We have a package deal with our location/caterer and have the choice of 3 bakeries to make our wedding cake (price included, unless we want to upgrade, then we pay the difference).It’s definitely not a bad deal, but we found each bakery has its pros and cons.

From mickeyspastryshop.com

The first appointment we had was with Konditor Meister – a bakery famed in the greater Boston area for their wedding cakes. We didn’t know what to expect, and were honestly a little overwhelmed. We went on a Saturday afternoon, and the bakery was bustling – many people at the counter, and lots of beautiful wedding cakes and pastries on display. We were led to their tasting room in the back. This was an operation in itself – they had 10-12 tables, all with couples or families trying cakes. There were many cake consultants helping the engaged couples through the process. Ours was named Jennifer and she came over, told us to look through a binder of photos, and asked us if we wanted a drink. Coffee and water were delivered, along with about 8 flavors of cake, all thickly sliced for us to try. They had white, gold, chocolate, marble and carrot cakes, with chocolate mousse, whipped cream, strawberry grand marnier, raspberry, lemon, kahlua, and even oreo fillings. It was so much to taste and decide on.

Then we got to the design. I picked out a few I liked, and asked if I could mix and match some designs from one with elements of others. Of course we can! They offered to custom match the icing to my bridesmaids dress colors, and if we wanted ribbon and couldn’t find one we likes in their ribbon offerings, we could deliver our own for them to use. Jennifer answered all of our questions, and the wedding cake of my dreams was all included in the package – no upgrade fees needed. Only, with our estimated 120 guests, we would get a 3-tiered wedding cake. If we get 130 or more, we get a 4-tier cake. We planned for a 4-tier, and chose a different flavor for each layer. If our wedding guest list ends up smaller, we’ll nix the top layer. They photocopied a pieced-together design based on my requests, gave us a copy of the contract with photo, and a list of next steps, should we decide to go with them. They also boxed up all our leftover cake (there was practically an entire wedding cake, made up of different flavors) and gave us a box of 6 pastries as a thank you/congratulations gift. We left feeling full, content, and happy with the possibilities.

Cake by Konditor Meister

The second appointment was with Peach’s & Cream, a bakery in Chelsea, MA (no website). It was our least favorite of the bunch. We were the only ones there on a Monday evening, and were sat in a corner to do our tasting. They had good wedding cakes, but they didn’t have very many flavor choices, many of their choices were for an upgrade (anything with mousse or a liqueur) and they didn’t have an extensive portfolio of designs to look through. The girl we worked with, Ana, was very nice, but didn’t know the answers to some of our questions (which types were included in the package) and wasn’t very helpful in terms of helping us create a custom design. We didn’t spend much time here because we knew early on that they were not going to be our top choice, in comparison with Konditor Meister. We did leave with a box of our leftover cake, but no paperwork, or design sample.

The last bakery was Montilio’s, also famed for their wedding cakes. This was also on the smaller side, like Peach’s n Cream, though there were a few other customers there on a Tuesday evening. Their headquarters are in a different location, so maybe we didn’t get the full effect. We were sat at a corner table, and asked to look through binders with cake designs for a few minutes. Frank worked with us, and brought us bottles of water and 5 wedding cakes to try. Much smaller slices, and less variety. They too, had certain restrictions on fillings that were included in the package versus an upgrade (mousse or liqueurs) so our filling options were limited. But, they had the option of Red Velvet cake, which I love! Also, they agreed to bump us up to a 4-tier cake even if we only have 120 people. So, more wedding cake for the package. However, they strongly recommended only choosing two flavors – One for the top and bottom, and one for the two middle layers, since the two middle layers serve the same number of people as the bottom layer. The design process with Frank was neat – he drew out a 4-tier wedding cake, and drew on the scroll designs and ribbon and flowers we wanted – a very good artist! After we were settled on a design and flavors, he photocopied our contract with his hand-drawn design, and sent us on our way. Sadly, there was no leftover cake or pastries to take home (not that we needed it after three cake tastings!).

Cake from Montilio's

We had heard that in comparing Konditor Meister and Montilio’s, KM was generally known for beautiful designs, while Montilio’s was known for delicious wedding cakes. However, we found that Konditor Meister was very good as well, and in fact, liked their Strawberry Grand Marnier wedding cake better than Montilio’s. Otherwise, we felt the cake flavor itself was about equal. The designs of both bakeries are gorgeous, so I don’t think we’d be disappointed with either choice.

It just comes down to what is a higher priority – more tiers, or upgraded filling? Or, we could pay to upgrade to a 4^th tier at KM, or upgrade the cake flavors at M. Also, KM doesn’t offer Red Velvet. So, is that what puts us over the edge?

We haven’t decided yet, though are leaning toward Konditor Meister. Maybe it was because it was our first experience, but they just seem to have it all together, like a smooth running machine. But, I wonder if the service would be more personalized at Montilio’s? I am not sure. Anyone out there have experience at either of these bakeries?

How did other buds decide on their wedding cake vendor, as well as decide on the flavors and design?