FAQ's
Some common questions answered.
Q: How long before my wedding should I think about ordering my cake?
Answer: Where possible it's best to think about 3 months/12 weeks ahead. This gives us time to make those special decorations that may need time to dry or set. If you are having a fruit cake as part of your wedding cake flavours this will also give time for the cake to mature and develop a rich flavour. While we can work outside this time frame you should bear in mind that the bank holiday weekends fill up fast.
Q: What size of cake should I get?
Answer: The size of cake you require depends on a number of aspects. How many people you expect to have a piece of cake? What shape your tiers are - square cakes yield more pieces per tier compared to round or heart shaped? How many people will bring cake home for others and whether you would like to keep a tier for your first wedding anniversary or just to enjoy at home with family after the big day has passed.
Q: Can I have different flavours in each tier?
Answer: Yes you can; we currently have in excess of 50 flavours and fillings. While this may appear daunting we offer free cake tastings to help you narrow down your favourites. Cake tastings are strictly by appointment and can be arranged by email or giving us a call.
Q: Do I have to have fruit cake?
Answer: No you don't have to have fruit cake as one of the tiers if you don't like it. There are so many choices these days to choose from that you can pick whatever flavours you'd like. Fruit cake was used way back when as a sign of fertility and would be crumbled over the bride's head. In later years fruit cake tiers would be kept to re-ice for the first born's baptism day or just to send to guests who were invited to the wedding but couldn't make it for whatever reason. Fruit cake travelled much better and had a longer shelf life.
Q: Does Fruit cake have to be the bottom tier/largest tier?
Answer: No, fruit cake can be the smallest tier if you prefer. We can work around your taste. Sometimes fruit cake is used for a wedding cake tier just for traditions sake. If no-one in your families likes fruit cake then leave it out.
Q: Can my cake be matched to my colour scheme?
Answer: We work with you in regard to coloured ribbons and icings to suit the theme/scheme you have decided on for your big day. Remember though that we are working with sugar so colours may differ slightly but we will do our best to match the colour you are hoping for.
Q: How long will my cake keep after my wedding day?
Answer: Fruit cake keeps the longest if stored correctly. It should be taken off the cake board and wrapped in greaseproof paper then in aluminium foil and placed in an airtight box or freezer.If in an airtight box it can continue to be fed with alcohol once a month until needed again. Generally though you would aim to have it eaten at the 12 month stage. Chocolate Biscuit Cake will keep for approximately 3 months again if stored in an airtight container. Madeira or sponge cakes should be eaten within a week for best results but can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I have my tiers different shapes or do they all have to be the same?
Answer: You can have different shaped tiers where possible. For example it's not always easy to put a heart shaped tier on top of a round one but round or square can be mixed and matched without too many problems depending on the size of tiers you require. We do our best to get you the cake of your dreams.
Q: Can you deliver and set up my cake?
Answer: Yes we can; delivery in our local area is free and where possible we aim to deliver your cake to your venue at a time when your tables have been set and the cake is the last thing to arrive. At this stage we will also set your cake up free of charge for you. We have a good working relationship with hotels and they are happy for us to set the cake up for you. Outside our local area delivery fees may apply.
Q: Do I have to leave a deposit when booking?
Answer: If you wish to secure the date then yes a deposit of ?100 is required at booking. If you prefer we can take a provisional booking and hold the date for you but if another couple subsequently ask for the same date then at that stage you will have to confirm the booking and leave a deposit. If you have a provisional booking you will always get first refusal.
Q: Do you cater for different dietary requirements?
Answer: Yes we cater for most dietary needs such as Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Egg Free and Sugar Free. We also have some vegetarian and vegan cake flavours.
Q: When does the balance for my cake have to be paid?
Answer: The balance for your cake is due 10 working days before your wedding day.
Q: If I have a picture of a cake I like can you re-create it?
Answer: We work with you to give you the cake of your dreams and have in the past re-created cakes from pictures taken from magazines or other web pages.
Q: Can you cater for a Christmas Wedding?
Answer: Yes we work through the Christmas period. While the shop is closed we are busy working away in the background creating delicious confections.
Q: My mum/aunt/cousin wants to make my cake but doesn't want to decorate it. Do you offer a decorating service only?
Answer: Yes; we can cover a single tier and make the rest, or cover all the tiers that family members make. Remember though that each tier must be at least 3" high when cooked/baked. Proportions are important in making your finished cake look well when it is displayed.
Q: My mum/aunt/cousin wants to make my cake but doesn't want to decorate it. Do you offer a decorating service only?
Answer: Yes; we can cover a single tier and make the rest, or cover all the tiers that family members make. Remember though that each tier must be at least 3" high when cooked/baked. Proportions are important in making your finished cake look well when it is displayed.
