Wedding Blog

I am settled into the Pelican Bay Hotel in Freeport for my wonderful clients’ (Andrea and John) wedding. It is going to be a great few days!

I have spent the last couple of days in Minneapolis promoting The Perfect Wedding Show (www.perfectweddingshow.com). It is going to be a great bridal show. Couples can register to win a $60,000 wedding package including a brand new Nissan Rogue! Not a bad way to start a marriage.

While I was there, the topic came up about couples who due to the current economy, can no longer afford the wedding they had initially planned. I spoke with a few of Minneapolis’ best wedding vendors to hear what they are doing to help couples afford their weddings.

My first vendor was pastry chef extraordinaire, Marie Porter from Celebration Generation. Here is what she had to say:

Susan: Are you seeing a lot of concern over price these days?
Marie: I have been getting a lot of calls from brides whose first question is, how much does a wedding cake cost.
 

Susan: What do you suggest they do to protect themselves from sticker shock?
Marie: I am very upfront with what we charge. We have a minimum that they have to spend. The cost is a bit higher than some other bakeries, but we include so much. Brides have to find out whether or not there will be a delivery fee, does the bakery charge for stand rentals, and any other fees not immediately discussed. We include delivery within 40 miles of the shop, we don’t charge for stand rentals and we include a six inch groom’s cake and anniversary cake with every wedding cake purchase.
 
Susan: Have you had any brides who need to back out of their contracts due to a sudden loss of income?
Marie: I haven’t had that happen yet, but if it does, I will honor deposits for a new wedding date when the couple is able to move forward with the wedding.
 
Susan: What is the best way a couple can stick to their budget and get the cake they have always dreamed about?
Marie: I suggest that when the couple goes shopping for cake, they are upfront about what they can spend. If a bride shows me what she likes and then tells me what she can spend, I can work with her to figure out the best look for the money she has.
 

Below are some of Marie’s beautiful cakes. They really are spectacular! Tomorrow, I will share the sage advice from a Minneapolis photographer. If you have any comments on wedding cakes or any wedding related topic, please post here or email me at susan.southerland@pwg.com.

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