Things to consider when ordering a custom cake!

First of all, I want to apologize for not having photos in today's blog.  I always like to have photos.  But we are experiencing minor technical difficulties and my blog will not let me upload any photos.  Darn that technology!

Ordering a custom cake is quite different then ordering a cake from a grocery store or large box bakery.  I wanted to share several points to remember when ordering a custom cake.

It takes time so plan ahead.  If you want to order a custom cake for your event make sure to book early...like real early.  I recommend a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks, maybe longer depending on the type of cake.  I cannot tell you how many calls I get from stressed parents the week before their child's birthday or graduation.  They want to do something a little more special then the grocery store sheet cake, but that does require a little more planning.  First, because of all the detail and planning that goes into custom cakes we need that time to prepare for your cake, and sometimes order specific ingredient, tool, or mold that take a few weeks to arrive.  Second, the amount of time that we put into the cake is longer and therefore we have a limit on how many cakes we can take.  You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. 

Make room in the budget.  Custom cakes will cost more then the generic store cakes.  Why?  Well, several reasons.  One is the time and labor that goes into planning and creating the cake is a lot longer then generic cakes.  Also, there more there is on the cake, the more the ingredients will cost and the more you will have to pay.  If you are working with a budget let your baker know that and we can work with you (reasonably) to get a beautiful cake without breaking the bank.  However, if the vision you have is over your budget, be open to the changes the baker suggests.  Remember, we do this every day and trust our ideas and suggestions.  We want you to love your cake even more than you do!  

Listen to the advice from the baker.  Ordering a custom cake is a lot more involved then a 2 minute phone conversation telling us what flavor and "Happy Birthday Sue" on the cake.  There are usually several phone and email conversations to get the right vision for your cake.  Sometimes clients come in with a vision that is not realistic.  Whether it's for the time of year (remember, our ingredients are fresh and sometimes seasonal), budget, or size/type of cake.  I get many calls from people wanting a 3 tier cake that serves 20 guests.  Sorry, the cakes serve X number of people and I cannot change that. Communication is key.  Tell the baker your ideas and be open to the suggestions.  If you want a 3 tier cake for 20 people then the choices are: bake the cake and have lots of leftovers, bake one tier and have 2 tiers mock (won't save you any money though) or choose a smaller cake.  Please don't think we are trying to swindle you or anything like that.  But we know the reality of cakes and will do our best to help you.  However, we need you to be open to whatever changes or suggestions we may have. 

I could go on and on, but that could get lengthy....and probably boring.  If you have an idea for a custom cake send us your vision and we can discuss your ideas and let's get planning!