Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I order my cake?
As its only me here at Seadrift Cakery, designing, baking and decorating I am only able to take on a limited number of cakes to ensure I maintain the high standards you expect of me.  Therefore as much notice as possible is always preferable. Saying that I can sometimes take on a cake at short notice so please do get in touch and I’ll see what I can do.

Do you offer cake consultations and tasting sessions?
Yes, I would love to meet you and discuss your ideas. Get in touch. It’s a great way for me to gauge your vision for your big day and for you to be able to taste a selection of cakes. I’m in the process of developing a cake selection box which is postable so if you are travelling to Cornwall to get married you can still sample some cake. Tasting consultations cost £25 which is deducted from the cost of your cake if you choose to order (£300 minimum order)

I’ve seen a picture of a cake online. Can you copy it?
I’m afraid I would never directly copy another designers cake. What I can do is take inspiration from that image and use my creativity to design a cake that is bespoke and unique for you. Why have something that’s already been done!

How long is my quotation valid for?
The price stated on your quotation is valid for 3 months. If you choose to proceed after this time prices are subject to change due to possible price increases from suppliers.

How do I secure my booking?
All wedding cakes require a non refundable booking fee of £50. Celebration cakes require a £10 non refundable booking fee. No booking is confirmed until this fee has been received. Short notice orders may require payment in full upon ordering.

When is my final balance due?
For wedding cakes I ask that the balance is paid 4 weeks before the delivery of your cake. Celebration cakes require payment 2 weeks before collection. If payment is not received your order may be cancelled.

How do I pay for my cake?
You can pay in person by cash or by bank transfer. My bank details will be provided to you with your order confirmation.

Do you deliver and set up?
I always recommend that a wedding cake is delivered for your peace of mind. It’s one less thing for you to have to think about! Please do ensure that your venue has a suitable secure position for your cake especially if you have an outside location or a marquee. Please also have someone responsible for the cake handover at your venue (ideally not a person from the main wedding party). Once the cake is delivered and set up I will take photographs of the cake and ask for a signature to confirm that the cake has been delivered in good condition. For cakes within a 5 mile radius of my location I charge £25. A delivery charge of 45p per mile applies for distances further than this.

Can I collect my cake?
Yes. If your cake is less than 3 tiers you are welcome to collect. (larger cakes will need to be delivered and set up by me). Please ensure that you have a suitable clean and flat area in your vehicle. Car seats are generally not suitable due to their sloping nature. Your cake will come carefully boxed but by their nature cakes are delicate and heavy! I will ask for a signature on collection to confirm that the cake has been collected in a good condition and as specified.  Once your cake has left my premises I cannot be held responsible for any damage which may occur. Whilst I always try my best to provide a cake that is secure and well structured you will need to drive carefully and slowly!

What happens if I need to cancel my order?
Firstly do get in touch, I’ll always do what I can to help.

In the event of a cancellation by yourselves any payments previously made are non refundable and the following charges apply:

More than 90 days prior to the event= booking fee only

90 days to one calendar month prior to the date= booking fee plus half the remaining cost

Less than one calendar month prior to the date = full amount

If for any reason you need to rearrange your date I will try my best to accommodate this but cannot guarantee to be able to do so. Subject to availability I will carry monies forward to the new occasion date. Any further postponements will be classed as a cancellation.

How long will my cake keep for?
Your cake will be baked fresh as close to your delivery/collection day as possible, as they contain no preservatives, I advise that all cakes must be consumed within 48 hours. I cannot be held responsible for cakes consumed after this period.

How should I store my cake?
Cakes should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight, radiators or other sources of heat. Fridges will make your fondant icing sweat and your cake dry out. Cold temperatures mean condensation is formed which can make icing look shiny, colours run and decorations such as sugar flowers melt.

Do you hire cake stands?
I currently have a small selection of stands which can be hired. A £10 hire fee is payable plus a £50 security deposit. It is the customers responsibility to return the stand to me within 4 working days. The deposit will not be refunded in the event the stand is damaged.

Can I use fresh flowers on my cake?
I don’t recommend the use of fresh flowers due to the fact that many are toxic and not suitable to come into contact with food. If you wish to use flowers from your florist it is at your own risk. I am not responsible for any contamination caused to the cake due to the use of your own flowers.

Can the decorations on my cake be eaten?
Most decorated cakes will contain non edible items e.g. dowels, ribbon, wires, posy picks etc. On collection/delivery I will provide a list of any non edible items on your cake. All of these non edible items must be removed before serving to your guests.

Can you make cakes suitable for people with food allergies?
Your cake will be made in an environment where nuts, egg , milk, gluten and other allergens are present. Although I will do my best to provide a gluten or dairy free cake  please bear in mind that I cannot 100% guarantee that allergens will not be present. It is your responsibilty to discuss any requirements and allergies with me during the consultation process. For this reason I will ask you to sign a disclaimer stating that you are happy to go ahead on this basis. Allergen information is provided with your cake.

What if I’m not happy with my cake?
Complaints are very rare! I spend a lot of time getting your cake exactly right. Due to the bespoke and perishable nature of my cakes they are non refundable. However if damage does occur at the irrefutable fault of my business, a partial or full refund may be given. This will be determined on an individual basis. Proof must be provided within 24 hours either in person or by way of pictorial evidence. Once the cake had been cut and served this will signify your acceptance that the cake was fit for purpose and no compensation will be given.

Why are your cakes so expensive?
It’s true that cakes are made from simple ingredients like eggs, sugar and flour. Why aren’t they cheaper? When you buy a cake from me you are buying a bespoke handcrafted item that has taken many many hours of work. You are buying years of training and thousands of pounds worth of equipment. You are buying something that will wow your guests and reflect your sense of style. If you have a particular budget in mind then please let me know and we can work together to create something that you’ll love but that won’t make your eyes water when you discover the price. Get in touch and we can discuss options to suit your requirements