The Perfect Wedding and the Bridal Breakdown

So often we see the television shows and movies about the "crazy" brides. You know the ones -- screaming, punching, throwing things or down right crying that nothing is going right. We all laugh and certainly say we will never be one of them. Though this is a little exaggerated, there are brides in real life that behave this exact way. They want the perfect wedding and by wanting it so bad they ultimately set themselves up to have what I refer to as a Bridal Breakdown.

The Bridal Breakdown Basics
Bridal breakdowns are where a bride finds that she is not happy with anything. Any aspect of the wedding, even when it is going according to plan, will not satisfy her. Everything must be perfect. These types of brides also tend to want a dream wedding and financially or physically cannot obtain it. Though every girl wants that grand and gorgeous wedding, they may not actually get what they are hoping for. That is with anything in life, but for some reasons weddings really showcase this. Sure you want to drive a Mercedes, but sometimes all you can afford is a Honda. You know what? Hondas are not too shabby and they sure are a lot lighter on the pocket book. So what is my advice to brides?

Be Realistic
In todays economy everyone is buckling down. So is the wedding industry. Wedding vendors are raising their prices to afford supplies and engaged couples are shopping around for the best deal. As a bride, you need to be realistic about what you can and cannot have at the wedding. More so you need to accept it. That is easier said than done, but even though you want that grand wedding, sometimes you must accept that you cannot afford to pay for that yourself and your parents may not either. Trust me, your parents want you to have that grand wedding too. Nothing is more painful on the parents of a bride, than knowing they cannot give her the ultimate wedding.

Just to help put it in perspective, the average grand catering job costs $25 to $40 per person (so a 100 person wedding just cost you $4,000 and that doesn't include catering tips, rentals and service fees...which are additional). The average grand wedding cake costs over $1,000. The average grand wedding dress is easily $8,000 to $10,000. The average grand floral arrangements cost at least $1,000. That's totaling already $15,000 minimum and we have not covered even an eighth of what you have to purchase for a wedding.

Be Crafty
If you want that perfect wedding, you need to find ways to save. Rather than real flowers, use fake flowers. Sure that is not the same, but the savings alone are more than worth it. Use that savings to put towards catering, a better venue or that dream gown. There are always places to make cuts to afford what you want. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars on decorations, ask yourself how many of those decorations you and a few friends can tackle on and make yourself. I promise you that about 30 to 40 percent of all wedding decorations can be made for half the price on your own. Now you have just freed up more funds. See the point?

Be Positive
No matter what, carry a positive attitude. Even if you are downright upset, depressed or feeling negative, fake the positive attitude. Positive attitudes will help you get what you want out of vendors. Vendors are more forthcoming and helpful when they are dealing with a positive bride. After all, would you go out of your way to help someone who is constantly negative and/or bitter? The more you bring a positive attitude to the planning, the more you will notice that you are actually thinking positively about something you once thought as negative. Its basic psychology and it works.

Be There for the Moment
The bottom line, is a wedding is not about how many guests you invite, how many tiers your wedding cake is or how much crystal is present at the reception. A wedding is about two people who have decided to dedicate their love for one another and want to be together for the rest of their lives. That is a beautiful thing. That is something so meaningful and such a special moment that you want to remember. Don't remember the wedding planning as a negative thing or that the wedding wasn't how you wanted it. After all, you wanted to marry that person didn't you? Then that is all that matters. You got what you wanted...the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.

How to Handle It All
Now I am well aware that wedding planning is a stressful task. One thing that you need to remember is to give yourself time, but also take time AWAY from the planning. Do not let it consume you. Go to bed at night not thinking about all that is left or how you are not getting what you want, but think about how excited you are to be getting married. If you need to scream (which is completely normal) do it in a private room, into your pillow or just about any secluded way you can find. Do not take it out on wedding vendors, your fiance, friends or family. This is not for their benefit, it is for yours. You do not want to look back or regret letting people have it that did not deserve it.

Pre-Made Sugar and Gumpaste Flowers

Looking for gumpaste flowers? Kali Katering makes pre-made gumpaste flowers that you can put on your cakes, cupcakes and more. 

Looking to make gum paste flowers of your own? Kali Katering will be launching a tutorial page on how to make anything from orchids to roses to carnations. Check back frequently for more information. 

In the mean time you can order your pre-made sugar flowers by clicking here: Sugar Flowers

Check back for more posts soon!

How to Make Royal Icing

Royal icing is a stiff decorator's icing that is used to fill in cookies, create stencils on cakes and pipe intricate designs. Though there are numerous royal icing recipes out there, this one is quick, simple and gets the job done. Visit the Recipes page to see the recipe!

