Wedding Cakes: Inspiration & FAQs

Let’s talk wedding cakes!

Photographer: Lex Christie | Cake: Calandra’s

At Bear Brook Valley, your wedding cake is included in the package. You can order your cake from Calandra’s or Palermo’s (you can do a cake tasting at both)! All you need to do is taste some cake and make an appointment with the bakery of your choice! On the day of your wedding, the bakery will deliver your cake directly to the venue. The only thing left to do is eat the cake!

We took a field trip to Calandra’s and Palermo’s for a cake tasting so now we’ve got all the answers to your cake questions as well as inspiration from previous weddings. We hope you’re not too hungry :)

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Calandra’s

Address: 234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006

Contact: Maria | mariaferreira1015@yahoo.com

• How do I book a cake tasting?

  Email Maria at mariaferreira1015@yahoo.com to schedule your cake tasting. Be sure to include the following info:
  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Several dates listed in preference order
  • Your wedding venue
  • Any additional details

  Find more information here.

• When should I book my cake tasting?

  Calandra’s recommends doing your cake tasting 3 to 6 months before your wedding day with all of the details being finalized 30 days prior to your wedding.

• How many people can attend a tasting?

  Up to four guests are welcome to attend the cake tasting.

• Do they offer cake tasting boxes to go?

  Yes, cake tasting to go boxes are available; however, Calandra’s prefers in-person tastings.

• How does the bakery handle allergies?

  Please let them know of any allergies they need to be aware of. There are nuts in the facility that may lead to cross-contamination.

  They do not have gluten free cakes.

• How many tiers are included?

  For guests counts of about 75 people, Calandra’s makes a 3-tier cake. Each tier can be a different flavor. All of the flavors are included except the fresh strawberry filling & Italian custard; that one is extra.

  For about 200 people, a 4-tier cake is recommended.

• Can we order cupcakes instead of a cake for our wedding?

  Yes, you can swap out the cake for cupcakes.

• Are individual assorted desserts an option instead of a cake?

  Bear Brook Valley’s wedding package includes contemporary Italian artisan pastries. Calandra’s allows you to swap out the cake for cupcakes if you prefer.

• What is the most popular flavor?

  The most popular flavor is Vanilla Cake with Fresh Strawberries and Italian Custard.

• Which flavors would the coordinators choose for their wedding cakes?

  Ensle - Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Preserve

  Becca -Vanilla cake with Italian Custard & Strawberries | Chocolate & Raspberry Preserve Filling

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Palermo’s

Pick up to-go box location: 389 Liberty St, Little Ferry, NJ 07643

Update: Palermo’s is now offering in-person tastings! You can schedule an in-person tasting or pick up a to-go box.

Contact: info@palermobakery.com

• Does Palermo's offer cake tastings?

  • Yes, you can do an in person tasting at the bakery or you can pick up a tasting box to go.

  • Reach out to Palermo’s at info@palermobakery.com to let them know that you are getting married at Bear Brook and your wedding date.

  • Palermo’s will get back to you with information.

  • Once you have talked with someone from Palermo’s, you can pick up a to go box.

  • Boxes can be picked up from their Little Ferry location Monday through Sunday between 8am and 8pm.

• How far in advance should we pick up the cake tasting box?

  Couples can start the process of the tasting as early as they would like. The deadline is one month before the wedding.

• Can we swap out the cake for cupcakes or donuts?

  Absolutely! Palermo’s is able to swap the cake for either product.

• Do they offer gluten free cakes?

  Gluten free cakes are only available as side cakes or cupcakes. There is not a tiered version for this type of cake.

• What is the most popular flavor?

  Dulce de Leche Mousse and Cannoli are the most popular.

• How many people does a tasting box serve?

  The box has all the 16 flavors that Palermo’s offers. It is designed for two people. If the couple needs more cake to take home and taste, the boxes are available for $25 each. The first box is complimentary.

To taste their delicious cakes: Pick up a tasting TO-GO box. You can pick up one (1) complimentary tasting TO-GO Box at their Little Ferry location from Monday to Sunday between 8am and 8pm. They do not require a reservation or call ahead - they simply ask you to come to pick up your sample box during the days and times offered and show this email.  The tasting box contains all the offered flavors.

To work with Palermo’s via phone, Zoom or in-person consultation: please head to this link to book your consultation https://palermocustomcakes.com/book-appointment/

To work with Palermo’s via e-mail consultation: submit your order request via  https://palermocustomcakes.com/order-wedding-cake/ 

*You will need to present an email that you will receive from Palermo’s to claim your 1 Complimentary Cake Tasting Box. Additional boxes may be purchased for an additional $25.00 per box*