’t have a definite style in mind, try narrowing it down to a few different aesthetics.  A decent cake maker will be able to guide you through determining the best design for your day, and potentially merge elements from a few different styles into one cohesive and unique design. 
 
3. Identify what you definitely don’t want
 
Sometimes working backwards is the way forwards.  If you know what you definitely don’t like, use this as a starting point with your supplier. It’s amazing how strong the “nope, that’s not my cake” feeling can be, and it’s just as useful.  

4. Don’t panic about dietary requirements
 
All registered cake makers are required to have allergy training; but always check their allergen policy at the start of the process if this is a likely factor for you, as some won’t take allergen orders if they cannot guarantee no cross contamination.
 
In addition to this, consider alternatives.  I often recommend having separate themed cupcakes for guests with allergies.  This way you don’t have to have a whole tier with the restrictions, and more importantly your venue can ensure no cross contamination when the cake is cut up and served.
 
5. Don't adopt a newsletter style enquiry process
The temptation can be to send a picture and copied message to a whole host of cake makers to get quotes.  The issue here is that when ordering a bespoke cake there are a host of factors in play, so initial quotes will often be a starting point; then working with flavours, design details, and any extra serving cakes may make a difference to that cost.  

​Of course shopping around (especially when making such an investment, as let's face it, each penny you spend for a wedding is an investment in creating amazing memories for you) is a great thing, but perhaps limit it to a few at most.  Otherwise you run the risk of getting in a muddle and creating stress rather than reducing it, we don't want that! 

6. Remember that cake is food – not AI!
 
Your cake maker is essentially a food artist and therefore no two cakes will ever be exactly the same.  Any photos will be an inspiration and used for guidance, however every individual does have their own aesthetic - I’ve even used my own cakes as guidance before and they are still slightly different!  
 
Please be mindful that social media posts now often contain AI images; and in the same way that we shouldn’t strive to have the AI enhanced bodies that we are subjected to, many of the cakes are simply unrealistic for the average muggle.  
 
Due to this, choose a cake maker whose cakes you like the look of across the board, and who you trust to create a work of art.  When you view your cake in this way, it can be a route to remembering this is a fun and creative aspect of your day.