How to Dense Up Cake Mix (Boxed)

Cake mix seems to be frowned upon by a lot of people, but I am not sure why. Do you know how many professional cake decorators and bakeries use cake mixes? Sure they are commercial grade, but often they are purchased from companies like Pillsbury (who makes boxed cake mix!). Though cake mixes are great for cupcakes, they are hardly the case for a cake that needs to stand up to decorations.  Though a lot of recipes out there call for additives like pudding or gelatin, I think that is the wrong way to go.  These cakes tend to come out uncomfortably spongy and have a texture that just does not feel good in my opinion.  

So how do you dense up a cake mix?  Visit the "Recipe" page to see my Densed Up White Cake Mix!

Happy eating!

Wedding Planning Checklist - 12 Months Before

When it comes time to plan your wedding, you can find your head spinning.  Flowers, dresses, venue, etc.  There is a lot to do when it comes to planning a wedding and knowing what to start with can be a task in itself.  Instead of guessing which task to do first or diving in rather haphazardly, a wedding planning checklist may be just what you need.  This guide will give you the first essential steps that you should begin at least a year prior to the wedding date.

One Place For It All!

The first step is to find a binder or empty folder and designate it as your “Wedding Planning Folder”.  Only information, paperwork, contracts, etc regarding the wedding will ever go in this folder.  You can start browsing online, magazines, etc for ideas for your wedding and place those ideas in the folder to keep them all in one handy place. The more you are organized the better it will pan out later.

Budget!

Wedding planning will always revolve around a budget.  So this is the first step that should be on your wedding planning checklist.  If you do not have a budget, then how do you know how much to spend on flowers or the caterer?  Designate funds based on the amount of money your family, yourself, or even the groom will be contributing.

Select the Wedding Party

Before you pick out dresses, a venue, etc, you need to know the wedding party.  Yourself and your groom should sit down and select how many will be on each side and ask your friends if they will be your bridesmaids or groomsmen to ensure they are actually in.

Know Who To Invite

The next important step in wedding planning is the guest list.  Now that you have a budget, you have a general idea of how many people you can afford to entertain at the wedding.  Sit down with your family and the groom and go over who you want to invite.  If your budget is rather limited, then cut whomever you can.  Make a spreadsheet with the guests you are inviting and another column for whether or not they are really attending when it comes time for RSVPs. 

Get Some Help

Not all of us can afford a wedding planner, but if you can, they can be useful to have around.  Wedding planners do this stuff for a living and therefore are rather knowledgeable about what to do and when to do it.  If you cannot afford one, do not worry.  Many brides plan their weddings solo just fine with the support of their family and friends.

Start the Research Process and Book the Location

Research takes time and if you wait until the last minute you are going to realize there is not enough time to do it right.  Research venues, photographers, florists, cake artists and more.  Get a good idea of who is good, who has great reviews, which is available for the date you are thinking and their general pricing.  At this point you are only researching, not purchasing.  That way you will be informed enough that when it comes time to hire, you have selected the right person for the job.

Lastly, at least a year prior to your reception you should select and reserve your venue.  Many venues, especially between April and August, will be booked well over a year out.  To get the date you actually want, your best bet is to book early enough to get it.

Knowing what to do a year before the wedding is essential to making the wedding planning a lot less stressful.  Though these are little tasks, by completing them you will be that much closer to ending the planning process and that saner when it is over.

Spring Time is Here!

When spring begins to roll around the corner most of us think of Easter.  Kali Katering has some delicious Easter and spring cupcakes for you to order and they are on special through the end of March.  Order your spring inspired cupcakes by March 31st and receive 10% off the price!

Easter Basket Cupcakes

$15.00 per dozen

Spring Basket Cupcakes

$25.00 per dozen

Easter Assortment

$25.00 per dozen

Pastel Collection

$20.00 per dozen

Order by calling (801)541-5331 or emailing orders@orderkali.com.

Visit us by clicking here.

Cupcakes come in the following flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry Swirl, Strawberry Shortcake, Lemon, Orange Creme, Almond Creme, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Raspberry and Chocolate Strawberry

Creating the Perfect Backyard Wedding

In today's economy, selecting a lavish venue for your wedding is not always within the budget.  Even though you cannot host your wedding at the grand ballroom of your city, you can still have an elegant and classic wedding by using a backyard.  The backyard wedding is certainly limited by the amount of space there is to use, but the amount of money you can save by hosting your wedding in your backyard or that of a friend or family member can go towards your honeymoon or even a down payment on your house.

