No celebration can be said to be complete without an edible centerpiece. Cakes have a way of making an event extra special especially if the flavors, colors and decoration tie in well with the theme of the event. So, whether it is an elaborate party or a small intimate gathering, getting your cake order right makes a whole world of difference.
That said, we know that there is a proliferation of cake decorators and bakeries in different locations; this can make the process of getting the right dessert quite confusing and sometimes downright frustrating. That is why this article will give you tips on how to Order Birthday Cakes or cakes for any type of event. We will guide you through the whole process so that you can have a seamless and fulfilling experience.
Tips for Successfully Ordering Your Birthday Cake
The following are tips that will help you successfully place your order and get great value for your money:
Plan Ahead
Thankfully, birthdays are not emergencies as they are fixed dates all the days of our lives. So, we already know the date whether it’s ours or for a friend, loved one or colleague. That means that we can plan ahead. It is recommended to get in your order latest a week before the event for a regular cake and at least a month for custom cakes.
It is necessary to book for your custom cakes way ahead of the date because of the uniqueness of the design and flavors. More so, if the date falls within festive periods or holiday seasons, you must adhere to this rule or stand the risk of not getting your desired design or decorator.
Determine Your Budget
Much as cakes are not pocket-breaking items, they are still not on the list of basic necessities; they are sometimes classed as luxury items (especially custom cakes). While simple, small cakes may be gotten for less than $30, custom cakes costs way more than that. Bear in mind that cost differ from one decorator or bakery to the other.
It is therefore necessary that you set your budget as this will help you manage your expectation and also determine the type of baker/decorator that you will contact. If you are on a tight budget, you know as a matter of course not to contact a celebrity baker/bakery for any reason.
Choose the Right Size
Ensure that you choose the right size of dessert based on how many people you expect at your event. The table below serves as a rough estimate: –
| Cake Size | Number of Guests |
| 6-inch round | 8 |
| 8-inch round | 14 |
| 10-inch round | 25 |
| ¼ Sheet | 24 |
| ½ Sheet | 50 |
| Full Sheet | 100 |
If you plan on having a dessert table with extra snacks and desserts then you may reduce the size of cake. Also factor in whether you want to serve the entire cake at the event or you want to preserve maybe a tier or two.
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Select Your Desired Flavor(s)
It is very important that you choose the flavor(s) you like; you cannot leave that to the discretion of the baker. There are many classic flavors that you can choose from but you can also request for custom flavors.
Also pick your desired filling and icing or frosting. While buttercream is the most common option, fondant is mostly used for elaborate celebration cakes. You also have the option of cream cheese, whipped cream and ganache. If you are clueless about these flavors and frostings, do not hesitate to ask for clarification so that you can make an informed decision.
Choose or Customize the Design
After you have settled on the size and flavor, you then consider the design. In fact, the design most often will determine the best frosting for the cake. If you want a custom dessert, this is the time to bring your dream to life. Consider the theme of the party and the personality of the celebrant; this will help you choose or customize the most appropriate design.
Check the Bakery’s Portfolio and Reviews
Bearing all the above in mind, it’s time to check out the profile of your prospective baker and also read reviews about their products and services. Check out their photos so that you can determine whether they can deliver what you want. Also read reviews from customers because some bakers may have beautiful pictures on their websites but very poor customer service. Additionally, some of them post pictures that aren’t theirs; so, you need to really sound out past customers. Click here for tips on how to spot fake reviews.
If you are looking to order an expensive or custom cake, it is important to schedule consultations and tasting sessions. This will help prevent any ambiguity or misunderstanding especially as it affects flavors and designs.
Conclusion
Placing an order for any type of cake should not be difficult; all you need is to set aside some time and do your due diligence to get the best option. We have shared some important tips that we believe will help make the process seamless for you. Bear these tips in mind and you are sure to have a satisfying experience and also get value for your money.
