Do you have to go to college to become a wedding cake designer?

No, while a degree plan in Pastry Arts does exist, a formal education in this profession is not required in either the US or the UK. If you plan to open your own shop someday, having a degree may lend credability to your business, but there are numerous successful (even celebrity) cake decorators that were not formally educated in the craft.

Informal classes, available at local community colleges, private instutions or some retail stores, are also available to help you to develop your skills. They are, in fact, a very inexpensive way to try out your liking of the craft before investing thousands of dollars on a degree plan you may, or may not use. Classes are usually small, 10 to 15 participants, and include hands on training of the basic skills in particular areas--cake baking, piping, fondant and gumpaste, and sugar art to name a few. Whether you choose to pursue a career in this area or just make it a hobby, classes are a very enjoyable way to spend a few evenings since they are educational and fun.