Wedding Cake FAQs
What size wedding cake do I need?
You need a wedding cake large enough to ensure that each guest receives a slice. At your consultation I'll calculate the size of wedding cake you need to give you the number or portions required without you having to pay for excess cake. Please see the guide below to assist you in your decision.
I only need a few tiers but I like the look of a bigger cake?
Should you only require a smaller cake for your wedding but like the look of a larger piece then I can add dummy tiers to your own cake to make it look bigger.
When do I need to book?
The earlier the better ! I work on a 1st come 1st served basis and certain dates fill up quickly, once you have paid a deposit the date is secure. If you're short on time get in touch and I'll see what I can do for you. I can take bookings up to 2 years ahead.
Can I mix the flavours?
Yes. Each tier can be a different flavour and because each tier is supported by dowels, you do not have to have fruit as the bottom tier.
Do you offer a consultation?
For wedding cakes Tess's Cakes offer a no obligation consultation where you come and meet with me at our home where I work. This is an opportunity for you to peruse my resources and try some of the delicious cakes available to you whilst working on a one to one basis to create your perfect wedding cake. The charge for the consultation is £15, deductible from the price of your cake should you proceed with an order.
Can I use fresh flowers?
Of course. Using fresh flowers on a wedding cake looks beautiful and I can liaise with your florist to ensure an exact match.
Can you colour match?
If you can provide swatches of materials I can colour match your wedding cake as close as possible
What colour cupcake cases do you use?
As standard I use a silver case but should you require a different colour then please do ask.
Do you make the Bride and Groom figures?
Yes. These are hand made to resemble you as closely as possible. If you can provide pictures of yourselves and descriptions of the wedding outfits then I can do the rest.
What icing do you use?
I use both sugar-paste and Royal Icing. Royal Icing can only be used on my rich fruit cakes, so if you would like a Royal Iced cake in any other flavour then I can produce for you a Royal Iced dummy cake, and provide you with kitchen cutting cakes in the flavours of your choice.
I have got a tight budget what can I do?
I can produce for you an entire cake made using polystyrene dummies and then supply separate cutting cakes.
When and how do I pay?
A 50% deposit is required at time of booking and the balance payable 3 weeks before your wedding. Preferred method of payment is by Cheque made payable to Carl Travers and sent to 130 Hawthorn Ave, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3QG.
Do you deliver/Can I collect?
Yes. I always deliver wedding cakes in the morning to ensure that they arrive in plenty of time. Delivery and set up is free within 15 miles of CO4 3SJ; beyond that I charge £0.75p per mile (round trip) for this service. Please contact me for a quotation if your wedding is slightly further afield. If you wish, you may collect your wedding cake but delivery and set up is recommended. Once your cake has been collected it is no longer the responsibility of Tess's Cakes.
Do you hire Cake stands and knives?
Wedding cake stands and knives are available to hire. The price for these are £25 and will be added on top of your quote, if you do not require then please let me know. A £65 security deposit is required and this shall be reimbursed once the stand and knife have been returned. These should be returned within 96 hours of your function, failure to do so or damage to the stand and/or knife will result in the loss of your full deposit. I do not hire out our cake knives without a stand.
Portion Guide
When ordering your wedding cake, the size you choose will depend on how many guests are attending and whether the cake will be served in coffee or dessert portions. Below is a rough guide to portion sizes.
Coffee portions are typically served 1" x 1" x 3" deep
Dessert portions are typically served 1" x 2" x 3" deep