Axelson Anniversary Cake

The first cake delivered today was the Anniversary Cake for Kathy & Larry.   Congratulations to them and we hope they continue to be good to each other.  Their three-tiered cake was German’s sweet chocolate with golden pecan frosting for the filling.  They also ha traditional white cake with our scrumptuous  vanilla butter cream.  The entire cake was covered in white fondant, and then decorated with navy grossgrain ribbon, white primroses and magenta roses all made from sugar paste.  The sugar flowers were brushed with edible luster dust which gave them just the right sheen.  To round out their dessert, Kathy also order a two-layer half sheet of buttermilk chocolate cake with our decadent chocolate fudge butter cream as a filling.  The cake’s exterior was iced in the same, with a lovely ooze of chocolate ganache.  Their guests were no doubt fully satisfied after the cake had been served.

Wedding Cake for Ashley & Anthony

Next up we delivered a  wedding cake to the University of Northern Colorado for Anthony and Ashley.  Their cake was traditional white cake with strawberries and vanilla butter cream.  This is a taste sensation for all who partake.  The three tiered cake was accompanied by two, double-layer traditional white cakes to serve their 300 guests.  Special to the couple was the emblem Anthony, a graphic artist, created for the couple’s invitations.  This emblem was recreated in black butter cream and it adorned the front of their cake.  On the second tier, the couple’s monogram was also included in a symmetrical design.  The cake’s exterior was vanilla butter cream, and although it didn’t have an ultra-smooth finish like that of fondant, the flavor is unbeatable.

English Rose Wedding Cake

Chocolate Dipped Cake Truffles with white chocolate stripes and baby hearts.

Finally, we delivered the three-tiered, ivory fondant covered cake to a park gazebo in Greeley, Colorado, for Yadira & Keney.  The park setting was very lovely, and lush.   The cake which had tiers of red velvet with cinnamon butter cream for the filling, and traditional white cake with vanilla butter cream and fresh raspberries was the most unique wedding cake we have done in a while.  The entire exterior of the cake held 10 lbs. of fondant.  Each of the 185 rose were hand created, and took approximately 4 hours to produce.

Rounding out the desserts for this wedding were chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate cake truffles.

Crowd-pleasers, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.

Creating these cakes this week was the most delightful time spent in the kitchen in some time.  The fact that each one was different did present some challenges.  To create these cakes, we baked 39 cakes recipes, and we mixed up 15 lbs of butter, 40 lbs. of powdered sugar, 1500 ML of vanilla syrup, 3 lbs. of fresh strawberries, and 3 pints of raspberries.  17 lbs. of rolled fondant and a quart of luxurious chocolate ganache.  Oh, and I almost forgot, 3 very large portions of love for each of the couples and their cakes.

VISIT OUR CAKE PAGE

JOIN US FOR NEXT CAKE TASTING

FACEBOOK PAGE

Long, double-loaded buffet serves twice as many people.

We were honored to help them celebrate and reflect back on what it took to graduate.  The food had to be special too, right down to the delicious desserts.

This event was held at Club Tico in Fort Collins City Park.  If you are looking for an event venue, this one is quite charming and very comfortable.

As for the balance of desserts, there were light-as-air profiteroles filled with vanilla cream, and drizzled with rich chocolate ganache.  We made  special tiramisu cupcakes and luxurious red velvet cupcakes with cinnamon butter cream icing.  They were displayed on a cupcake tree which added height and interest to the buffet table.

SPECIALTY CAKES MENU & OPTIONS

If you have a special event coming up this Spring or Summer, you’ll be so happy to have called us.  We will take care of all the details, design a wonderful cake, and arrive right on time.  Everything will be set into place and your guests will absolutely be delighted.  Your special event will be a fond life memory, remembered by all fortunate enough to be there.  But best of all…it will be a party that you get to actually enjoy.

Customer Comments

If you have never worked with a caterer, let us introduce you to the world of catered events.  We’re excellent at working within reasonable budgets, and creating a magical event.  Catering by Victoria is booking up so call sooner, rather than later, to ensure availability.  We look forward to working with you!

