There is no doubt that Hudson Valley wedding cakes are special. Their unique quality comes from the fact that they are customized in every detail and created from superior ingredients under the watchful care of experts.

Before deciding on the type of wedding cake for your wedding, let your fingers do the walking. Interview potential bakeries over the phone initially. Narrow down your choices by seeing if there's a rapport with the baker, then set up appointments to visit those that seem to click with you.

Wedding experts recommend (as with most aspects of your wedding plans) setting a realistic budget before meeting with bakeries. This will help you determine if the baker can create the cake you want at a price you can afford. Also, bring with you photos from magazines of cakes you like so the baker will a clear idea of your preferences.

The following questions will help you determine whether or not cakes are churned out in assembly line fashion with little personalized attention, whether their freshness and your satisfaction can be guaranteed, and the baker's creativeness in designing cakes.

• How far ahead of time are your cakes bakes?
• Are they frozen?
• When do you deliver and set up the cake for the reception?
• Have you delivered cakes to my reception site before?
• Can I see photographs of the cakes you have created?
• Do you specialize in any particular type of wedding cake?

When you meet bakers in person for the tastings, do not hesitate to ask about flavors other than those you are sampling. And if you have a question or idea, bring it up. Then, once you've selected your bakery, book it. Most good bakers in our region book up well in advance, usually four to six months prior to the wedding. Remember, an early start will ensure a good selection. Also, keep in mind that most bakers tend to be busiest in spring and fall.