Space
Space is the most important factor for that backyard wedding. Consider the amount of space you have to work with first as part of the planning.  There should be enough space for people to maneuver between chairs, tables and other people.  Utilize deck and patio spaces if you can as well.

Weather
Let's face it - the weather man is notorious for being wrong when it comes to determining the weather. When planning a backyard wedding the weather will certainly be a factor in the success (or failure) of the event's outcome. Though you should research the weather and the almanac, you should also have a back up plan in the event the weather does act up.  Remember that if planning a wedding in the summer you need to plan for hot weather as well.  Have cold drinks and covered areas where your guests can sit without being exposed to too much heat or sunlight.  You will need to have covered areas for food and especially for your wedding cake to ensure that everything is safe to eat throughout the ceremony and reception.

Use a Theme
Backyard weddings do not have to be considered "casual".  A backyard wedding can still be planned out to be elegant and very romantic.  Try introducing a theme such as garden party, tea party or rose garden romance for themes to make your wedding feel a little less casual.  Of course, you can still have a casual wedding and even do a fun picnic theme or summer party theme.

Planning is Key
When you are hosting a backyard wedding you are usually doing all of the planning that a wedding planner will normally do for a venue.  Purchase wedding planning books and look up online for wedding planning checklists so that you ensure you cover every aspect of the planning and in a timely manner.

Budget for Improvements
Not everyone's backyard is ready to be a host of a wedding.  Set aside some money for your backyard wedding planning to improve your backyard and even hire a professional landscape artists to come in and update the area if needed. Not only does this improve the overall look of your backyard, but will increase your property value as well.

Plants and Flowers
The entire point of a backyard wedding is to be engulfed in nature.  Order plants and flowers that you can actually plant in your backyard so that you can keep them forever, but try to keep everything in theme with the wedding.

Music and Lighting
Unlike a normal venue, music and lighting are something you will have to plan out.  From a wedding supply store you can order paper lamps and electrical kits so that you can light up your backyard just like a professional venue. Hire a professional DJ or artist to come in and explain to them that the wedding will be in an open backyard so that they can plan.  Most musicians will need some hard and clear surface for their equipment as well as some form of covering.  You can order a tent from a party supply store or try to put your musicians on a covered porch.

Be Cost Effective
Many brides that use a backyard for a wedding assume that they are saving so much they go crazy with the decor.  You can actually save more money by borrowing vases and decorations from family and friends and at the end of the wedding donate decorations or food to local charities as part of a tax write-off at the end of the year.  The more you save, the more effective your backyard wedding will be.

Fondant: What is it and why do I want to use it?

I get a lot of customers asking about fondant.  In definition, fondant is a pliable sugar dough that can be rolled out, dyed and applied in different applications to cakes, cookies and cupcakes.  Most fondants are made from basic ingredients of powdered sugar, water, gelatin, corn syrup, glycerin and flavoring. Commercial fondants do have a few added ingredients as well (don't they all?).

Commercial Fondants
Commercially made fondants such as Satin Ice, Pettinice or Wilton brand are all made with a few added ingredients such as Tylose to harden the fondant like gumpaste and other preservatives.  Why use commercial fondants?  Though they have added ingredients, commercial fondants are stable and most importantly PREDICTABLE. I use Satin Ice for all of my cakes.  It tastes great (flavored with vanilla) and it is the smoothest dough in my opinion.  Wilton brand is one of the worst brands I have seen.  This fondant tends to crack and is not pliable, especially when rolling it for a larger cake.  I actually injured my shoulder trying to roll this fondant.  Aside from its lack of user friendly materials, it is also one of the worst tasting fondants.

Homemade Fondant
Homemade fondant has become a popular trend with so many cake decorators working out of their home or those decorating for hobby. It is cheaper, but very unpredictable.  One wrong measurement or a temperature change in your home and your homemade fondant can be sticky, gummy or extremely dry.  Homemade fondant does not harden over like commercially prepared fondants, which means colors can fade and fondant can start slipping off your cake in warmer conditions.  There are two types of homemade fondant -- marshmallow and classic recipe.  Though both are these are good for beginners, when making cakes professionally I highly recommend purchasing fondant.  In the long run the cost savings are not worth the hassle of unpredictable products.

Why Use Fondant?
A lot of clients want to know why they should use fondant on their cake. For wedding cakes, fondant is a stable product.  Your wedding cake will hold up in warmer temperatures (especially for an outdoor wedding), but also have a more refined and finished look.  When it comes to specialty cakes, there are certain decorations or styles that you need fondant in order to complete.  Designs such as the quilted pattern, require the use of fondant.  Do you have to use fondant?  Absolutely not, but when you are planning a wedding or party, consider where your cake will be, the weather and the overall design you are trying to achieve.