PRICE

Pricing is not necessarily a way to spot an amateur, but it could be.  Someone creating cakes out of their home essentially only have the cost of their ingredients, minimal utilities and their time.  Naturally, they can create cakes very much below professional bakers.  This sounds great from the get -go, however, there are somethings to take into consideration.

www.mistebar.com/LetThemEatCake.htm

Does this amateur have the basic skills to create the cake they have promised you?  What assurance do you have that they have the ability to perform as contracted?  Do they have a business license?  What recourse would you have if something happens to the cake en route to the reception and becomes unservable?  That would be a huge piece missing out of your reception celebration.

Amateur bakers do not typically carry business insurance.  Another way for them to keep their costs down, yes.  But another way for you, as the consumer, to be behind the eight ball.  Is it worth the risk on your wedding day?

Old adage rings true…”you get what you pay for.”

LOCATION

If the health department does not do inspections on the kitchen, where your cake will be made, what assurance do you have that it is a clean kitchen?  Does your baker plan to bake and decorate your cake in their residence?  Does their family pet live in the home?  Does their cat walk the countertops during their midnight prowl?  Do they have adequate refrigeration to contain their personal food and a tiered wedding cake?  No guarantees, and something to consider strongly.  How horrible would it be if guests at your wedding became ill?  Sadly it would ruin their fond memory of your wedding.

Structurally unsound cakes stacked without proper support can pose a problem. www.engagements.ca

PORTFOLIO

Have you seen pictures of prior cakes made by your baker?  You don’t want to be a guinea pig when it comes to your wedding cake.  Experience matters, and the baker you select should have multiple cakes in their portfolio.  There is an art and a design to creating multi-tiered cakes.  Structurally sound cakes are paramount.  We don’t want to have your cake listing, leaning, tilting or coming crashing down at t

he reception.  Amateur bakers naive about structure have made devastating mistakes, ruining the reception.

TASTING

Is it possible for you to taste the cakes your baker creates?  Without tasting the cake, what assurance to do you have that this baker has culinary skills?  Nothing is quite so disappointing than to have a beautiful cake on display only to have the flavor fall flat.  You deserve a wedding cake that is both beautiful and delicious.  Doesn’t sound unreasonable, I know, but not all cakes are created equal.  Know your baker and their corresponding skills.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

When you interview your prospective baker, there are some key questions you may want answers to.

1. How many wedding cakes have you made?  How long have you been making cakes?
2. Where will my cake be baked and decorated?
3. Are you licensed?  With the State?  With the Health Department?
4. Do you have a contract?
5. How do I know my cake will be like you promise?  What guarantee will you stand behind?
6. Do you have references?
7. Will you deliver?  How long will you need to set up?
8. Is that included in the price?
9. Do you have a “back-up plan” in case anything goes wrong?
10. Can I pay you after the ceremony?

The selection and contracting of your baker to create your wedding cake is an important step in planning your reception.  Doing your homework ahead will behoove you.  Asking these questions above is a good place to start in selecting the baker.  When possible verify their answers.  Check references.  You will be glad you have piece of mind when the final details of your special day are coming together.  Professionals are bound by ethics, standards and customer satisfaction.  The sister of you fiance’s old classmate is not.  Be wise and be happy.

Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday, September 12th, Bridal Festival, The Ranch, Loveland, CO – Free Admission
• Saturday, October 16th @ Caffè Victoria
• Saturday, January 15th @ Caffè Victoria

Tastings held:  3 – 5p.m.

Join us to sample a variety of delicious cakes, meet our cake artists, and view our extensive portfolios and cake gallery.

Reservations are $5 per person and include samples of the following flavors:

• Traditional White Cake filled with Vanilla Buttercream & Fresh Strawberries
• Dark Chocolate Cake filled with Chocolate Fudge Buttercream
• Luxurious Red Velvet Cake filled with Cream Cheese Buttercream
• Italian Creme Cake filled with Sweetened Mascarpone
• Pumpkin Spice Cake filled with Cream Cheese Buttercream

View our cake models and page through our wedding and specialty cakes portfolio.

Refreshments provided by Caffè Victoria.

Pre-registration is sincerely appreciated to attend the cake tasting event.  Register by phone at 970/686.5005, or you can register the day of the event, space allowing.

Budgets are very much a trend for brides these days.  Finding ways to create special days especially frugally is important to many couples.  Please visit our early post entitled Planning a Wedding on a Tight Budget for some tips and ideas.  This post highlights trending ideas for the reception, buffet and cakes.

