Common Questions from Brides

We know that you're worried about the details of your wedding cake. We will make the perfect cake for you, so you can worry about more important things - like your honeymoon.

How soon should I book the date?

We recommend booking your date as soon as you have it selected. Since we limit how many wedding cakes are done in a weekend, we do book up fairly quickly. Even if you can't decide on a final cake design, you can still reserve the date, and then we can finalize your details as we get closer to the wedding.

Is there a deposit?

Yes, I require a $100 nonrefundable deposit that reserves your wedding date. The deposit is applied to your wedding cake order. If you change the date of your wedding, we will do our best to accommodate your new date, but cannot guarantee it and may result in the loss of your depositt.

How do we pick out the design of the cake?

I will work one on one with the Bride and/or Groom to ensure that your cake is exactly to your liking and taste. We have many different styles to choose from and will mix, match or create the perfect centerpiece for your reception. We have dozens of books and photo albums to browse through to help with ideas for the design that's perfect for you. If you have seen a cake elsewhere that you like, please bring in a photograph and we will be happy to reproduce it for you. We have the knowledge and ability to create all styles of cake.

Do I have to schedule a consult or can I just drop by?

Yes, we need to schedule your visit. Since I do sit down with each customer on a one-on-one basis, I need to make sure my schedule permits me to give you the time necessary. I will also need time to prepare for your visit and have some samples ready for you. This being said, please honor my time by calling if you're running late or can't make the scheduled appointment.

When can I schedule a consultation?

I try to schedule all consultations during the first part of the week (Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) since we are busy with baking, decorating and delivering during the 2nd half of the week. I try to be flexible and I will schedule late afternoon or early evening appointments when necessary. Please keep in mind that most appointments take 1 - 2 hours so you'll want to give yourself the appropriate amount of time.

I realize that there are many people trying to plan weddings from out of town and can only be in town on the weekends. I will do my best to accommodate you on a weekend that we don't have many weddings booked. I want to be able to give my full attention to the wedding cakes that I'm working on each week, which is what I'm sure you would want for your own cake.

Are there extra charges for using fountains or special cake stands?

I do charge a stand rental on my "Tree of Life" acrylic stand. On all other stands or equipment I only charge a refundable security deposit. As long as everything is returned (clean) by 5pm the Monday following the wedding, your security deposit will be refunded. Late fees of $25 per day will be charged on equipment that is late returning. A $15 cleaning fee will be charged if it is returned dirty. If we must replace equipment because you have not returned it on time, or it has been lost or broken you will be billed for the replacement costs, plus any shipping if applicable.

How much do you charge for a wedding cake?

Each cake is designed and decorated differently and the charge is based on the amount of time involved in the decoration. I start at $2.25 per serving and it goes up from there depending on the design. A more intricate design such as basket weave may be $2.50 and up per serving. When you start adding icing flowers or hand-made sugar pieces, it can be anywhere from $2.75 on up per serving depending on the type of flower and how many. Rolled Fondant cakes will increase the price and starts at $3.50 per serving. Squares, hexagons and certain other shapes can increase the cost of the cake as well.

How big is a wedding cake serving?

A typical wedding cake serving size is 1x2x4. Make sure as you're comparing cakes and prices that you're getting the amount of cake you need. Some bakeries will charge you less "per serving", but are basing their price on a smaller serving.

Do you deliver and set up the cake and is there a charge?

Yes, we deliver and set the cake up at your reception site. The fee is either $45 or $1.95 per mile (one way) - whichever is more. There are certain locations that are more depending on the degree of difficulty in reaching the destination. Some mountain locations are significantly higher for delivery due to the time and care we have to take to make sure your cake makes it in one piece!

Is it necessary that the cake match the Bridesmaids dresses?

No, as the Bridesmaid dresses are rarely in the photo with the cake. If you want to use another color, choose colors that will blend in with the rest of the reception. Please remember that very dark colors will look great on your cake at your reception, but will probably not photograph as well. If you bring in a color swatch we will make every attempt to match it as closely as possible.

Do you care if someone else (another decorator, relative, friend or store) makes another cake for the same reception where our cake will be displayed?

We are very comfortable and proud of what we have to offer the Bride and Groom. We do not want anyone thinking that our work is that of someone else or take credit for another's work. If you find yourself in need of more cake than what you have ordered we suggest using kitchen cakes. You will find that we are very reasonable for these cakes and would ask you to order them from us rather than from another store. Sometimes you get in a situation where someone has decorated a little and wants to give you a cake as a gift. We suggest asking the person to make you a bridal shower cake instead. Our main concern is that your cake be as perfect as possible and by using a professional you run less risk of a disaster. We are a fully licensed, inspected kitchen and we know we can insure you a quality product.

