How to Choose Your Wedding Cakes & Desserts by Ruby Jean Patisserie
Jen Essex is the owner and head baker of Ruby Jean Patisserie. RJP is a bespoke dessert catering company that creates American inspired treats utilizing European techniques. We source our ingredients organically and locally when possible. Everything is measured, mixed, poured, and rolled by hand without the use of artificial flavorings or preservatives. Our forte is to “wow” you and your guests and to help make your events memorable.
Jen went to the acclaimed French Pastry School in Chicago and has since worked under world-renowned Chef Charlie Trotter and The Ritz Carlton hotel group. RJP was launched in January of 2018 and caters weddings and corporate events RJP has a 5-star rating on Google and The Knot and is also a member of WIPA (Wedding International Professionals Association). In this issue, Jen gives advice about choosing a wedding cake and desserts.
Creating your dessert experience should be one of the most fun and tastiest parts of planning your wedding. As with any vendor that you choose for your big day, doing your research thoughtfully will result in a sweet ending.
You’ve had your Pinterest board filled with all the buttercream cakes and sweet tables that will entice all the senses, but without proper planning, all your sweet dreams could end with more to be desired. We have compiled a list of tips to help you on your path to choosing a baker for your wedding day that will help create the dessert experience of your dreams.
There are many ways to find your baker; wedding websites, blogs, and magazines are great places to start, also ask your planner, friends, and colleagues for their recommendations. Research bakers locally and view their websites, social media, and reviews to confirm that your vision, aesthetic, and budget line up with their artistic ability.
Important questions to ask before booking a tasting:
● Are you available for our date?
● Do you have a minimum that needs to be met? Are there other options if we don’t meet our minimum on cake alone; ie guest favors?
● How long have you been baking, how long have you been in business? Are you a home baker or do work out of a commercial kitchen?
● Are you licensed and insured? Do you have references available?
● Confirm with your venue the rules and guidelines for bringing the baker that you want to hire.
Typically the sweet spot for hiring your baker is between 6-8 months before. Some bakers absolutely book up sooner than that, so if you have your heart set on a certain sweet creator you should start planning ASAP.
After you have selected a baker or two now is time to book your tasting(s). Come prepared with inspiration photos, flavors you’d like to try, and a list of questions you may have. At Ruby Jean Patisserie we love to see your invitation suite, color palette, flavors that you as a couple love and keywords that describe your event. Most confectionery artists like to see inspirational photos, but don’t assume they will recreate someone else's work.
Try to limit your tasting appointment to a maximum of 4 people, any more than that and it can get overwhelming with too many opinions.
Important questions to ask during your tasting:
● Is there a delivery and or set up fee? Some bakers charge depending on the distance and complexity of set up.
● How many weddings do you book per day/weekend? Hiring someone that takes on too much might not be in your best interests.
● Contracts are set in place to protect all parties involved. If your baker (or any other vendor) doesn’t provide a contract, run the other way.
● When should you expect the proposal? At RJP we promise you will have your proposal within 2 business days.
● What are the payment terms?
● Do you provide rentals; cake stands, displays, etc?
As with any meeting, during your wedding planning process take notes and get those “feelings” about who you are meeting with. Not all bakers are created equal and there are things to avoid when booking your baker:
● Your aunt or friend that “likes to bake cakes as a hobby”. We’ve heard and seen horror stories of a couple wanting to save a few bucks and pass the responsibility onto one of their guests. Stick with the professionals and let your guest be a guest, you’ll all be happy in the end.
● Someone that is unprepared or disorganized, they should respond to your calls and emails within a reasonable amount of time.
● Do your values align with theirs? Does this baker believe in inclusivity?
Ruby Jean Patisserie // 303-815-6812
RubyJeanPatisserie.com // Jen@RubyJeanPatisserie.com