RECEPTION: As more and more wedding pavilions and venues are popping up, some brides are opting for money-saving ideas such as backyard receptions and public parks with covered structures.  Depending up the size and scope of the reception, these may be good options for saving money.

When choosing a venue, consider the timing of your reception, along with weather, seasonal busyness and guest accessibility.  Most caterers will not cater events without running water, electricity and shelter, so this is an important detail to discuss with your hired professionals.  Often, public park pavilions are available by reservation and this really is something to manage if you intend to hold the reception in a public place.  Be aware that public does mean public, and you may have people wander through which can be very . Consider holding the reception on a private lake, scenic ranch estate or church rectory as an alternative.  For outdoor weddings, tenting can often be rented and set up by the rental company.  Feel free to call us for some contact information.

Some ethnic cuisines are very delicious and affordable.

BUFFET: A catered buffet is a major expense for the reception.  However, depending on the menu selection, there are ways to feed your guests well, without busting your budget.  Certain foods are less expensive to prepare than others.  Consider before you decide on a menu what you would like your guests to think about the food you serve them.  What are the most important factors, beauty, taste or economics.  A menu with beautiful bite-sized appetizers may be very delicious, however perhaps not so filling for your guests.  A delicious, simple menu may be quite yummy, and filling, but not very original or elegant.  Which of these menu options is going to fit best in your catering budget?  Consult your caterer, or gives us a call for some excellent menu suggestions.  This is a service we provide to our clients which helps them select the right menu and food options specifically for them.

CAKES: Bridal couples are more commonly choosing smaller ceremonial cakes with the balance of servings in sheet cakes.  They are also opting for cakes iced with smooth butter cream icing, instead of rolled fondant.  Butter cream offers a better flavor than fondant, and experienced cake decorators can achieve a similar smooth finish effect.

Wedding cakes are trending in a more simple, yet elegant appearance.   You will see them decorated with colors found in the bridal ceremony.   Teal, blues,  and bright greens  are the hot colors this year.  Think of the colors of the peacock, and you will have the right cues.  Some brides are asking their bridesmaids to wear monochromatic dresses, of slightly different styling, with a common color running through out.  These same colors are finding their way on to the cakes, and as accents on the guest tables.

Black and dark chocolate browns will be used through out as contrasting colors on the cakes and groomsmen.

Expect trending cake flavors such as pistachio, red velvet, pumpkin spice and German’s sweet chocolate.  However, as ever, traditional white cake with white cream filling still remains popular.  Icing will be piped in dress colors, black and chocolate brown in polkadots, damaske prints and a bit whimsical patterns.  Fresh flowers are still a popular choice for cake toppers, as are metalic monograms.  Birds, butterflies and dragonflies continue to land on cakes too.

The fact that budgets are “IN” is a very good thing.  We like to help bridal couples experience a special, life-memory for them and those who are important to them.  In doing so, we strive to help them stay within a reasonable budget.  After the lights have dimmed, and the party is over, the last thing anyone wants is a big bill that they weren’t counting on.  You can rest assured in working with us, we operate with full disclosure of all expenses upfront, and no hidden anything.  We think you’ll find our approach refreshing and our services exceptional.

What is the secret to creating a wedding plan that produces an event that is a wonderful life memory?  A plan.  It comes from a very good plan.  Now there are professionals to help you with your plan, if you so choose.  But if you have some stamina, and you have some basic organization, it is completely feasible for you to work up your plan.

When you are planning a wedding on a budget, especially a low budget, cost is very much an issue.  The cost of every aspect needs to be evaluated honestly, and considered when making and adhering to your plan.  Let’s first talk about the various expenses you might encounter in planning a wedding.