Would you use a recipe that we bring to you?

We would consider it, but would have to have plenty of time to test the cake for structure and baking limits. There is a $50 fee for the research & testing with no guarantee that we will agree to use the recipe. Our cakes are tested and well known for their flavor, moistness, stability and ease of cutting. With over 25 flavors of cake to choose from, we are sure you will find something that pleases you.

Do you use fillings?

Our cakes are so rich and moist a filling is not needed. If you choose to go with certain cake flavors, a filling can sometimes seem like "over-kill". However, if you're using a plainer cake flavor, such as a vanilla or white, then I would recommend using a filling if desired.

Do you charge extra for using different flavors for each tier?

No. Each cake is baked individually, so you may choose as many flavors as you have tiers. In fact, since each tier is usually 2-layers, we will sometimes give you the option of choosing two flavors for one cake. (We limit this only to your largest tier.) There may be an extra charge if requesting multiple specialty flavors.

How many cakes do you deliver on a typical Saturday?

We average about two or three cakes per Saturday. Presentation is very important to us and we try to allow ample time for each delivery. When booking our weddings, we are very aware of the time needed to decorate and deliver each cake. Our commitment is to the weddings that are booked and ensuring that each Bride has the cake of her dreams. Since we have a small but very skilled staff, the type of decorating we offer cannot be done on an assembly line. Each cake is unique and different, just like our Brides.

How much cake should we order?

That depends on the number of invitations you send out. Remember that most invitations are for couples, so if you send out 200 invitations that would make 400 or more guests. Of course not all will attend, so take a look at how many invitations are for out-of-town people who will not be able to attend and cut down accordingly. Next take a look at how many invitations will include children and add in for them. Just be honest!  Please don't ask us to make a 200 serving cake when you know that 400 will be there. It will be very embarrassing for you and us.

Keep in mind that the wedding cake alone does not have to serve all of your guests. Quite often for larger gatherings, we'll do the main wedding cake to feed most of your guests and then we'll do some "kitchen cakes" (large double layer sheetcakes) that can be cut in the kitchen and served with the rest of the wedding cake. This is particularly good when cost is an issue, since the kitchen cakes are not priced at wedding cake prices.

How do we feel about fresh flowers used on the cake?

Fresh flowers are fine, but we do have a few requirements for using them. Flowers must be arranged for with a florist. We do not recommend using flowers from your garden, as they may have sprays and/or bugs on them. We would prefer that the cakes not have stems inserted into them, as this is a health hazard, but this is something you will need to speak to your florist about. You will need to arrange for the florist to place them on the cake or we will be happy to place them for a $25.00 fee so long as the flowers are ready for placement when we arrive. Feel free to have the florist contact us about the sizes of cake and design of the floral arrangements.

Can we taste the cake?

Yes. I always provide samples for wedding consultations. I try to provide 6-8 different flavors to test and see which ones you'd like for your cake.

How many meetings will it take to finalize the plans for my wedding cake?

Usually just one meeting is necessary. Most questions and changes can be handled by phone or by mail. However, we will meet with you as many times as it takes to make sure you are comfortable with all the details.

Who pays for the Groom's cake or Bridal Shower cake?

If the Groom's cake is to be served at the rehearsal dinner, usually the Groom's family. If it is to be served at the wedding, the Bride or Groom's family may pay. Bridal Shower cakes are usually paid for by those hosting the party, but sometimes the Bride's family will pay if it is something special that they want.

When is final payment due?

Your cake must be paid for in full no later than three weeks before delivery. If it is less than 21 days, only cash, certified check or money order will be accepted.

Who cuts the cake?

Usually the staff of your reception venue or the catering staff are available to cut the cake. Make sure you check with them to see if there is an additional cake cutting fee or if you have the option of having a friend or family cut the cake. If you're providing your own people to cut the cake, I recommend using 2 people which can help to cut down on the stress and difficulty of doing it in a timely manner. If they are unsure as to the best procedure for cutting the cake, see if they are available to be there when we deliver the cake and we'll be happy to instruct them in the proper method.

Do you decorate the cake table, or are we responsible for this?

You will be responsible for having this done. There are many inexpensive and elegant ways to decorate the cake table without having to use your napkins and plates. Remember, as your looking at your photos in years to come, you probably don't need to see your cake table adorned with the plastic silverware and dishes! As your looking at cake photos, keep an eye on the table decor, it can inspire some great ideas. White lights with some tulle is a wonderful way to present the cake. In my opinion, candles, rose petals, flowers and ivy, your toasting glasses and your serving set are really the only things that should be on your cake table besides the cake until the actual cutting begins.

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For any other questions please contact me at (864) 269-6099.