This is new to me, need to know what goes into a cake consultation and taste testing with a bride and her mom. I'm not into wedding cakes normally, so don't have a lot of experience. Most cakes I make are for family, and this isn't family.
Anyway, what should I be prepared for and what do you all do about cake tasting. They want to try strawberry and vanilla cakes. So, I guess I'll just make something basic... assuming I don't have to decorate it, just frost it, but if I'm wrong let me know!
I can basically use any and all advice you can all provide!
Thanks!
Wendy
I just make a small cake or cupcakes for them to taste. I wouldn't overdo decorations. I just did simple buttercream or fondant with whichever filling they wanted to try. I don't charge for the tasting. I've done them both at my home and at their home - i'm not a liscensed bakery - i'm a home baker and everyone has been referred to me. I haven't quoted serving the cake so I don't know about that.
Good Luck!
Debbie
I feel your pain...I had a consultation last week with someone that was not a family member or close friend. Maybe you can find some ideas from this thread.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-41737-.html
Congrats on your wedding consulatation! I've been doing them here and there. I usually make the tiny bite size cup cakes and squeeze a large drop flower of icing on top. (This is really great for brides who are watching their weight, they don't feel overwhelmed with a big piece of cake.) This works especially well if you only have the one consulatation for the week. You don't have all that wasted cake. I usually fix several extra for them to take home. It's really seemed to work out well. I'm also really up front with people when they call and warn them that I do this out of my home. Some people are really picky that way, others don't care. This really helps the percentage of my bookings.
When they arrive, I tell them about myself and how I got started decorating. Then I ask to see their design ideas. From there we decide on the design and serving size of the cake. Then I leave the room and let them taste the cake without me there. This way they feel more free to discuss what they like and what they don't. I try to give them a general idea of the price before I leave, but if they are deciding on several different cakes and fillings, it's impossible for me to give them something set in stone until they decide on flavor. While I'm gone, I start filling out the contract. I don't press them to make a decision right them because nobody likes a pushy sales person! 
I do remind them that dates fill up, so they need to book early. I tell them the price they have is good for one month from the date of the consult. Usually, they go to several tastings in one day, so they want to shop around. If I dont' hear back from them within the week, I send them a email thanking them for coming for the consultation and asking them if there are any further questions they have regarding my services. I'm really excited because a girl I met with about a month ago just wrote back to say that she's sending the signed contract and a deposit this week! Yay!!
I hope this is helpful and that your consultation goes wonderfully!
Sherilyn
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