Though a lot of people comment to me that they do not like fondant, it usually comes to find out that they were either eating the Wilton brand or a homemade version of fondant.  Fondant is not necessarily used on a cake for its edible quality, but more so the design properties it brings to the table. Most cake decorators will have buttercream between the fondant and cake so that you and your guests can peel away the fondant and pretend it was never on the cake to start.

So in the end...fondant is a good medium to use, especially if you plan on decorating cakes professionally yourself.  Look for other posts on how to use fondant, dye fondant and even make fondant.

Lori

Yesterday, Saturday the 12th, I had the pleasure of doing a cake for Lori in Deweyville, Utah.  The cake was a three-tier round with lavender fondant accented by a quilting pattern.  Then I topped it off with an edible fondant bow.  The cake was red velvet with vanilla bean buttercream filling and fed about 75 people.

Unfortunately I had to assemble the cake and leave it in the kitchen area for the couple to move later since they were setting up for the ceremony first.  Therefore I did not get the best photos.

Getting a Wedding Cake on a Budget

Wedding cakes are expensive. Most of us have never realized this until we start to shop for one. Many range anywhere from $50.00 - $1,000.00+! Of course, pricing depends on where you live as well. If  you live in a busy area such as Los Angeles or New York City you will pay more than someone who lives in Utah.  Economy is everything. However, that doesn't mean you can't find a great tasting and amazing looking cake within your budget.

1. Know Your Budget - This is, after all, the bottom line. If you do not want to spend more than $200.00 for a cake, it doesn't matter how big, how many servings, etc. $200.00 is the bottom line. Your decorator needs to know this. This helps them not design you a cake for $500.00 when you cannot afford it. It also helps them actually design you a cake within that budget. 

With knowing your budget, you have to realize you can only go so far with so much. Wedding cakes are EXTREMELY difficult to make. They take talent, expertise, and a lot of time. They cost a lot of money for a reason and you have to respect what a baker charges. I would be weary of bakers that are willing to low ball. If it's a valued product, great tasting, and good looking, no one should low ball their product.

2. Know Your Style - Look through Bridal magazines, internet searches, blogs, etc. Find samples of cakes and styles you like. Know your colors and theme. If you are doing a fun party wedding, then look for a more modern and fun cake. If you are doing a very elegant wedding, you want a sophisticated cake. Realize, also, that your budget will limit you on designs. Do not pick an extremely elaborate design with a very small budget. Also realize that the more detail work, the more money.

3. Know Your Guest Count - Not everyone you invite will show, not everyone that shows will stay late for the cake cutting, and not everyone will even eat cake that actually stays. I say only plan on 65-75% of your guests eating the cake. If you plan on saving your top tier, the decorator needs to know this. This will affect the size of your cake when it comes to servings. 

4. Sheet Cakes and Cupcakes - If you are on a limited budget, cupcakes and sheet cakes are life savers...or should I say wallet savers. You can get a smaller wedding cake and serve sheet cakes or serve regular and mini cupcakes.  Many people will just have all cupcakes on a cupcake tower with the top tier being the real cake for the Bride and Groom to cut. Cupcakes are young and fun, but can be very elegant when decorated right. You can also have a dummy cake. Where the tiers of your wedding cake are fake and give you the look of an elegant cake, but you actually serve sheet cakes and cupcakes to your guests.

5. Choosing Flavors - When choosing flavors of your cake, cupcakes, and sheet cakes, be sure you choose flavors that the majority will eat. Just remember if you pick something like Key Lime, you may not get a lot of people eating that cake. The worst thing if you are on a tight budget is to spend a lot of money on a cake that does not get eaten. Stick to the classic flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemon, etc. Ask your cake decorator for popular flavors and fillings. Some cake decorators will give you a discount if the entire cake is the same flavor. Also be aware that some decorators will actually charge you more for certain flavors. So always be sure to ask what costs what in the end.

6. Buttercream or Fondant - Without a doubt, buttercream cakes are much cheaper in cost. Fondant cakes usually cost 25-50% more than a buttercream cake. Though this is a tempting route, you must also think of venue. If your cake is going to be outdoors or if the room in which your reception is held will be warmer than 75F, you may want to stick to fondant. Though buttercream is cheaper and tastes better, a cake that sinks and melts at your reception defeats the purpose of paying all that money and saving a buck.

