Do Your Research:
Go online and research bakeries by viewing their websites or Facebook pages or blogs.
Visit independent review sites of various bakers to obtain an unbiased grouping of reviews from customers. Ask a friend who used a particular baker to detail her experience.
Start gathering photos of cakes from magazines and Pinterest to create a portfolio of styles you most prefer.
Here's some inspiration: http://www.pinterest.com/upstatewedding/bakers-hudson-valley-wedding/
What to Know:
• An approximate amount of guests
• Photos of your cake preferences to show the baker and find out if he/she can create your dream cake
• Color swatches of your décor and theme
• An approximate budget
• Your favorite flavors plus choices of icing: butter cream, whipped cream, or fondant
Questions to Ask:
Can I schedule a sit-down tasting session to choose flavors?
Are rentals available, such as a cupcake tower or cake stand?
Do you have a selection of cake toppers?
Can I provide my own?
If I am planning to have a floral adornment on the cake, is this the responsibility of the florist or does the bakery’s delivery staff put on the flowers?
Can I order a “First Anniversary” cake made to freeze?
What is the approximate portion size of a slice?
If I’m having cupcakes, how many per guest is the allotment?
If I am interested in a candy or dessert bar in addition to the traditional cake, is this also an option?
Is the delivery fee and set-up included in the cake cost? Is there a limited distance for delivery?
How much is the deposit? Is it refundable within a certain time period, and when are any installments and final payments due?
Hudson Valley/Catskills Wedding Bakers & Sweets-makers:
Alternative Baker
Rosendale, 845-658-3355
lemoncakes.com
The Alternative Baker is widely renowned for their handmade traditional and alternative baked goods. Just like the sweet odors emanating from their ovens, their baked goods are made only with the most natural of ingredients. Their flours are not bleached or bromated (some are organic), they use fresh shell eggs, whole fresh milk, unsalted butter without additives, pure olive oil or extra-virgin olive oil, and canola oil—they also make spelt and vegan cakes!
Blue Mountain Bistro-To-Go
Kingston, 845-340-9800
bluemountainbistro.com
Blue Mountain Bistro Catering is an award-winning catering company located in Kingston. The bakery features all house-made treats that include custom wedding cakes, fresh fruit pies and tarts, panna cotta, chocolate mousse and tiramisu, a host of great cookies, muffins, scones, and croissants! This is the dessert table of possibilities.They pride themselves on their impeccable, professional, and honest service and invite you to relax and be a guest at your own event!
Lucky Chocolates
Saugerties, 845-246-7337
luckychocolates.com
Handmade, luxurious, small-batch chocolates made from organic and fair-trade chocolate. Perfect for your wedding bar or as favors your guests will love you for!
Main Course Catering
New Paltz, 845-255-2600
maincoursecatering.com
Not only can Main Course take care of all the planning and catering, they can also create the perfect wedding cake and all the desserts to make your wedding super sweet!
Moxie Cupcakes
New Paltz, 845-255-2253
moxiecupcake.com
Cupcake freaks from all over the Hudson Valley and beyond are ecstatic about Moxie Cupcakes. They use fine organic ingredients—fair-trade cocoa, pure Madagascar vanilla beans, rich European butter, local eggs, and fruit that are artfully whipped into a kaleidoscope of cupcake choices, including gluten-free and vegan. With multiple awards under their belt, Moxie is a guaranteed way to satisfy the pickiest of guests.
The Village TeaRoom
New Paltz, 845-255-3434,
thevillagetearoom.com
All of the TeaRoom’s cakes are made with sweet cream butter, Feather Ridge Farm eggs, Nielsen Massey pure vanilla extract, King Arthur unbleached flour from hard spring wheat, and Rumford non-aluminum baking powder. They use Ronny Brook Farm’s old-fashioned cream. They can always customize any cake to suit your preferences. Their stunning wedding cakes have been featured in Style Me Pretty and are as delicious as they are beautiful, and they are famous for their honey bee cake!
