Frequently Asked Questions
Info for Brides Grooms Cakes Anniversary Cakes
Info for Brides
What to look for when shopping for a Wedding Cake?
Be sure to reserve the date well in advance. At Patty-Cakes, we do book up quickly and if you wait too long, you could be disappointed. If time allows, call 6 months to 1 year in advance, it is never too early to check your date.
How to make an appointment?
Call the shop (618-654-8180) to set up an appointment with one of our cake designers. We will look at any pictures or design ideas that you have. After getting a feel for your "style", we will make suggestions to assist you in your decision. If a personal appointment is not possible, we will work with you over the phone or by e-mail if necessary.
Do we provide samples?
Each bride will be offered several different samples of our cakes and fillings at the initial appointment. If you have a special flavor that you would like to taste, please inform us and we will be sure to have it ready for you.
How much does a cake cost?
If you have a budget, please let me know in advance. I will try to show you things that will fit into your budget. Buttercream cakes with icing flowers and designs will be less expensive than Fondant cakes with gumpaste (sugar) flowers. The more time spent and more complicated the design, the more you should expect to pay for the cake.
How do I choose the colors for a cake?
If you are having color or your cake, be sure to bring along a swatch of fabric, or piece of ribbon for us to match. There are hundreds of shades of the same color, and if you want a close match, we need something to compare.
Can I pick a design?
If you have a picture from a magazine, cake book, newspaper, or advertisement, bring it with you to your consultation.
Can I put flowers on my cake?
Fresh flowers can be put on cakes, but remember, fresh flowers can be treated with pestisides. Talk to your florist, and choose wisely.
Can I use sugar flowers instead?
If you would like sugar (gumpaste) flowers on your cake, you can choose from the large selection that we have on display in the shop. Be prepared to pay extra for these flowers as they take special skill and extra time to make.
How do I decide on the number of servings?
We can guide you as to the number of servings you will need, but the ultimate decision will be up to you. Most brides order enough servings for invited guests minus 20%.
What about cutting the cake? Do you do that?
Be sure to ask your caterer if they will cut your cake, and if there is an extra charge. We do not offer this service. Make sure you have a serving knife. If you are asking a friend or family member, remember that this is a messy job and maybe you are not honoring them by asking them to work at your wedding. Also, will they know the proper way to cut the cake so you get the right amount of servings?
How do I go about cake table placement?
Take the background into consideration when placing your cake table. Remember, anything on the wall behind your cake will be in all your pictures.
Do you Deliver? Plus, how does that work?
Yes. You will be called the week before your wedding with the time that your cake will be delivered. You should call your contact at the reception location and inform them of this time so they can make sure that the doors will be unlocked, and the cake table is ready for placement of the cake. You should have made arrangements to have the tablecloth and skirting finished before this time.
What if something unexpected happens?
99.9% of the time everything goes as planned. If it doesn't, usually we can make adjustments, corrections, phone calls etc. and fix any problem. A lot of people are working to make this day wonderful for you. Because of this, something could go wrong. DO NOT LET IT RUIN YOUR DAY!! If it is not life-threatening, it will only serve as a funny memory to tell your children. (It may not be funny at the moment, but rest assured, it will be funny someday).
Can wedding cakes fall down?
You've spent several hundred dollars for a beautiful and elaborate wedding cake perhaps a replica of one that you saw in a magazine. Everyone remarks on how pretty it is, and you are delighted. Then, a half hour into the reception, just as you are beginning to relax and enjoy yourselves, your coordinator tells you that the cake is starting to collapse and you need to cut it now while there is still time to salvage it and to get those special pictures. You rush to the cake table, place a forced smile on your face and quickly cut the cake.
Unfortunately, this scenario occurs all too often, but NOT if you order your cake from Patty-Cakes. We use only the best equipment and cake supports made. We do NOT use wooden dowel rods like 99% of the wedding cake bakers in this area. There are 2 reasons for this:
1. Dowel rods are made from wood. Cakes are moist. Have you ever smelled moist wood? The pieces of cake that are touching those dowel rods WILL taste like wet wood.
2. Dowel rods can slip. If only 1 dowel rod slips, your cake will lean, or even worse, fall on the floor.
Have you ever heard a horror story about someone's cake leaning, or falling on the floor, dowel rod slippage is usually the reason why.
Patty-Cakes has invested in Stainless Steel cake supports. They are stainless steel rings with acrylic legs attached to each ring that are adjustable in height. These supports are inserted into each and every layer of cake that will be supporting weight (another cake or a heavy figurine etc.) They will keep your cake level, and in place with no chance of leaning or falling. We DO NOT charge extra for this service. These rings will be returned to us with the rest of your equipment after the wedding.
If you are ordering your cake elsewhere, you may want to ask your baker what he/she is using for support. No wedding cake can be put together without supports! It is just not possible without a HUGE risk of disaster. If your baker tells you different, you better think twice !!!!!
Is there anything else I should know about?
Each and every wedding cake is made with the utmost care.
We have a state license, health inspected kitchen. We are fully certified in food service sanitation.
We value the opinions of all of our customers, and will do our best to create the cake of your dreams!
No idea or question is "stupid". Some of the most awesome cakes were created by the thoughts and dreams of our brides. If we don't think it will work, we will tell you.
Because of the safe and secure support system that we use, you and I both can be assured that the cake will stand tall and straight without any chance of leaning or falling.
