I am meeting with the couple for my first wedding cake. I want to make sure that I am prepared.
First, what kind of things to I need to make sure I ask?? For example, number of guests, colors, decorations, fondant vs. buttercream, etc.
Also, I am meeting with them a week or two after this weekend to give them a tasting of my cakes. How do I go about that? Do I just make the cakes they are interested in or a larger variety?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Tips, hints... thank you in advance.
Get paid in full BEFORE wedding date. I explain this is to prevent them from having to worry about the "cake decorator" chasing down nervous bride and grooms asking for payment on their big day. I don't wish to bother them. AND to cover my costs of ingredients.
I always have a professional contract for them to sign that states exactly what I'm making for them, dates, times of delivery, address of delivery etc.
Phone numbers, and most of all agreed upon costs including tax.
I have never done tastings....seems like a lot of work, and I've seen where after ALL that work some brides go elsewhere because either their taste buds were off that day or they were quoted $3.00 cheaper elsewhere after all that work! Doesn't seem right to me. So far, I've just been able to convince them I will provide them with moist cake, fresh fillings and icings. 
First, what kind of things to I need to make sure I ask?? For example, number of guests, colors, decorations, fondant vs. buttercream, etc.
cake flavors, fillings, round or square cakes. Confirm what kind of table space you will need for the cake and that it is a sturdy table. Do they want a groom's cake? (an extra sale for ya!). Cake-on-cake or pillars?
REMIND THEM they will need to provide the plates and forks (if you are not providing those also). This is the biggest "Oh I forgot!" that happens to brides. I've done caterings in which they've gotten their cake elsewhere and when it was time for cakes, they've asked me "Do you have plates for the cake?" I remind them "I didn't make the cake, so no, I made no provisions for cake plates." This has gotten to be such a big problem for me that I've included it in my Terms of Agreement: It's the bride's responsibility to provide plates and forks if the cake is made by another decorator/bakery.
Also, I am meeting with them a week or two after this weekend to give them a tasting of my cakes. How do I go about that? Do I just make the cakes they are interested in or a larger variety?
I provide a 6" square white cake iced in white buttercream. I cut it in half, giving me two 3x6 cakes. I tort them and fill each with a different filling. This shows them I can bake. If they want a wedding cake of lemon, then it's going to taste just as good only it will taste like lemon! 
I don't make 4 or 5 different cakes......it's a "sampling" appointment and they are getting a "sample" of my work.
The most important question in a wedding consultation is what is your budget? Have pictures for them to look at. Get an idea of what they are looking for. I charge for tastings unless I feel like they are really going to sign with me. Other questions are cake flavors, buttercream/fondant,location etc. Also if you are using your stands,fountains make sure you get a deposit for them in case they don't get returned. Make sure eerything is in writing and you have a signature. If you want to pm me I can tell you all the stuff that is on my contract.
Good luck
Faye 
Aside from the flavors and designs ask for a fabric or ribbon sample of the colors so you can match the cake as closely as possible. Ask what flowers they will be using for the tables. Ask if they will be providing greenery for the base of the cake if they want that, and make sure they know it has to be at the reception location when you deliver the cake.
Ask for the address and telephone number of the reception location. If you are not familiar with it do a Mapquest and print our directions. Ask what time you can set the cake up, who will be there to let you in and sign you off, and a contact cell phone number of someone who will be onsight at the reception venue. If it is a summer wedding ask if the venue will be air conditioned.
Charge a deposit on anything you need returned and put a due date for returns in the contract.
If they are using a wedding topper make sure they get it to you a week before the wedding or that it will be at the reception site waiting for you on the cake table.
The day of delivery have a kit ready to take with you that includes, extra icing, extra flowers, cake bags and tips, icing spatula, scissors, a roll of paper towels or handi wipes and your camera.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%