Originally Posted by
kkmcmahan 
I am so excited! My nephew is getting married this summer (end of June) and I will be making their cake as a gift to them. As I have very little experience (none for wedding cakes) I will be making 1-2 cakes per week between now and then to practice my techniques.
I have made a list of questions to send them. Are there other questions I should be asking so that I don't have any surprises?
1. How many people will attend reception?
2. Will the cake be the only dessert?
3. Will they be saving the top layer for 1st yr anniversary? (1-3 used to determine number of servings)
1-3 i would just ask them how many cake servings do they want in their cake
4. Do they want a traditional cake, cup cakes, cake centerpieces or some combination?
4- be careful to not open pandora's box --
i think just asking about the decor you can get this insight about their preference for the shape of the cake without throwing out too many ideas--
it is common to be overwhelmed by planning a wedding--
you wanna save them from that but i mean she might be a very detailed person so you never know
5. What cake flavor(s)?
6. Will they want BC or fondant?
7. Will they want particular fillings?
5-7 good stuff ^^^
8. Are there food allergies I need to be concerned with?
8- are you equipped to handle food allergies where someone can die if cross contamination occurs?
if you are great--but if not then maybe don't offer
9. Will there be a cake topper (and if so I will need to know dimensions and weight)?
10. What colors are they using in their wedding?
11. What flowers will the be using?
12. I've asked for a picture of the wedding dress once it's picked out and a close up of the pattern.
9-12 i just ask what kind of decor does the bride want--then go from there--
if she wants it to match flowers then ask what kind if she wants it to match the dress then ask for picture if she wants both there you go ask all of it--
if she doesn't know ask her to look at pictures--be ready with a few websites to steer her to-
-if she still doesn't know ask her to describe her idea of her wedding day in two or three words--
she might say elegant or country or rustic or shabby chic or sweet simple--old fashioned--sublime--whatever--then go from there
13. How much time will there be between the ceremony and the reception (since I'll be at both)?
13- why? depending on the particular event you would want to have the cake in place before the ceremony
14. Do they want a special knife for cutting the first piece?
14- they take care of this apart from ordering the cake
Additional questions regarding the venue:
15. Will they allow a cake made by hobbyist or does it need to be from a licensed company?
15- good question
16. Will the cake have a 360 degree view or on a table against a wall?
17. Is the venue on the first floor or are there stairs/elevator?
16-17 i'd ask the venue person see 18-
18. What is the earliest the cake can be delivered?
18- i tell them when the cake will be delivered --
two hours before the ceremony depending on the variables--
and i advise them to be sure to have the cake table ready first--
i get the name of person who is in charge of setting up/decorating at the reception venue and their phone #--
20. Where is the cake stored until the reception (such as in a cooler)?
20- cake is stored where you deliver it to the cake table- no coolers-- if cake table isn't ready call the person and wait for them to get it ready for you
21. Will the venue take care of cutting the cake?
22. Does the venue supply dessert plates and utensils?
21-22 not your call--someone else's purview--unless you want to cut the cake but that is work and the caterer should do this--the brides family should take care of it
also something i have noticed over the years for you to be aware of--there can be a naturally occurring disconnect between the brides family (who is traditionally responsible for the cake) and the groom's family--
after all the only thing they have in common is their children and they are not married yet--
weddings always have drama always--s
so watch out for the communication thing--be sure everyone is on board and talking freely and you're feeling a good vibe that things are preceding fluently with the cake
you said that you will be sending them these questions--
that's a good idea and then get a phone number for a follow up call with the bride and her mom if possible
you might even want to go through and just ask specifically about the cake and save the venue questions for over the phone 'in person' 
Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide me!
