In and around Richmond, Virginia, we are proud to boast some of the most beautiful wedding locations, utilizing the area’s rich heritage and modern creativity. It’s really a treat for me to visit these locations as I drive around the area delivering wedding cakes. The purpose of my travels, however, is not to sight see,  but to get to a location safely, well prepared and on time. Once I arrive I need to work calmly and efficiently to make best use of my time. So, what is included in the delivery fees?

Typically the planning and preparation starts several days earlier with phone calls to locations, caterers wedding planners and florists to ensure everything is in its place at the appropriate time for the cake’s delivery. (Note:  We do not call the bride and groom of the delivery time. This is intentional as we would prefer to have them relax and allow us to take care of the details. ) On arrival, the cake is placed on the cake table, constructed if necessary, decorated with flowers and the cake topper, if required, and finished completely. In our opinion, leaving  a cake unfinished  for  the florist to decorate cake or having the caterer move the cake is highly risky,  as it may get damaged leaving the cake non-repairable or unsightly. Once the cake is finished being decorated, several items are left to facilitate cutting and serving. Considering most couples keep the top tier for the anniversary, a box is provided for that purpose. We also provide cutting instructions for the caterer and a flavors’ card which lists the cake flavor options for the guests.

When finished and managed correctly, the next people to touch the cake should be the bride and groom……. when they cut the first piece together. Congratulations!!!!!

Was it really worth doing yourself? …a true story

It’s the middle of wedding season here in Richmond, Virginia, and we would like to share a true story that might help brides everywhere.

One of our brides picked up her wedding cake flowers herself and took them to the reception site the day before the wedding. In doing so she saved some money, which is good. She informed us that the flowers would be at the cake table when the cake arrived & left them with the venue’s staff member, who put them, as they told her “somewhere safe”. We arrived at the reception expecting the flowers to be on the cake table, but they were not. No one knew where the flowers were, nor could they or the staff member be found. Within a while we had no alternative but to go, leaving the finishing of the cake to someone else.

We can all guess what happened…….the bride was not happy with the cake flowers and she called to complain. We found out that the “responsible” staff member had not conveyed to anyone where the flowers were…..i.e., a lack of communication, which resulted in someone less qualified finishing the cake.

Many times we try to find ways to save money when we are planning a wedding. Picking up and/or providing your own flowers is one way to do that. You must, however, communicate fully with all of your vendors in order to ensure that you not only have what you need, but that you have the products where they need to be on your wedding day! That will ensure that your cake is as you want it and that it is the cake of your dreams!

Sometimes brides express their concerns about using fresh flowers on a wedding cake. I am very fortunate to be in Richmond, Virginia, where I am able to work with many skilled and talented florists. When using fresh flowers on a wedding cake it is important to realize not only the importance of how the cake will look, but to keep in mind the safety and comfort of the guests who will enjoy eating it. While in our society we do not commonly eat flowers, it is in the best interest of public safety to use flowers that will not cause any harm or discomfort to the guests.

Flowers on wedding cakes can be divided into 4 categories:

Edible flowers are perfectly safe to eat and will have no chemicals or pesticides used during their cultivation. Marigolds, Nasturtium, Pansies and Violets are among the more common edible flowers.

Partially edible flowers are those where only certain parts of the flower may be eaten, provided that there no chemicals or pesticides were used in their cultivation. Carnations, Tulips, Lily buds and Daisies are in this group, as only the petals are edible.

Decorative flowers are those which are safe to be placed on the cake but should not be eaten.

Toxic flowers are flowers that should not be placed on the cake. These flowers could have a toxic gastrointestinal or skin irritant side effect if consumed. Toxic flowers include Lily of the Valley, Chrysanthemums and Mistletoe. They may cause serious illness requiring medical attention. Toxic flowers like Calla Lilly, Anthodium and Shamrock all contain oxalates in the plant juices which are skin, mouth and tongue irritants resulting in burning, stomach upset and breathing difficulties. Flowers such as Wisteria, Holy Berries and Bird of Paradise may cause a rash if skin contact occurs or if eaten. Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps may also occur.

Herbs may be used on cakes, provided that their fragrance does not impair the eating quality of the wedding cake.

Pollen may cause an allergic reaction for some people; anyone who suffers from asthma, ragweed or hay fever should not consume flowers.  It is always my suggestion that persons with questions or allergies should consult with their physicians prior to placing flowers and/or herbs on their cakes.

Richmond, Virginia prides itself in having talented people. Some, having watched cake decorating show on TV, even think they can decorate their own wedding cake. They think, after all it looks so easy on TV so I must be able to do it myself.  However, it may look easy but it only looks easy due to expertise and clever editing. Here are 10 mistakes you might make when considering to making the wedding cake yourself.

1. Stress yourself out. Doesn’t it look easy?

2. Choose a filling that doesn’t compliment the batter.

3. Making the Rolled Fondant too thick or get crumbs in the Butter Cream.

4. Capture an air bubble under the RF or not know how to smooth Butter Cream.

5. Use a Rolled Fondant that is chewy or a BC that is too sweet.

6. Use insufficient internal cake supports.

7. Forget the center Dowel.

8. Use nonfood safe flowers for decoration.

9. Not know how to transport it.

10. Not know how to store top tier for first anniversary.

So to avoid making these and other oversights, use an expert, hire the best…Cakes by Graham so you can relax and enjoy more than just the icing on the cake.

 CAKE TASTING VISIT

Each cake tasting visit will be conducted with Graham and will last for 1 hour. Our comfortable setting located at 718 N Cleveland Street, Richmond Virginia, has everything you need to help you select your cake. We encourage you to bring any photographs or ideas with you. The bride’s room will seat you and 2 guests most comfortably, enabling us to cover everything within an hour. It is recommended that the decision makers attend the visit. Up to 4 guests can be accommodated; however, this typically results in an incomplete visit.

The purpose of the visit is:

To introduce you to the easiest way of selecting a wedding cake that meets your needs.

We do this because you may not have ordered a wedding cake before and your cake is the
centerpiece of your reception. This visit will be the best use of your time and you will be a
knowledgeable consumer about a very important investment you are about to make.

By the end of the visit you will have an idea for your cake and a realistic budget to work
from, both of which are flexible. You will be given an information folder which includes your
personalized cake concept, your initial budget and some samples to take with you to enjoy.

The CAKE has 4 characteristics to be considered….they are:

CONSTRUCTION

Artistic decoration and DESIGN
Kind of FROSTING

Eating quality, FLAVOR

PRICING – Once the characteristics are known, this allows a cost per serving which is used in
calculating the cost of the cake.

Number of servings X Cost per serving, plus tax (5%), plus delivery (starts at $50)
= TOTAL COST

An initial investment of one half secures the date, with the final investment due 2 weeks before the
wedding. Updates to your agreement can be made at any time up to 15 days prior to your wedding day. Checks and cash are accepted.