7. Delivery Fees - Many cake decorators can charge a range of $25.00 - $100.00+ to actually deliver your wedding cake. If you are on a tight budget you can always pick up your cake yourself. If delivery is free, then take advantage. Ask your decorator how much they charge for delivery. Just remember that transporting a cake and putting it together is not easy. So ask yourself if it is worth saving the delivery fee.

8. Shop Around - You should always shop around for a cake decorator. Never go with the first one and do not always just go with the cheaper one. Sometimes there are decorators that are cheap for a reason. Not all cheaper decorators are horrible, but just something to watch out for. Many decorators will offer to beat another competitors pricing as well. Go visit Bridal Expos and Shows. Many will have discounts just for visiting their booth and some even have drawings for free wedding cakes.

9. Making Your Own Wedding Cake - Though this is tempting, wedding cakes are extremely difficult to make. If you absolutely wish to make your own cake, realize that many take up to three days to bake, fill, frost and design.  They are very extensive and require a lot of hours in order to complete.  Instead of making the cake yourself, you can always order a cake that is baked, tiered, and frosted and then you do the decorations yourself. There are a lot of companies that sell gumpaste flowers and decorations that you can buy to place on your cake and have the professional look without the cost while you do all the baking and frosting.

10. It's Just a Cake - The wedding cake is important, but just a cake. If you are on a limited budget you can always scrap the cake and serve sheet cakes or do cupcakes. When you are looking at 350+ people, it is usually cheaper to serve sheet cakes with a smaller tiered cake than try to get a wedding cake that will actually feed 350 people.

Always ask your cake decorator for ways to save costs. There are a lot of bakeries and cake decorators that offer "Budget Cakes". Usually they are a generic flavor and very basic decorations. However if you are on a tight budget, it is the way to go. Just remember that if you are on a super tight budget, you may not be able to get the bells and whistles of a grand cake without being willing to increase the budget. In the end, there are so many things to worry about for your wedding that you should never spend all the money on just a wedding cake. Know your budget and just stick within it. No one is going to think any different of a smaller wedding cake out there on that table.

Rapunzel

Since we are doing character doll cakes for Princess Parties of Utah, I had the pleasure of making a Rapunzel doll cake for a birthday girl this weekend.

The cake was vanilla with vanilla buttercream.

Photography by Casey Lowe

Hiring a Wedding Caterer: What Every Couple Should Know

After catering for over seven years, I have compiled a list of things that brides and grooms should always note and take into consideration when meeting and hiring a caterer. There are a lot of things caterers will not tell you.  Not because they are trying to cheat you out of your money, but simply because this is their industry and many caterers assume you know their industry when you actually don't.


1. Venue - You should always have your venue selected before hiring a caterer. The venue not only determines your guest count (some venues hold more than others), but the type of kitchen/accommodations for the caterer. Also some venues do not allow outside caterers. If they only allow you to choose from their list, you can still use this guide, but just realize some aspects are different.

If your venue does allow you to use outside caterers, sky is the limit. If you can only choose from their list, then you have to stick to those caterers as well as the prices they charge. Always let your caterer know the venue and if there is a kitchen. When there is no kitchen equipment, the caterer is required to bring additional equipment and usually there is a charge for this. Also, know if your venue does clean-up or if the caterer needs to bring additional staff. Often times caterers will charge you an additional 5% if they need to bus tables.


2. Guest Count - You need to know a guest count when meeting with the caterer. How do you determine guest count? Well, first you add up the total amount of invitations you are sending out. Deduct any guests that are out of town or that you know for a fact will not show. With the number you are left I usually say add 20%. Why 20%? Well, though you may have 100 invitations out there with people that will come, remember that people do not typically show to a wedding alone. Therefore for each invitation you send out, you are possibly getting two to even three people (especially those going to families) showing. Do not rely on RSVP's. I have noticed that many people do not send them in. If you are doing a formal sit-down dinner, then RSVP is important and you should require it on all invitations. 


All catering menus are priced per person. Many charge different prices for different guest count brackets. So having an accurate amount of guests when you meet will get you accurate pricing. Also, remember that when you order food for 100 guests, when 200 guests show your caterer will not have the food on hand to actually feed the additional guests.


3. Type of Service - When it comes to catering you can have a formal sit-down service, buffet service, or even just passed hors d'oeuvres. It all depends on the setting, guest count, and your budget. Sit-down dinners cost considerably more than a buffet. Many caterers will charge to do tray passed hors d'oeuvres. Tray passed simply means that servers go around with trays to offer to your guests. It is very similar to a cocktail party. Buffets tend to be easier on your pocket book, but also your sanity. You do not have to worry about guests sending in the RSVP's with what dishes they want, because you just order the array and they eat what they want. Buffets, however, are only as good as the guest count you provide. They can run out very quickly if the caterer is not given the right guest count.

