MY FIRST BRIDAL SHOW
Tequila Rose Wedding Cake
I recently did my very first Bridal Show. I asked many questions in preparation for this show and received wonderful, good advice from friends and fellow decorators.
I decided to do a real display cake to introduce a “new“ flavor. I arranged with the show coordinator that this cake would be served following the style show. I chose a round table and decorated it as a cake table using candles, wine glasses and cake server set all decorated with fresh roses and ribbon.
I had a display table on which I displayed a wedding cake, 25th Anniversary, and 50th Anniversary cakes along with a cake showing fondant drapes and gumpaste flowers. The Bridal Show was advertised as a bridal, prom and anniversary style show. Therefore, I felt it appropriate to include anniversary cakes in my display.
DISPLAY TABLE
The stand on the right was used to display cake balls (truffles) and was also decorated with fresh roses and greenery. The candle holders on either side of the 3-tiered cake were decorated with fresh roses and greenery also.
I was very fortunate to have my local florist donate the fresh red rose arrangements for the wedding cake and to decorate the candles, wine glasses, cake server set and the server for the cake balls with fresh roses and greenery. The red roses for the cake alone would have cost me more than $80. I have worked with this florist for several wedding cakes and they chose to give me the flowers since they would be unable to attend the show. We had a printed sign on the main cake table with their name so that people would know the flowers were done by them.
I chose to use sheet cakes for samples. The flavors were Pink Champagne, Kahlua fudge and white. The Tequila Rose and Pink Champagne were new flavors to this area and were very well received .
One of my concerns in preparing for the show was the other cake decorators who would also be there. I was sure they would have lower prices and I was quite sure their decorating was quite different from mine as they have been decorating in the area for many years. However, I knew nothing about them and this really concerned me. The people I contacted and told of my concern told me not to worry about the prices of the other decorators. I was told to have a very nice, colorful presentation, concentrate on the quality of my cakes and then go and enjoy the show. This was wonderful advice and it also helped to give me confidence. One decorator cancelled that morning leaving one other decorator at the show. The show went very well. I received many compliments on my presentation as well as wonderful comments on the beauty and taste of my cakes. Everyone remarked on how moist my cakes were. I now know all I need to do is to concentrate on the presentation and the quality of my cakes when preparing for a Bridal Show. In decorating my cakes, I used designs that I knew were not common in this area. Also, I created cakes using fresh, gumpaste and silk floral arrangements.
I prepared a price list for the show but, at the last minute, I decided not to put it out on the table. Those that asked about prices I gave them my base price advising that the type of cakes, flowers, etc. would determine the final price of the cake. I also advised them that all the information was on my website.
I had nice business cards printed for the show and had them placed on the table with photo albums of my wedding cakes. In addition to the photo albums I had two bulletin boards on display showing many cakes I have done. Everyone looked over the photos on the bulletin boards as they passed by my booth.
The display table was covered with pink lace with a deeper pink underlay. As a favor to the Tux Rental Store, I wore a tuxedo with a pink shirt, vest and tie. That also helped my booth to receive favorable attention. The cake table with the burgundy satin cover beside the pink lace display table created a very nice, colorful presentation.
I was really impressed with the support I was given by everyone. Tama Florists provided the flowers for me, Mr. & Mrs. C,s provided the tuxedo, Charla Farnum, the show coordinator, answered my questions and offered some excellent suggestions. The advice given to me by my cake decorator friends in New York City and Charleston was invaluable and helped to give me more confidence in my endeavour. Craig Gustafson, editor of American Cake Decorating Magazine, directed me to an article on Bridal Shows which confirmed some of the ideas I had regarding the Bridal Show.
When you are preparing for a Bridal Show do not be afraid to ask questions. One needs to know what things will be supplied by the show committee and what things you will be responsible for. Just remember that you want a very nice, colorful presentation that will attract attention and, you want very fine quality cake samples for tasting. I am really looking forward to my next opportunity to participate in another Bridal Show.