Saturday 28 September 2013

Emma Chisit?!?

I often get emails asking "how much is a cake?"
Or "how much for this cake?" 
The answer isn't as simple as saying $$
Each and every cake I make is crafted especially for the occasion it is being used for. 
Yes you may see and fall in love with a stunning cake- but it may be unsuitable for your needs. 
It could be miles too big!(and while we all love left over cake) choosing a scaled down variation may still show off its beauty without being ostentatious at your event. 
At the other end of the spectrum, I'd be disappointed to quote a price for a cake that's too small for the occasion, only to then have to add in additional kitchen cakes (and expense) to cover the numbers. 
There's no secret underlying reasons as to why I ask the following in order to supply pricing- I truly need to know. 

The Date- I need to know when your event will be held, so that I can provide my availability to you. If I'm unavailable for your date then sadly I cannot help with a cake. (I'm always happy to refer you to someone who might be able to help instead too) 
It's not my business practice to supply quotes where I'm unable to accommodate the request. 

Your Venue- I ask this to know how suitable your design will be there. Whether or not your venue has air conditioning, whether it is an outdoor venue, and of course it's location for delivery can all possibly impact on the design. 
For instance- if you're having an outdoor marquee wedding in January a soft iced cake is definitely off the cards. And dependent upon the availability of aircon to store a fondant iced cake until just prior to the reception will also determine what's suitable. 
The last thing I would want would be for your cake to turn into a melted puddle on the floor. 

How your cake is being served. 
Whether it's dessert or token pieces will effect how much cake you need. 
Also if traditionally you wish to retain your top tier will also mean that you may need more cake to cater for your amount of guests. 

While I often hear "no one eats cake" I'd beg to differ. I have countless thank yous and feedback from past clients telling me how they didn't get a single piece of cake as their guests ate it all on the night. 
People will eat great cake :D
While only you will know your guests well enough to judge their appetite, It's also etiquette to provide a portion for each and every attendee. 
Thinking that "none of the guys will want dessert" and wanting to order a cake 30 portions short isn't a cordial approach. 
Your venue will want to cut enough portions to provide each guest with that course. Culling dessert for those you think may not want it is like only serving some guests an entree- because they would normally only eat a main meal. 

So when looking for a quote on the perfect cake you've found- remember to supply the information above for a speedy reply. 

Take it easy
SJ xx