Booking Process
To ensure that I give each wedding cake the time and attention it needs, I limit the amount of wedding cakes I create each month. This can mean, during peak wedding season, I am booked up quickly. I recommend that you enquire as soon as possible, ideally 9 – 12 months ahead of your wedding date. There are times when I have some late availability so please, always contact me to enquire.
Step 2 – Lets Chat
When I have confirmed I am available to create your Wedding Cake, I will arrange an informal chat with you.
At this stage you may not be sure how you want your wedding cake to look. That’s absolutely fine! We can talk about any ideas you may have on style, colour schemes, theme of the day, decorations, flowers etc, including the size of the cake.
These ideas will help us create a lovely, bespoke wedding cake that will create a beautiful memory.
Step 3 – Initial Estimate
Using the information i have gathered from our informal chat, i will create an initial estimate for you which is valid for 30 days.
If you decide you would like me to create your wedding cake, I will require £100 booking fee to secure your date in my diary. This will be deducted from your final balance payable. Once received, I will updated and send a confirmation email.
Step 4 – Cake Design Consultation
Approximately 6 months prior to your wedding date I will arrange a design consultation. At this meeting, I will aim to confirm all the elements of the wedding cake and have an agreed design.
I will create a digital design of your cake to provide you with a visual view of the design. This can be amended until you are happy with the final result. I will provide an updated invoice to include any design changes from your original quote.
I will arrange for you to receive a cake sample box with some amazing flavours for you to choose from. If you prefer, I can arrange a cake tasting and design consultation in person.
Step 5 – Final Payment
Your final balance will be due 1 month prior to your Wedding day.
Step 6 – On your Wedding Day
Prior to your wedding day I will liaise with the venue & your Wedding Coordinator to arrange timings and the chosen place where you cake will be set up.
I will personally deliver your wedding cake due to its delicate nature and sugar flowers. I will set up the cake and ensure that it looks perfect for when you, and your guests, see your cake for the first time.
Cake Samples
For couples who have paid their booking fee, a complimentary cake sample box will be posted to you.
If you would like a cake sample box before securing your wedding date with me, they are available to order and contain 6 flavours for you to try. Boxes are priced at £30 inc postage and packing.
If you choose to book with me after purchasing the cake samples, I will deduct the value of the sample box from your cost of your wedding cake order.
Please send an email to cakes@cakedesignbygillian.co.uk to order your sample box.
Equipment Hire
Depending on your design, you may want to hire cake stands and/or cake separators from me to showcase your Wedding Cake at the venue. There is a small fee of £10, plus a holding deposit of £50 or £100, depending on the replacement value of the item.
The holding deposit will be refunded to you once the stand / equipment is received back in the condition it was hired to you. It is your responsibility to return the equipment hired back to me at Cake Design by Gillian within 7 days of hiring. If there are any signs of damage or of the stand being in an unfit condition, I reserve the right to retain the full deposit to cover the cost of replacement.
Fresh Flowers for Your Cake
If you decide that you would prefer fresh flowers for your cake, you would need to source these from your florist. I will liaise with your florist for a time to collect the cake flowers at the venue which will be added to your cake on your wedding day.
Flowers and foliage stems need to be taped and tightly wrapped before adding to your cake to form a barrier between the stems and the cake making them as food safe as possible. The time taken to prepare your flowers will be added as part of your set up cost and charged accordingly.
It is not possible for anyone else to add the flowers to the cake. This will be my responsibility as part of the set up of your cake.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes. Couples who have paid their booking fee receive a complimentary cake sample box. Sample boxes containing 6 flavours can also be ordered separately for £30 (including postage), with the cost deducted from your order if you go on to book.
After your enquiry, availability is confirmed within 48 hours, followed by an informal chat about your ideas. An initial estimate is then provided, valid for 30 days. A £100 booking fee secures your date, and a design consultation is held around 6 months before your wedding to finalise every detail, with your final balance due one month before the big day.
Please include your wedding date, venue, estimated number of guests, preferred cake style and any inspiration images you would like to share.
Yes. Your cake design can be refined at your consultation, held approximately 6 months before your wedding, including changes to the digital cake design. Please get in touch as early as possible if you need to amend your order, as changes may affect your quote.
Yes. A £100 booking fee is required to secure your wedding date, which is deducted from your final balance. The remaining balance is due one month before your wedding day.
You can contact Cake Design by Gillian through the website enquiry form, by telephone or by email to check availability and discuss your requirements. Enquiries are usually answered within 48 hours.