Ceremony and Reception

• Invitations, Printing, Thank You Notes & Postage  5-10%
• The Dress & Formal Wear 5-10%
• Flowers  10 -15%
• Rings – not typically included in budget
• Church/Hall/Venue Expense 5-10%
• Clergy or Officiator Fee $50-500
• Decorations  5-10%
• Bridal Party Gifts/Favors 2-5%
• Vehicles, optional
• Photography/Videography 5-10%
• Musicians/Singers / DJ’s 5-10%
• Catering 20-30%
• Beverages, Bar or Champagne Toast
• Cake(s) 3- 10%
• Bar or Wait Staff 5-10%
• Table Linens & Napkins 1-2%

Honeymoon

• Travel &  Accommodation Expenses, varies
• Spending Money for Excursions/Entertainment, discretionary
• Special Clothing/Items Needed for Trip, discretionary

Other Items To Consider

• Accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Time out of work for planning meetings, fittings, shopping, honeymoon, etc.
• Guest List & RSVP’s
• Color Schemes & Themes

This may not be an exhaustive list of expenses, as each wedding is different.  Some will include all of these aspects, and additional ones to boot.  Some will include a more simplified version of this list.  In the long run, what matters most is having those close to you included in your plan to help you celebrate a very important event in your life.

Your Budget & Selecting Vendors

When you plan your ceremony, keep in mind your wants, wishes and budget.  The best possible way to find out what your expenses for your ceremony will be is to do some shopping and phone calling.  Much information can now be located on the internet.  It can be time consuming, but there are some excellent ideas out there. When you begin to narrow down your preferences for the ceremony, checking availability is next.

Having a budget for the wedding dress is critical.  The wedding dress, like the bride, should be unique.  It is a focal point of the ceremony and reception.  Whatever you choose for the dress, it should represent the Bride.  Before you go dress shopping in a store, do a bit a research ahead.  You should know what dresses cost, the high and the low, and find a price range that fits within your comfort zone and budget.  You don’t want to show up at the boutique and have a case of sticker shock.  You want to be the one who calls the shots, and dictates the price point. Depending on your planning time, be prepared to walk out without a dress if you feel the prices aren’t working for you.

Trying on the dresses will be a wonderful help in living the day in a white dress.  What style is comfortable on your frame?  What do you want the dress to say about you?  Classy, Sexy, Glitzy, Elegant…Let the attendant at the bridal store know this, and help them narrow down choices for you based on your wishes.  You need not try on 30 dresses to find “the one.”   Now that you have the dress on, walk around in it.  Shake your booty in it, if you plan to at the reception.  Is it comfortable, does it have slipping straps, too much fabric?  It’s a great feeling when you select the dress you feel the best in, and check it off your list.

While pricing is important for adhering to your budget, there are some other things to consider about working with professionals.  By and large, you can expect to get what you pay for.  True professionals may cost you a bit more, but what price can you put our your ease and peace of mind?  Far best to work with those who know the business and have been around the block a few times, than those who are still wet behind the ears, yet offer you a steal of a deal. By doing a bit of research up front, you can begin to formulate a list of questions you should be prepared to ask of the professionals providing goods and services.  You can glean much information from them by simply asking some key questions.

• What is included in their price, and what is NOT included?
• How much say will you have in the final decisions?
• What can I expect the day of the wedding?
• Do you have a legal contract?
• Are you insured?
• What happens if we have to cancel?
• Do you guaranty your services/product?
• Do you have references?

Where applicable, view their portfolio.  Ask them for real-life experiences, (i.e. there favorite experience, and also if the had any difficult weddings.)  You will be enlightened by the things they are willing to share.

Your vendors should see you as a person, and as an important client.  Remember, they WORK for YOU!  Do be afraid to give them an opportunity to earn your trust and business.   When you sign a contract with them you should have full confidence in the vendor and it should feel reassuring to check that detail off your To Do List.

Timing isn’t everything…but it is important

Allowing enough time to plan the wedding is important.  Weddings can be planned quickly, when necessary.  However, you may lose out on options if your planning period is too close to the actual event date.  If you do not already have a wedding checklist, you may find this site helpful: http://wedding.weddingchannel.com/planning/checklist/12-10months.asp

• Exquisite Catering, for all budgets & a variety of authentic cuisines.
• Rehearsal Dinners – Parties under 35 guests can be accommodate at Caffè Victoria.  Larger parties can be catered off-site.
  
• Showers & Bachelorette Parties
  
• Custom designed wedding & grooms cakes
• Day-after brunch
• Milestone Anniversary Parties
• Bartending, Wait & Buffet Staff
• Food & Wine Pairing
  
• Event Planning & Coordinating

With ample time, energy and practical sense, you can plan and have a life-long dream of a wonderful wedding.  You can do all this, and work it from the angle of keeping it within your budget.  If we can help you, please do not hesitate to call.