4. Selecting Your Menu Items - When it comes to selecting menu items, I typically tell my brides to realize that there are others eating this menu. Do not select or pass over items that only cater to your personal tastes. Honestly, the Bride and Groom RARELY even get to eat at their own wedding. You are feeding the majority. So if you do not like fruit or cheese platters, realize that others may. If you order 200 servings of spicy kabobs, realize that not everyone likes spicy. Also, always try to have at least one vegetarian item. Even if it's just a vegetable tray.

When selecting your menu, many caterers already have packages that include your choice of entrée, sides, trays, etc. If your budget allows, try to get at least two different entrees, two different sides, one or two salads, and platters of fruits, crackers, cheeses, and vegetables. If you cannot afford two entrees, then select one that you know a vast majority will eat. Not sure? Ask the caterer. They do this stuff for a living. They should be able to tell you what people will and will not eat. 


Also realize that if you order an entire catering package (i.e. appetizers, entrees, sides, and platters) do know that you do not actually get 100 servings of each. If you order 100 servings of a catering package, the caterer will split up the servings how they see/know fit.   If you have three different appetizers, there will not be 100 servings of each one. There may be 100 of the most popular, 70 of another, 50 of another, or they may just split it evenly three ways. Many do not realize this and must tell their caterer if they want a certain amount of servings of an item.


Base your menu around your style of wedding. If you are doing a casual, fun wedding, serve appetizers. Why do a full meal when most people are going to be up and dancing? It will save you money and still feed your guests. Or do a dessert bar! It's the new fad. Cupcakes, candy bars, chocolate dipped strawberries, etc. If you are doing an elegant reception, then select more elegant and sophisticated menu items. Remember, food sets the tone just as much as décor.

5. Catering Yourself or Having a Friend Cater - Just don't do it. Catering is a lot of work. The last thing you should do as a bride or groom is have yourself or even immediate family cater your wedding. It's best to leave it to the professionals. They do this daily. I, myself, am a caterer and I would not cater my own wedding (if that helps put it in perspective). You have so much going on, that it's impossible to focus on cooking food for people as well. Having friends cater can be stressful. Unless your friend is a professional caterer, I would still leave it to the pros.

6. Wedding Cakes - Many caterers will offer wedding cakes with their catering packages. Be careful. Majority of the time you are not getting a deal and majority of caterers do not have in-house pastry chefs. They actually outsource and purchase your wedding cake from a vendor. Meaning, they do not even make the cake you just paid them for. If they are paying someone else to make it, and you are paying the caterer, they need to profit. Therefore they charge you more than the person who made the cake for them. Ask your caterer if they actually make the cakes in-house or if they purchase them. If the caterer makes the cake, ask if they have an actual pastry chef making the cake. Sometimes it is just a service member using a boxed mix. Sometimes it is better to get your cake from a professional. There are companies that do both perfectly. My catering company makes our own cakes (from scratch) as well as the actual meal. It's always important to ask.


7. Drinks and Bartending - Before hiring a bartender, be sure your venue allows alcohol to be served within their venue. Many do not. There are some that will allow bartending, but only with their bartenders or a fee for an outside vendor.  If you are having a bar service from a separate company, do not pay your caterer to also provide beverages. Usually you can reduce your catering bill. Or just have your caterer supply the water.

8. Shopping Around - Do not hire the first caterer you meet. Many will try to reel you in during your consultation, but be sure to shop around. Get price comparisons and most importantly battle between your caterers. No local caterer wants to be beat by another. Usually they will beat a competitors pricing. Go to the local Bridal Shows and Expos. Usually there are many caterers there who actually showcase their work. Many offer discounts at the Expos. If you can only use a list of preferred vendors at your venue, then still shop around between those vendors. Many vendors offer discounts for mid-week weddings and off-season weddings (November - February).

9. References, Tastings, and Reviews - Always make sure your caterer has references. If they are a first-time caterer it doesn't mean they will be awful. Everyone has to start somewhere, but perhaps you should not use someone who is just starting out on your wedding. Order tastings! Many people do not order tastings from their caterers, and then do not like spices, combinations, etc that are in their menu items. If you do not taste it, you do not know what you are getting.

