What's a Wedding Cake Worth??

A new year brings so many things. New opportunities, adventures and new learning experiences. 

Many of you may have recently become engaged (Congratulations!!) - such an exciting time for both you and your fiancé, and for your family too.

Weddings are filled with joy and love and new beginnings- just like the New Year. 

I really enjoy meeting my clients, learning about them and their style. Hearing proposal stories, and of course how they met. 

Whilst this may seem like friendly chatter (or an over excited vendor who relishes speaking with other adults lol), to me it's very important to know my clients before designing a cake for them. 

The cake not only has to fit the feel of the reception, it needs to reflect the couple themselves. 

My job isn't all about creating stunning five tier white cakes (although I do have a rather large soft spot for thee) it's about creating a fit. 

A design fit, a flavour fit (Yes most important) , and a budget fit. 

Many clients are shy to reveal their cake budget. They shouldn't be. 

I'm sure many won't say for fear of either being overcharged or offending me if what they've accounted for is far less than a cakes worth. Neither of which could be further from reality. 

I get that this is (for most) the first time they've ordered a custom cake. I'm hear to show you why a great cake costs, and show you value for money. 

I understand that there's much misinformation about, poor articles informing couples that if you mention the word "wedding" the price will double. This is not true. Each cake is priced upon its size and detail. To be honest, the function you're using the cake for is purely to help with the design. It doesn't impact the price. You'll receive the same exceptionally finished custom made professional cake from me whether you're using it in an opulent reception, or for a backyard bbq. 

There's also the common belief that if you have "fake" tiers your cake will be loads cheaper. This is also a fallacy. The cost of custom cut foam (incl delivery) is similar to most regular style cakes. Icing foam is harder, (due to its lightweight) than a stable cake, and the external decorations take the same amount of time, effort and skill as a cake you can cut and enjoy. 

Sure if you're wanting a 20 inch cake base - this will be more economical that having actual cake, but most Bride and grooms to be are requesting 10" or smaller cakes to be replaced with foam.  You may save $5-$40 on your cake but you won't save $100's. 

It's my aim to work with my clients to give them the best value for money. 

I offer a one on one service. This means you deal with myself from design to delivery. 

I bake, ice, decorate and deliver All my cakes. 

I source all the ingredients, and use local free range eggs and seasonal fruits where possible. 

I pride myself on making cakes that taste better than they look, and whilst I can make you a "Chocolate Mud" or a "Red Velvet" cake, I'd much rather bake you a custom flavour that will stick in your guests minds long after they've eaten their slice. 

If you crave Salted Caramel, I can fill your tiers with Salted Caramel fudge cake with layers of dark chocolate ganache and Peanut butter buttercream.Or a Rosewater sand cake with pistachio and Byron Bay Honey cream??  After all- if you're serving the cake as a dessert it may as well be dessert worthy. 

Let's not forget how you're going to present the cake that you'll stand in front of your guests and ceremoniously cut. I offer a range of cake stands for hire. From hand crafted pedestal stands, to timber slices and gorgeous silver ornate stands and plateaus. If my selection doesn't include quite what you're looking for, custom made stands may be available. 

Sooooooo what will your cake cost?? It's not really a simple answer. 

Your ideal cake could be a textured butter iced cake that will be adorned with flowers from your florist, or it could be a meter high hand painted, Pearl finished cake with piping and stencil detail, with sugar blooms cascading down one side. 

There's so much variations it's impossible to give a single price. 

If you're looking to set a realistic budget then take this into consideration:

At a chain bakery where you're served a piece of commercially baked pre mix cake for between $6-$8 per slice. 

If you were to dine at a restaurant where the pastry chef had created a piece of art on a plate would see you paying $20-$28. 

I am a chef by trade. 

Your cake will be baked from scratch using quality ingredients. 

If the thought of paying $6-$20 per dessert portion is too much then maybe I'm not the decorator for you. 

This is my livelihood. 

I'm a fully registered and licensed Cake Decorator. 

Please don't assume I'll be content  working for less than a checkout operator to create your custom cake. 

I have the experience, knowledge, skills and passion to create something wonderful for you. 

I'm here to work with you to put together a design that symbolizes your Union. 

I'm here to create Your Dream Cake. 

So - What is a Wedding Cake Worth?

It's worthy of the job of a professional whose skills, expertise and network of colleagues means you'll have your expectations exceeded by the quality and service provided. 

So if you're after a spectacular cake for 2015 contact me to arrange a consultation. 

Happy 2015

SJ xx

Don't forget to like me on Facebook

www.facebook.com/cakethat