cake for (wedding) breakfast - why me?

I used to walk past an old-fashioned wedding cake shop every day as a child. I would spend ages staring in the window "choosing my cake" while my mother waited patiently. These cakes were always white; at most decorated with pastel tones in piped royal icing or gumpaste flowers. Inside they would all have been fruit cake. In retrospect, they all looked very much the same. But I loved the romance of what they represented.

Now I get to design and make wedding cakes for other people! It is always such a privilege - no two briefs are quite the same - and the joyful feedback messages I often receive the day after the Big Day make me literally dance around my kitchen. The couples who choose me do so because they want something truly unique to them, beautifully decorated in buttercream, and above-all, delicious. You chan choose a different flavour for each tier, or have them all the same. If you have guests with allergies, I can make you a set of accompanying cupcakes which are gluten free / nut free / vegan... If you have a family recipe I have to use, send it along (like the recent chocolate Guinness cake I made for a Christmas wedding)! The bottom tier of Keisha and Adam's cake (on the right) was even made by Keisha's grandma (Jamaican rum cake) and delivered for me to decorate. I only accept a small number of wedding cake orders a year, because each one is so important, and this means I can be flexible.

I have included some photos and example prices here just so you can get your eye in! Once you've decided you'd like to work with me, read on for the next steps...

Roughly how much are my cakes?

Example starting prices (naked cake, smooth finish or rustic texture)

Price depends on the number of servings and complexity of design. Unlike many other companies, I don't inflate my prices because you have used the W word: I always try to be transparent in my pricing. Please see my page 'Prices and Serving Guides' for more breakdowns, but you might find the following useful.

Two tiers, extra tall 8" and tall 6"

£229

Serves 67, approx 13.5" tall

Three tiers, tall 10", tall 8" and tall 6"

£383

Serves 115, approx 18" tall

Four tiers, standard height 12", 10", 8" and 6"

£497

Serves 150, approx 18" tall

Popular add-ons

Delivery

From £50

I like to stack and finish dressing my wedding cakes at the venue. Price will depend on location but starts at £50. Some of my braver couples on a budget choose to arrange their own transport; please be aware this may not be possible depending on your design.

Flowers

Design dependent

My preferred florists to work with are Petal Philosophy in Raynes Park and Brian Kirkby in Wimbledon. I can order blooms from them or decorate with flowers left at the venue by your florist. I can also provide artificial flowers - a sensible option as you don't have to worry about toxicity, and you can always be sure they will remain looking beautiful!

Stencilling

£10 per tier

Stencilling can add texture to an all-white cake or interest to one tier of a multi-tier design.

Ombres

£10 per tier

My signature finish which really sets my designs apart from anybody else.

Embossing

£5

Add names or initials to personalise your cake, embossed into the side and hand-painted in gold or your preferred colour.

Cake charms and custom toppers

Design dependent

Many couples choose to personalise their cakes with a custom topper (to go on top of the top tier) or cake charm (to be applied to the front of the cake) in acrylic, diamanté or wood, which can serve as a lovely keepsake after the event. I don't make these but can help you source them.

In the current climate where ingredients and energy costs are rising rapidly, please note that these prices are likely to increase over the course of the next two years.

next steps...

1. Check I'm free!

I only accept a couple of wedding orders a month, so email me to check I'm free and get a rough quote.

2. Pay your deposit

The design process can be time-consuming, so I take a non-refundable deposit (£75 or a third of the estimated cake cost, whichever is higher) to secure the date prior to sketching for you and any in-depth discussions.

3. Think about flavours

I don't send out special wedding taster boxes: I don't like to limit options that way. So, if you're not already a regular, the best way to try some flavours is to buy a Pick & Mix cupcake selection. If you give me enough warning I can make sure your favourites are all in there. Then invite your friends over, pop some bubbles and have fun choosing!

4. Get creative

Some couples know exactly what they want. Others have a colour theme (perhaps not even that) and no more. If this is you, the best way to begin your design journey is to start a Pinterest board. The algorithm is terrifyingly good at working out what you want so by the time you've saved 20 pins, if you send me the screen shot of your top 6 I'll be able to start sketching for you!

5. Finalise your design

Some couples prefer to keep things to email so we have everything in one place, others like to chat over the phone or schedule a virtual meeting so I can show you colours / flowers / stencil options. Once I think I know what you want, I'll send you a sketch or two based on what we've discussed. Once you're happy, I'll finalise your order, but you can still tweak flavours and sizes up to 7 days prior to your wedding.

6. Share contact details

I ask my couples to nominate a trusted friend in case there are any last minute questions or niggles. I'll also need contact details for the venue - and your florist if I am working with them - along with timings and anything I need to know about display and storage facilities.

7. Pay the balance

No later than 7 days prior to the Big Day, you'll need to confirm your sizes and flavours and pay the balance.

7. Try to relax!

I'll take it from here.