start a home-based wedding cake business
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Weddings are big business, and couples are usually willing to pay a premium to create the day of their dreams. While the dress, the flowers and the food often take center stage, the cake is also an important part of the celebration. Some of the more elaborate cakes can cost thousands of dollars, and even smaller cakes can cost several dollars per serving. If you have exceptional baking and decorating skills, operating a wedding cake business from your home may present an opportunity to explore your passion while making a living in the lucrative wedding market.
Instructions
1
Confirm that you can operate your business from your home. In some municipalities, it's illegal to operate a foodservice business from a home kitchen. Check with your local zoning board and health department to confirm the regulations in your area.
2
Acquire the necessary permits and licenses for your business. You may need to have your kitchen inspected by the health department. At the very least, you'll need tax identification numbers for filing your business taxes.
3
Develop your wedding cake baking and decorating skills. Attend classes and workshops to learn techniques and tricks for wedding cake designs.
4
Acquire the necessary equipment. Purchase pans in various sizes and shapes, decorating supplies, cake boards and cooking equipment.
5
Make a plan for transporting your cakes. Some bakers use a van or truck that has been modified to keep cakes secure during transport.
6
Promote your business. Develop a website featuring your work and use social media to spread the word about your cake business. Get involved with an association of wedding vendors, and exhibit your cakes at the association's bridal shows. Advertise in local wedding guides. Build relationships with caterers, wedding coordinators and event planners at wedding reception sites.
Tips &- Warnings
Ask for referrals from happy customers. Sometimes the best advertising is word-of-mouth, and brides are often willing to share their experiences with other brides.
Stay up-to-date on wedding cake trends by reading bridal and wedding magazines.
If your local laws prevent you from operating your business from home, ask a local restaurant if you can use their commercial kitchen during off hours, for a share of the profits.
Consider finding a niche or specialty for your wedding cake bakery- for example, you could specialize in organic or vegan cakes, or a particular decorating style. Find an opening in the market and fill it.
Tags: wedding cake, your business, business from, cake business, wedding cake businessSource: www.ehow.com