10. The Bottom Line and Fees - Know the fees. Many caterers will post pricing on their websites, but that is not the final cost. There is a sales tax, but also Service Fees. This will range anywhere from10% - 35% on top of the total bill. Some caterers will charge additional fees for having to bus tables, china service, linens, additional equipment required, bookings over three hours, etc. Know all the fees before you sign. Some caterers will add the fees at the end and some can increase your bill by $500.00+. Ask for all fees and ask for an estimate including any fee they can/will be charging you. Upfront pricing without even having to ask is a sign of a good caterer. Be sure your caterer does not charge you to cut the cake. Many charge a fee of $50.00 to just cut and serve the wedding cake.

Every caterer has their own style and menu options. Many caterers can add custom menu items if it is not on their current menu. Shop around, know what to look for, but more so go in there with the knowledge of catering and the ability to work the price to what you can and want to pay. Just remember that the wedding is just one day. The food is just the event. Don't break the bank feeding 200 people, but also realize that your budget may limit you, but does not mean you have to get bad quality either.

Doll Cakes

Last weekend Kali Katering had three doll cakes for Princess Parties of Utah.  These cakes come as part of a Princess Party package where a character shows up and hangs out with the kids, does a photo session and then they get to eat a princess cake.  Last weekend we did a Cinderella, a modified Cinderella and a Rapunzel cake.  

Take a look!  We will have more to come and we are working on different designs so please hang with us!

Rapunzel

Cinderella

Cinderella

Modified Cinderella

Modified Cinderella

(Photography by Casey Lowe)

We will have more to come soon!  If you are interested in booking a doll cake give us a call at 801-541-5331.  They do not have to be a well-known character.  If you are interested in ordering  Princess Party you can find their link through our website or visit their website by clicking here.

The Kali Katering Display at Idle Isle Candies

If you happen to frequent the Brigham City, Utah area then you have probably seen (and most likely eaten) Idle Isle Candies.  Located on Main Street this famous candy store has been creating handmade chocolates since 1921.  Here you can now also find the Kali Katering display!  Kali Katering has several cakes on display at the Idle Isle store for customers to see and we will be rotating out the display as often as possible.  Soon we plan to have a portfolio on display for customers to take a look through as well.  

Swing by and check out our display and while you are there have a few pieces of candy!

Bye Bye Cupcakes

Many of our customers know that we carry a large variety of cupcakes on our Cupcake Therapy menu.  A few times each year we remove cupcakes that have lost their popularity and replace them with new and exciting flavors.  This time around we are saying goodbye to just a few, but they will not be fully removed until April 1st.  Until then, these cupcakes can be purchased at $12.00 per dozen!

Say "goodbye" to:

Chocolate Creme

The decadent chocolate and marshmallow cream.  Where can you go wrong?  Rich double chocolate cupcake, marshmallow creme filling, and marshmallow creme topping.  Topped with chocolate shavings.

Ba Ba Blueberry

Vanilla blueberry cupcake, lemon whipped creme filling, and blueberry buttercream.  Topped with a fresh blueberry and mint.

French Toast

Not just for breakfast!  Cinnamon/Nutmeg and Vanilla cupcake, vanilla creme center, frosted with maple buttercream and a drizzle of maple and powdered sugar.

PB n' J

Rich peanut butter cupcake, strawberry jelly filling, frosted with peanut butter buttercream and topped with a dollop of jam.

If you want to order any of these cupcakes at their discounted rate, visit Kali Katering's website or call us at (801) 541-5331.  All cupcake orders are made per order; therefore you need to give us at least 24 hours notice to fulfill it.

Kali Katering @ Harry O's

Kali Katering provides custom cakes to families and businesses alike.  For those in the state of Utah, the Harry O's Night Club in Park City is a historical club and happening place just about any night of the week.  Kali Katering was hired to provide two Hollywood-themed cakes for a Napkin Nights big event at the club.  Both birthday girls enjoyed their cakes and the VIP host of Harry O's was kind enough to provide us with a few photos of the overall bash.

Summer Wedding Cake FAQs Every Bride Should Know

Summer is a popular time for weddings.  The weather is more predictable, the sun is shining and people do not have to worry about interferences of school or holidays.  Though the summer season is a great time for a wedding, when ordering a wedding cake for a summer wedding there are different rules that need to apply.  Though most experienced wedding cake decorators will point these out to you, there are some that simply agree to what the bride wants, without considering the severity of heat, humidity and even the strong sunlight.

