Hello all. I think this is my first post - woohoo! LOL
Anyway, I've noticed the difference in pricing of cake decorating classes ranging from $22 for a 4 session Wilton course to $80 for a one session local home based pastry school. Is there any reason to take the higher end classes as opposed to Wilton? Thanks.

I think if you're just starting out, the Wilton classes are the way to go. I wouldn't pay more until you know more what you're doing and are learning more than just basics.

I've never had the chance to take one of the higher-end classes, but have taken and taught the Wilton ones. Personally, I think the Wilton classes are a good inexpensive intro to give you some basic skills that you can build on (and will market every Wilton product to you - which does let you know how to use/how may different applications). One caution is that the Wilton class you take is only as good as the instructor - many are good, but some are, well... Most of these things you can also learn by reading books, if you are good at visualizing.
I'd love to take a couple of the higher end classes - I think that they would be able to give you more "hands on" learning geared to a specific skill you would like to learn.
HTH

I think Wilton is a good starting point. It does cover the basics and if the class isn't too big you get more attention from the instructor. I had a great instuctor and am still friends with her. I also have taken the high end local classes from a great chef that has her own cake supply company. She makes the things you learn easy and fun. It is really not expensive when you realize the class is usually at least 4 hours and she gives you a discount on supplies. She offers different classes that specialize in a certain area like fondant, fondant flowers, topsy turvy cakes, shoe cake, etc.

Something you have to consider is what is included in the cost?

Wilton's 4 week courses are actually $45, but they have a 40% or 50% promos every month. They only include the course books. So while they are rather inexpensive, you will be purchasing supplies and that does start to add up.

I know there are one and two day classes that cost several hundreds but they usually include supplies.

So comparing the two can be like comparing apples to oranges.

What all does the $80 class offer? Will it cover the same, more, different things than the Wilton classes? Which things are you more interested in learning?

Thanks everyone. I will be taking the Wilton class starting Monday and didn't think about the added cost of supplies. I'm sure I'll learn a lot and will use this as a starting point. Thanks again.

I think the Wilton classes will give you enough skill to branch out on your own and try new things...so much of the art is self taught, once you know the basics.

Good luck!

Wilton is a great place to start, just be advised (and I say this as a former Wilton instructor) the whole point of the Wilton classes is to SELL you the Wilton products. I don't mean it's a scam or anything, please no one take it that way. I highly suggest those courses as a good basic 'education'. I just mean that they will push you toward purchasing as much of their stuff as they can.

I also 'second' the opinion that the course is only as good as the instructor. Some are awesome, and some suck rocks. Just like any teaching situation. I hope you get a good one!

They've recently updated the Wilton courses too. I took the "old" ones a few years ago and thought that they were a good start. I agree, though, that the course cost is low but the supplies cost is high (I bought my class kits with 50% off coupons from Michaels and some of the other essentials too) and that the course is only as good as your instructor. I had one instructor that was so-so and the other was fantastic...once I found her, I made sure to only sign up for her classes. Thankfully while she did her "duty" and told us all about the Wilton products, she also told us about some other options too!

Wilton is a great place to start to get the basics. It's too bad their instructiors aren't trained professionally. The one I had for the fondant course knew less then I did (and that wasn't much).

Hahahaha. Personally, I don't know what's so bad about sucking rocks... unless you accidentally swallowed one! Sorry. Long day.

chefmomRD, Welcome to the forum!
I was retired and bored and had never had a hobby until this past March. On a whim I signed up for the 1st Wilton class at Michaels just to make cute birthday cakes for my great niece and nephews. Whew! I had zero clue that this would turn into an addictive, consuming hobby!

As a recent beginner who has moved on past the Wilton classes, I absolutely, positively, recommend that anyone interested in cake decorating take the Wilton classes first! These classes are an excellent basic introduction into the the tools, techniques, and terminology involved in cake decorating. I agree with all the comments above, you may get a teacher that is world-class, or you may get someone who knows only a tiny bit more than you, but either way, TAKE THE CLASSES! They are fun, and you will enjoy them along with learning a new skill. Take the more expensive classes AFTER you take all 3 Wilton courses if you need to.

The cost of supplies and tools average up to about $200 per course. This $200 average is of course, highly variable, so don't be put off by that dollar figure. Here's a link to a July 2010 Wilton thread "How much did it run everyone to take the class on average?" This thread will give you some excellent information.
http://www.wilton.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=13&threadid=139521&FTVAR_MSGDBTABLE=

chefmomRD, here are some links to Wilton class/supplies/student kits information.

1st link: Decorating Basics Student Supplies (you can compare to your kit)
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/decorating-basics-student-supplies.cfm

2nd link: Decorating Basics Student Resource Center
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/decorating-basics.cfm

3rd link: Decorating Basics Hints and Advice
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/decorating-basics-hints-and-advice.cfm

4th link: Wilton Method Class Resource Center (info like above for the other 2 courses)
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/

Wilton classes are the place to start..great starting point.

I was wondering if any of y'all have been to the Wilton School in IL?

I would like to go even though I have been through all of the Wilton classes. I'm unemployed right now and would love to be able to go, but the cost is too massive for me right now.

I would love to hear if anyone has gone and if it's worth it.

Thanks.

Thanks everyone for your responses. And thanks Apti for the links about the Wilton supplies and basic class - turns out I have everything except 2 tips, which I can pick up today. Hoping the instructor doesn't suck or swallow rocks. LOL! Thanks again!

You are welcome chefmomRD. You will have a great time in your classes and your instructor will be just fine. Attach some pics of your first cakes in this forum so we can all take a look and be proud of you!

i just finished th wilton 3-4 wk classes and the instructor was awsome, there was a lady there that had left the wilton class from another store and came to this one cuz she did`t like the instructor, and thats an important part of the class cuz she made it to be so much fun, we hated when the last class was finished,but im sure you will love it, good luck

Chefmomrd, trust your instincts...........call Wilton or ask at the place where you are taking the course and ask how you can change to the other instructor. You are after all paying for the class and should be getting your monies worth. Plus, Wilton and the store needs to know that their instructor is not up to par.

I'll call Wilton today. Unfortunately the two instructors are at different craft stores - one at Michaels and the other at JoAnns. Not sure if I can switch but I will at the very least let them know how I feel.