Wedding cakes are often the center of attention at wedding receptions. Everyone looks forward to seeing what unique creation you have selected as they arrive at your reception venue. Selecting that special cake can be the most enjoyable part of your wedding planning. And being prepared is a big part of keeping it fun.

Before you select a bakery for your cake, you will need to have a fairly accurate idea of how many guests you will be serving. Most bakeries charge by the number of people the cake is intended to feed.

Know your budget. A good pastry chef will be able to work within your parameters and still create something you will love.

Have some idea of what you want the cake to look like. Select a few bakeries that you are interested in, or which have been recommended to you, then take a look at their on-line gallery of past creations. Know what appeals to you and what doesn’t. Ideas from wedding magazines are also helpful. If you have a vision of what you want, be able to express it clearly; make a drawing, or bring a sample of the colors you want to include.

Select a design that fits your wedding and reception themes. A four-tiered lacy cake may seem out of place at a beach side wedding, and multiple tiers of wildly colorful cupcakes may not feel appropriate for a formal setting.

Set up in-person appointments to taste several of the flavors and combinations you are considering. Keep these appointments personal. Don’t include your entire wedding party in the selection process. Include just one or two trusted friends who share your tastes. And then let the fun begin.

From simple to spectacular, Santa Cruz wedding bakeries will create the wedding cake you’ve been dreaming of.

Margaret’s French Bakery. Elegant cakes made from scratch with the finest ingredients.

The Buttery. Exactly what you need to complement any festive occasion.

Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria. When selecting your wedding cake be as creative as you wish.

Original Sin Desserts Bakery and Catering. Custom wedding cakes to fit any budget.

Pure Bliss Baking Company. Cakes and decadent desserts.

Icing on the Cake. Creating desserts and sharing them since 1985.

Fleur de Cocoa, Patisserie Chocolaterie. Have the wedding cake of your dreams.

Hoffman’s Bistro & Patisserie. Award winning cakes since 1984.

Freedom Bakery & Confections. Our treats are delicious to the mouth and eyes.

Heather’s Patisserie. All produced under the watchful eye of Heather Liner: Chef-Patisierre.

Just Cake. Extraordinary wedding and celebration cakes.

Sweet Roxy’s. Gourmet cupcakes, custom designed candy buffets and dessert tables.

Starz Cupcakes. Our Towers of Power make a striking alternative to the ordinary wedding cake.

Cakes by Veronica. There is no replacement for experience. Personalized, customized cakes, just for you.

Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes. The very best available.