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frequently asked questions
If the answer to your question isn't here do please get in touch.
What about delivery and set-up?
Multi-tiered cakes are usually transported in their individual layers, then assembled and stacked on site where any last-minute decorations and finishing touches are also applied. Delivery and set-up at your event venue within the local area (20 mile radius from GL19 3JB) is included in the price of any cake costing over £250. I am happy to travel further on a per mile basis (usually £1 per mile) and this needs to be arranged when booking. If delivery is impractical, cakes can be collected from my premises for assembly by you or your caterers at your venue. In this case it's best to choose a relatively simple design that won't need much finishing off.
How much will the cake cost?
The cakes are all individual and vary in price accordingly, but as a rough guide think in the region of £100 per tier for a tiered cake, single tier cakes start at £45, individual mini cakes start at £5 each (minimum order 10) and cupcakes at £2 each (minimum order 24). I can work to your budget constraints (within reason) and when you have selected your design I'll tell you exactly what it will cost.
How far in advance should I order?
As soon as possible so as to secure the date, at least three months is advisable for summer event dates. However I can sometimes take late bookings - it all depends on the diary - so it's worth asking.
Should I visit or is it better to book by phone or email?
I don't mind and will take bookings in whatever way is most convenient for you. A visit is nice as it gives the opportunity to sample cakes, look at the portfolio and browse through my collection of cake books, etc, but phone, email or post are also perfectly feasible.
I've no idea what I want - can you help?
In a case like this a pre-arranged visit to my kitchen is a very good idea. I can listen to your requirements and we can go through all the things you might need to consider, then I can show you a good range of options that can be tailored to your individual needs and budget.
Can I try some cake samples?
Yes, I'm happy for you to do so during a pre-arranged visit. Let me know in advance any particular flavours you'd like to try and I'll make sure samples are available. There is a charge for this of £10 per flavour as all cakes are made fresh to order, but it's refundable when you book your wedding cake priced £250 or more. Of course if you visit my stand at a wedding fair there will be free cake samples for you to try.
I'd like a tall cake with several tiers but I don't need very much cake...
I can decorate fake tiers as necessary to give the desired height, so that you don't end up with too much cake. The fake tiers are made from polystyrene but will be covered in icing and look indistinguishable from the real cakes.
I'm worried there won't be enough...
If you're having a very big do I can make some extra rectangular cutting cakes for pre-cutting behind the scenes. This also has the advantage of speeding up the serving process considerably.
How do we cut a large wedding cake?
Each tier has a cake board underneath so can easily be lifted off the tier below it. Do this before cutting. There will probably also be wooden or plastic support dowels that should be removed from the lower tiers before cutting. The people cutting the cake need to be aware of the standard portion size (2" x 1" for sponge cakes, 1" x1" for fruit cakes) and cut accordingly to avoid running out of cake. Professional caterers can usually be relied on to do it right but, for non-professionals, make sure they are well-briefed. They'll need sharp, preferably serrated, knives, hot water and clean cloths for periodic cleaning of the knives. It's sensible for two people to share the task.
Can I have different flavoured tiers?
Yes it's perfectly OK to have different flavours in each layer, although in some cases this may add to the cost of the cake.
Can you decorate a cake with fresh flowers?
Yes, but I ask that your wedding florist supplies them. I can liaise directly with your florist to make sure everything is perfect, and decorate the cake on site on the day.
Payment terms and conditions?
A non-refundable 25% deposit is due with the order and secures your date. The balance is due two weeks before the event.
Do you decorate cakes provided by someone else?
Yes, although only fruit cakes are accepted. Cakes need to be at least 3" (7.5cm) tall , and tiers should all be the same height. Fruit cakes should be made two to three months before the event to give them time to mature so that they will cut without too much crumbling.
Do you supply cake toppers?
I don't make them myself but I have a good supplier who makes them for me. Prices for these start at around £65 and they need to be ordered well in advance.