1st of all Welcome to Cake Central! If you stick with us you will learn a wealth of knowledge!
The first step most people take are the Wilton classes. They are geared towards beginner and they give you a good start to basics. I think culinary school would be a big investment if you found out you didn't want to decorate! Try out the Wilton first and see if you like it! 
Stephanie
My daughter and I took the 3 Wilton classes and they were great -- we learned a lot. But we still have a long way to go to catch up with some of the talented people on this site. I know several cake decorators whose work is unbelievable and they didn't take any classes. Margaret Braun is on the Food Network as a judge at cake competitions (she is the sister-in-law of one of the attorney's in my office) and she taught herself. I think a lot of it is just practice, practice, practice. But I do suggest the Wilton classes so you can get the basics. Good luck.
I took the first two Wilton classes and fell in love. I've always loved baking, but my Wilton experience took my love to another level. It was like an epiphany! As I finished the second course, I enrolled in Culinary School and am currently a student. Not a day goes by that I don't second guess my decision on my investment. (Getting an education is very important to me). But I must say that this site has already taught me so much about decorating as I haven't gotten to that part of the curriculum yet. 
Good luck either way!
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