Writing a brief your cake maker will love
The clearer your brief, the more accurate the quote. Most cake makers will ask for the same essentials, so having them ready speeds things up.
- Date, time and place – and whether you need delivery
- Number of guests and portion size (finger or dessert)
- Theme, colours and two or three reference photos
- Flavour preferences and any dietary or allergy needs
- Text, names or ages to include
- Your budget – it helps the maker suggest what is realistic
What drives the price
Custom cakes are priced mainly on time. A tall, smooth fondant finish, hand-painted details, sugar flowers and modelled figures can each add hours of work. Structural cakes – shaped like cars or handbags – need internal supports and carving. The flavour and size matter too, but decoration is usually the biggest variable.
If a quote seems high, ask the cake maker which elements cost the most and whether a simpler alternative would capture the same idea.
Lead times
For a straightforward custom design, one to two weeks' notice is usually enough. For sculpted cakes, tiered designs or busy periods like December and the summer wedding season, book three to six weeks or more ahead. Many cake makers take a non-refundable deposit to secure your date.