An event may have that one thing that just ties it all together, and countless times, that one thing is the cake. Whether it be a birthday, a wedding, a corporate event, or an anniversary, having a custom cake unites the theme and atmosphere of your event. But ordering one can feel overwhelming, especially for first-timers. To make the process easier, we’ve answered the top questions to help you plan your perfect cake – from choosing flavours to ensuring you order just the right amount!
1. What Are My Flavour Options?
One of the most exciting things when ordering a custom-made cake is choosing the flavours. At BAKHUIJS, we’ve got all the classic favourites covered – chocolate, vanilla, carrot, and red velvet. But if you’re craving something more adventurous, we love incorporating seasonal ingredients to add a fresh twist.
For spring and summer, think strawberries and cream, raspberry pinotage, blueberry and lemon, or even pineapple and coconut for a tropical vibe. For richer, deeper flavours, our options include indulgent hazelnut ganache, salted caramel, brown butter, and coffee. Don’t hesitate to ask if there’s a flavour you have in mind – we’re happy to create something custom!
2. How Much Cake Do I Need for My Event?
This is a big one because no one wants to run out of cake! It really depends on how many guests you’re expecting and whether the cake is going to be the main dessert or just an extra sweet treat on the side.
A good starting question is how many servings each particular size of cake gives and whether you’ll be dishing full portions for when the cake is your primary dessert or smaller party portions, typically served with coffee or tea. We can advise you about the right size depending on how many guests you will have.
As a guide, our standard round cakes range from 15cm to 25cm in diameter. For example, a 20cm cake that’s 8cm tall will serve 10 full portions, or nearly double that if you’re serving party portions. The size, height, and number of tiers will all depend on the role your cake will play, whether it’s a showpiece or simply something delicious on the side.
We can guide you on the right size based on your guest count and the vibe you’re going for. Bigger events, like weddings, usually need multi-tiered cakes, so we can talk through that too!
3. How Does It Work—Customising My Cake Design?
The design usually is the most personal and fun part of ordering a custom cake! Whether it is theme cakes or whether you aim for an elegant tiered creation, we love creating cakes that match the unique vibe of your event.
We start by discussing any inspiration you have – maybe it’s the theme, your venue, or even a colour from your outfit or invitation. Once we have a feel for your event, we’ll get to work designing a cake that complements it perfectly. We use all kinds of materials, from chocolate to rice paper, to create different looks.
While we love seeing your inspiration pictures, keep in mind that we don’t like to replicate designs and rarely create the same custom cake twice. This means your cake will truly be one of a kind!
4. How Much Does a Custom Cake Cost?
When it comes to pricing, the first question to ask yourself is: what statement do I want my cake to make?
Knowing the cost upfront allows you to factor the item into your budget. This minimises surprises later on. Custom cakes have a fluctuating price depending on size, flavour complexity, and intricacy of the design.
When you discuss the cake with us, ask what drives pricing. An intricate decoration, for example, is a factor in the kind of number that will be asked for when adding multiple tiers and the type of premium ingredients. Once we know your vision and budget, we can work together to create something beautiful that fits both.
5. How Far in Advance Should I Place My Order?
Custom cakes take time to perfect, so it’s always best to plan ahead. Just two weeks might suffice when the cake is smaller or less intricate by design. Where the cake is larger, or more detailed—like a wedding cake that needs various coordination—then it is worth your while to place the order one to two months in advance. Weddings involve a lot of planning, including delivery and setup logistics, so the more time we have, the smoother the process will be for you. This gives us enough time to work on your cake design, source any particular and special ingredients, and attend to every minute detail for your big day.
Keep in mind, quotes can take up to 72 hours, especially if requested over a weekend.
Final Words
These are the basic questions you can start with when ordering your bespoke cake. Whether you are looking for something simple and in good taste or something bold and an artwork, we will take you through it all. Inquiring about flavour options, serving sizes, design, cost, and timelines will get you through making informed decisions about your desired cake, and ensuring that it lives up to your expectations: a cake that’s not only delicious but also a unique showstopper at your event. Are you ready to design your custom cake? Make sure to get in touch with BAKHUIJS today and let us make it happen!