It was mid-August when I received the call… His wife was having a milestone birthday.  He wanted to throw a BIG bash for her with a tropical theme.  Her birthday present was a week in Hawaii.  Is this guy great or what?  By far the nicest couple we had the fortune of working with this summer.  It truly was our pleasure to help him put the details together for a tropical party for his very dear wife.

The event took place on a farm out east, and outdoors.  When I arrived for the site check it was truly an empty canvass to work on.  It definitely did NOT say “beach, tropics or island”…”deserted”, yes.  However, when we arrived with the food, it had been transformed, complete, with a TIKI bar.  Leis were being handed out, and the smell of grilling pork wafed.  But the most important part was the giant lovely smile on the birthday girl.  It was a special day, for a special lady. 

Once the buffet was set, we put the specialty cake on its pedestal.  How delighted everyone was with the beach-themed cake.  The cake topper was fondant beach towels, with flip-flops and ooops…a bikini top!  It was an immediately stacked two tier cake.  One tier was our wonderful carrot cake filled with cream cheese icing, and the bottome tier was lucious buttermilk chocolate with our famous chocolate buttercream.  It’s a fudgy wonder which is astonishingly good everytime its tasted.

If you have a special event coming up, we hope you will give us a call and allow us the privilege of helping you realize a life memory.  We have a complete professional staff, and a variety of services we can provide.  We will customize a menu with all your favorite things, all the while keeping your budget in the foremost of our planning. 

The menu was chosen.  A site visit occurred.  The details were discussed and decided upon.  A very special party was going to take place in two weeks.  Oh, and shhhhhhhhhh, it’s going to be a surprise!

We arrived on time with our gear and finely prepared foods. Tonight we delivered and set up a wonderful spread of appetizers and a personalized two tiered, immediately stacked, specialty cake.  As we unloaded and set up, I checked with the hostess.  Checking about the arrival time of her husband and his best friend, and  inquiring if we should move the delivery vehicle from the driveway, we were told not too worry about it.  They weren’t exactly sure on the precise arrival time, but all the guests would venture out into the driveway to greet them as they drove up.

Meanwhile, the band in the backyard was tuning up.  The cake was in place on the dining room table, with plates, forks and napkins.  A two-tiered cake that was a blissful carrot cake with cream cheese icing, and dark buttermilk chocolate cake with fudgey buttercream. Two wonderful tastes, because it was too tought to decide on just one flavor.  A sentimental inscription had been piped on the outside of the cake in burgundy and forest green icing,  favorite colors of the man of the night.

Meanwhile…it the kitchen we completed plating the crispy potato cakes with creme fraiche and smoked salmon, and the house was rather quiet.   A few people came in from the backyard and commented on how “yummy” it smelled “in here.”   Thanking them, they were told that everyone else had made their way out to the front drive to await their arrival.  They moved-it-on-out, not wanting to miss the arrival.  All the food was now in place.  The marinated lamb chops with cherry port reduction sauce, the Alsatian onion tarts, the creamy chicken marsala with rustic bread, black olive and sweet tomato bruschetta,  and Italian sausage stuffed mushrooms, all had been served and awaited the hungry guests.

A few minutes later, we heard a thump, thump, thumping overhead.  Was that a helicopter?  It sounded like it was flying rather low….was it getting closer?  Was it going to land in the backyard? It sounded like it might.  What a surprise! Yes,  in fact, the helicopter was landing adjacent to the rented vinyl tent where the band made their final sound checks.  The crowd that had gathered in the driveway had witnessed the arrival of the helicopter and made their way toward it to greet the birthday man.  Everyone was surprised, everyone, except for this man’s best buddy who had orchestrated the cleverly sly helicopter ride.  A surprise for everyone, everyone, including this man’s wife who had planned and prepared for this party.

These are the times of our lives, the special life memories that we recall.  Those days and nights that define us and hold special places in our hearts.  Catering by Victoria has assisted and participated in many, many of these types of special events, all summer long.  It’s what we do.  We help people celebrate their lives.  If you haven’t had the opportunity lately, find an occasion, call us, and let the party begin!