by Karen Good Marable
Cake designer Nicolle Rodriguez, a graduate of the famed Institute of Culinary Education, shares her tips and ideas, and answers the one question every bride should ask.
Planning advice…
“Start interviewing cake designers and bakeries six to nine months prior to your wedding date. If you’re getting married on a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, it’s best to set up appointments at least one year in advance.”
Theme for cake (pictured left)…
“The theme for this cake was ‘Old Glamour/Black Tie.’* A damask design can be modern or vintage, depending on what colors you use. Pairing it in black and white with bold red roses created an Old Hollywood feel. The black pearls felt very vintage and the elongated middle tier added height and elegance.”
Question every customer should ask but doesn’t…
“‘How do you deliver your wedding cake?’ Make sure you ask your cake decorator or bakery how they deliver their cakes and– if they do not deliver it themselves– what happens if there is any damage? Deliveries are, hands down, the most stressful part of the job. I deliver all my wedding cakes personally just to avoid the headache of anything going wrong.”
*’Black Pearls & Damask’: Devil’s food chocolate cake with raspberry jam and vanilla buttercream filling. Fondant icing, pearls and damask design, and sugar roses. $12 per serving. Visit cakesbynicolle.com for more info.