Don't wait until the last minute to book your cake!
Hot weather weddings. If ordering a cake in the hot summer months and the reception is outside and cake will be kept outside it is recommended to order a fondant cake instead of buttercream as buttercream will melt. Look for your baker 6-8 months in advance. If your wedding is in the summer months, be sure to secure a date well in advance as these weekends fill quickly. Once your date is secure, you'll have time to find a cake that you like or even design your own with your cake artist which will include what it will look like, and choice of flavors, fillings, and colors.
Secure the date. Securing a date means leaving a deposit. Before securing a date with a baker, be sure you have talked with the person who will be designing & baking your cake. Arrange for a tasting and look through pictures of their creations. This will help you decide if they are the cake artist for you. Not only should you be impressed with the design of this "edible centerpiece", but the cake should taste delicious too!
A picture is worth a thousand words! Get pictures! Look at bridal books, cake books, & online to find the perfect design for your cake. Cut out or print out pictures of what you like especially if you like the shape of one and the details of another. Bring them with you to the appointment. Don't try to describe it to the baker without a picture because what you're thinking of is NEVER the same as what they are thinking of. Don't pick a cake just because it's the same color as your wedding, you can easily change the colors, flowers and design to suit your taste.
$$$$ Try to have an idea of what you want to spend on the cake before you make an appointment. Be realistic. This will be the main centerpiece at the wedding. Most importantly this will be the dessert to all your guests. Wedding Cakes cost anywhere from $5 - $12 per slice. The more details and flowers on the cake the more it will cost. Be sure to get enough to feed everyone! Some people say, "Not everyone eats cake." That is why it is very important that the cake is not only beautiful, but delicious too. If the cake is delicious, your guests WILL eat it.
1 Month before the wedding, call your baker. Go over your order. Be sure the date, time, and place of delivery is correct. Check all the details. Ask for the balance. Full payment is usually due at this time. | 
