Ask a Pro: Wedding Cake Designer

Wedding cakes are one of those traditions so closely associated with the big day; a sweet symbol of such a sweet moment. Today, we interview Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design (who also recently finished a Food Network Challenge!) to give us a modern perspective on this wedding tradition.

Marriage.com: How long have you been in wedding cake design?

Rachael: I started decorating cakes in 2001 as a hobby. Intricate Icings Cake design officially became a business in October 2006.

Marriage.com: Why did you get into the business?

Rachael: My passion for baking started when I was a young girl.  I grew up baking with my grandmother. When I graduated from college, I started looking for a creative outlet and took a few classes in cake decorating. I made a few cakes for friends and family and before I knew it I had a business. I gradually transitioned from physical therapy to cakes when I moved here to Colorado in 2006 and grew large enough to open my own custom cake boutique in May 2009.

Marriage.com: What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

Rachael: I love being able to create a piece of art that can be eaten. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your clients face explode with excitement when they see what you’ve made for them and then hear all the compliments about how great it tastes too.

Marriage.com: What’s the key in choosing the “right” cake?

Rachael: Choose a design that fits your style. I try to incorporate things like themes from the wedding, embroidery from the brides gown, or a design from the invitation to tie everything together.

Marriage.com: What are the latest trends in wedding cakes?

Rachael: I am seeing a lot of black and white this year. Damask is still very hot! I think a lot of brides are moving towards dessert buffets as well.

Marriage.com: What has been the biggest fiasco you’ve dealt with and how’d it conclude?

Rachael: I had a bride book a cake with us, but told us the wrong date (the day before her actual wedding). We were booked for the actual date of her wedding due to the high demand date (06-07-08). We found out the week before, so we had time to make changes in delivery schedules, but it was not easy.

Marriage.com: What’s the most extravagant or unique cake you’ve created?

Rachael: We’ve made some really neat cakes. We are known for our Topsy turvy style cakes, but our most extravagant cake was for a 25th wedding anniversary cake/Halloween party. The entire piece stood 5 foot 6 inches tall from the base to the top of Frank’s head. Frank was 48 inches tall and his bride was 42 inches at the top of her hair. Frank and his bride were fully edible aside from the PVC pipe armature. The couple stood on marble steps. The base cake was foam with two layers of real cake above that to feed 200 people. We estimate it weighed about 175 pounds all together.

Marriage.com: What’s the most important thing a couple should consider when hiring a wedding cake artist?

Rachael: Find a designer that you are comfortable with and make sure you view their portfolio. Your wedding day is a very special day. Use a company that has a great reputation and that you know will do a great job for you. As with any decision you are making…Trust your gut.

Marriage.com: What is the most stressful part of the job?

Rachael: Because my job was a hobby turned profession, I don’t have a lot of stressful moments. I truly love my job!