Expert advice: Cake and cupcakes!
With my Valentines event coming up, I thought it would be suiting to do a spotlight on wedding cakes. It’s about that time of year when couples should be looking into wedding cake options, so hopefully this will help you in planning for that. Jenn is a super awesome girl who makes amazing cake designs, do not hesitate to give her a shout if you are looking for a unique wedding cake. She’s also the one behind all the lovely cupcakes that will be at A Sweets Affair!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My name is Jenn and I am a cake designer. My business background and years of experience in the restaurant industry coupled with my passion for pastries has led me to where I am today-the proud owner of Sweet Escapes. I first started baking when I worked for a company that made cakes for high-end restaurants and gourmet grocery stores such as Pusateri’s. I further developed my skills by working in bakeries under the mentorship of well-known pastry chefs. With a healthy obsession with cake-related shows (Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes and Ultimate Cake-off), I took a few classes and my business escalated from there. I love my job and it shows in my work. If you can dream it, I make it! 
What is the coolest cake you’ve ever made?
One of my favourite cakes was my last wedding cake in September. It was a 5-tier vanilla cake layered with strawberry mousse and fresh strawberries (the picture up top!). It weighed almost 100 pounds and was adorned with 30 beautiful roses. Handmade crystal monograms of the couple’s initials sat at the very top. It reminded me of the Stanley Cup!
What kind of questions or expectations should a couple have when choosing or buying a wedding cake?
Be realistic about your budget.
Wedding cakes come at a price and you get what you pay for. The cost of the cake is also greatly influenced by the amount of detail and the intricacy of design. Having the cake covered in fondant (an edible sugar dough) cost more than buttercream but the fondant gives the cake a polished finish. Sugar flowers add a touch of elegance but can also add up in price because each flower is handmade and requires a lot of hours to perfect it. On average, expect $4-6 per serving.
Explore your options.
Couples who want the most for their money are getting sheet cakes on the side in addition to their wedding cake. The purpose of the wedding cake is to be displayed as a showpiece whereas sheet cakes are stored at the back and distributed after the wedding cake has been cut. Both cakes are the same flavour and it is more cost-effective than having a multi-tiered wedding cake that is expected to feed all the guests.
Do your research.
The best way to communicate your design to your cake decorator is to provide a picture of something similar. Swatches of your wedding colours along with a sample of the invitation or a picture of the bride’s gown will definitely help to visualize the look and feel of the cake. Having a theme in mind (elegant, whimsical, traditional or modern) is also helpful.
What are some trends you expect for the 2011 wedding season?
Two words: EDIBLE FAVOURS. Giving guests cookies and cupcakes as favours is becoming more popular in recent years. I am not a fan of useless favours and who could forget the old-fashioned Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle? Having a cupcake tree with a small cake on top instead of a wedding cake is also quite popular.
Any last thoughts?
For a limited time, order Valentine’s cupcakes for your special someone from Sweet Escapes. Quote promotional code REBECCACHAN11 when ordering to receive $5 off your order over $30. Offer expires February 14th, 2011.
Single Cupcakes – $4
Half Dozen Cupcakes – $20
One Dozen Mini Cupcakes – $10
Contact info
The best way to contact me is through my website at www.jenniferchao.com
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[...] am excited to announce that I have been interviewed by Rebecca from Rebecca Chan Weddings & Events this week! Rebecca is a creative and high-energy individual who is extremely passionate [...]