Cakes and Outdoor Environments
An outdoor wedding is something many brides dream of.  These can be hosted in romantic gardens, parks or even a backyard.  When considering an outdoor wedding, you need to think of the location of your cake.  Cakes should never be placed in the direct sunlight.  Not only does sunlight fade the colors of your cake, but the heat from direct sunlight can actually raise the internal temperature of your cake to the point it begins to soften and shift.  This is what causes many cakes to sink, crack or even fall over during summer weather.  To avoid this, keep your cake in a shaded area and out of direct sunlight.  If the temperature outside is over 75F, try to not let your cake sit outside longer than three hours with a fondant covering.

Keep your cake in a shaded area when hosting an outdoor wedding.

Buttercream vs. Fondant
Though some wedding cake designers will do buttercream cakes in the summer for outdoor weddings, I highly recommend you avoid buttercream cakes.  Buttercream stays soft at 75F and decorations can fall from the cake and fillings may begin to ooze from the center.   With a fondant cake you will have a little more stability with your cake in the heat.  Fondant does not break down as easily in high temperatures, but the buttercream that adheres the fondant can still begin to shift from underneath.  If your cake will be outdoors, have your wedding cake decorator use a coating of piping gel to adhere the fondant versus buttercream.  This will keep your fondant stuck to your cake.

Buttercream cakes should not be left out in the heat or direct sunlight for more than two hours when the temperature is above 75F.

Perishable Fillings
Fillings become an important factor with summer wedding cakes.  A cake should never be filled with custards, creams, or cream cheese fillings.  When a cake will be in high temperatures for over two hours these fillings can easily spoil and cause food poisoning.  A cake can, however, be filled with fresh fruits, fruit preserves and buttercreams that have been stabilized.

Selecting the Right Cake for the Season: Winter

Winter time is the perfect time to get married!  The air is crisp, the snow is on the ground, and the aura of holidays and love seem to be all over.  What better time than to add a blessed anniversary into it all?  If you are adding your anniversary date between the months of December to end of February, then you need to pick a cake that matches the season -- the winter season.

The Cake Flavor

When it comes to your winter wedding cake, you want to have flavors flavors that speak to the season.  You want people to eat it and just think of winter.  So what cakes taste like winter?  Well besides the obvious of peppermint or gingerbread, flavors such as rich spice cakes paired with caramel buttercreams, orange chocolate cakes with dark chocolate filling and white cake with cranberry buttercream are also perfect reflections of the winter season.

The Cake Color

Nothing says "winter" better than soothing palettes of whites, icy blues, deep reds, rich golds, shining silvers or even rustic greens with brown accents.  Try an ivory cake with red accents or a simple icy blue cake with white snowflakes.  Go even further with a white cake accented by gold or silver and draped in red berries and green holly leaves.  Be bold with the winter colors and use whites and ivories to accent.

The Cake Flowers

Often brides like to see the look of fresh flowers on their wedding cakes.  For winter you want to use a mixture of non-floral and floral items to get the right effect.  When it comes to actual floral items try deep red roses, poinsettias, and even holly berries and leaves.  When it comes to non-floral items try using things like pine cones or snowflakes (real or fake).  Try ordering sugar flowers sugar flowers for your cake rather than real ones to prevent anything from spoiling.

The Cake Decor

The way you decorate your cake will determine everything.  Though it can be easy to go overboard with the "winter" theme, try to keep it simple and elegant and refrain from carving your wedding cake into a snowman.  Here are a few examples:

A classic ivory color with fondant draping and sugar flowers is the perfect winter wedding cake

A very simple white cake with subtle bling snowflakes is also a good winter pairing

A very simple combination of icy blue and pine cones brings this cake into the winter season, but still keeping it elegant.

The Cake Table

Often wedding cakes are placed under the wrong lighting and on the wrong table; which can break the overall feel of your wedding cake.  Ask your designer how to set up your cake properly so that the lighting and table are the right fit.  Try using an elevated cake table and place your cake on a taller gold or silver cake stand as well.  Be sure that the table is no more than 6-10 inches in diameter larger than your cake as well.

Remember that winter is whimsical, icy and almost magical in feel.  Remember how you feel during the winter season and use that to design your overall wedding.  Ask your wedding cake designer for their advice on how to create the best winter wedding cake.

Kali Katering Teams with Princess Parties of Utah!

We are pleased to announce that we are now supplying birthday cakes and cupcakes for Princess Parties of Utah.  For those of you that are not aware of Princess Parties, this company provides princess and pirate entertainment for birthday parties year-round.

Parents can choose from princesses such as Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid and even Tinkerbell.  It doesn't stop just there though.  Princess Parties also offers party options for boys such as Spiderman, pirate parties, Thomas the Train, cowboy parties and even a magician.

Keep checking back to see cakes Kali Katering has done for Princess Parties soon!