Flour and Water?

OK, So Very Clever couples- it’s time to talk cake. I was watching "Father of the Bride" a few nights ago, and in addition to being one of the funniest Steve Martin movies ever, I absolutely ADORE Martin Short. Geez. What a freaking duo. Just add Chevy Chase and you have "The Three Amigos."
There was the part when they go to meet Frank ("Frahnk") and are perusing a book full of photos of cakes. The price on the cake Annie and Nina loved was $1,200 and this is what?Twenty years ago? Do the math- and yes, inflation does apply here.

This post is written for the Clever Guys because fact of the matter is- there is little I can do or say that will influence a bride's "taste" in cakes. You either like fondant or you don’t. You either insist upon red velvet (whatever that is) or MUST have chocolate under that white French buttercream. The cake either matters a great deal or not at all- and if it doesn’t, think about the soon-to-be-overdone "cupcake tower"or individual desserts.

Cakes are not essential to the reception, as some couples opt for a less traditional offering, but they still are the mainstay, and like so many aspects of this industry they are a big business. In the south, it is traditional for the bride to design for the groom a cake featuring a favorite hobby, pastime or indulgence (usually chocolate).

Now, guys, I am asking you to be Clever when you want to save money. You can decline the groom’s cake ahead of time (to save money), and a good way to word it is to say you’d like nothing to detract from her (traditionally white) cake. You must know several things about a bride’s cake. Often, they are more like art pieces than food, seamlessly integrated into the overall theme or feel of the reception. They quite often don’t taste good and can cost more than your dad’s first car.

Keep things fun for yourself by attending all of the tastings. Try not to bitch and complain too much about the price because, frankly, in the grand scheme of things (interesting the word scheme), it is a relatively small expenditure. An added bonus to the cake tasting is another opportunity to score big with your future bride and her mother. Generously deferring to their superb taste will earn many, many points that may prove useful at some other time in the preparations.

Pick your battles. Keep your own secret priority list so that you can rub her back and say "Whatever you want, babe" most of the time. This way, she will feel you are giving in to her desires as often if not more than you are voicing your desires. This way, when you want your University of Michigan groom’s cake, which will clash with her pink and platinum color scheme, she will figure out a way to make it happen. After all, you really haven’t asked for much. It’s a system - you need to know how to work it.

Now, Clever Girls? If the thought of his University of Michigan maize and blue groom’s cake prominently displayed next to your statuesque, seven-tier handcrafted cake/sculpture makes you dizzy or light-headed, work out a plan with your band or DJ. After the cutting of the bride’s cake, bust out with "Hail to the Victors" and roll that baby in! Your husband will very much appreciate the fanfare and his college pals will revel in hearing their favorite tune- and honestly, it is the BEST fight song ever.

If you need some recommendations for cake- let me know! I’m a big fan of a few locations in DFW. For more local planning articles, check out these that I’ve written. For more information on the above featured cake- please call Debbie Vaughn of Debbie Vaughn Productions.