Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering

How do I place an order?

Please contact me to confirm availability before ordering your cake online. All Signature Design cakes require at least a 1 week notice before your desired pickup date. All Custom Design cakes require a minimum 2 week notice. To order a Signature Design you can order directly through the online store. Just select the design you'd like, the size, and flavor of your choice. You can also include any color or theme requests before checking out and making your payment. For Custom Designs you can order through the online store. Please include detailed information about the theme of your party, including any inspiration pictures by email to pearlscakery@gmail.com. After placing your order you will receive confirmation via email to schedule your pickup time.



Can you make "this" cake?

I will not copy exact designs from other cake artists. This is plagiarism and does not honor the art of other bakers. I am happy to use other cakes as inspiration, but every cake from Pearl's Cakery incorporates my personal artistic style. The best inspiration you can give for your custom cake is pictures of the decor for your event, not necessarily other cakes. Let me create something unique for you!



Do you use fondant?

No, I do not use fondant to cover my cakes or as accent pieces. All of my cakes are 100% buttercream. You are welcome to purchase your own toppers and/or decorations and add them to my cakes.



Cancellations/Postponements

All sales are final and cannot be refunded.* Once your cake is in production I am not able to reschedule or cancel your order. All cancellations and postponements must have at least 5 days notice prior to your scheduled pickup, or your payment will be forfeited. POSTPONEMENT: I am able to easily change the date for your order with at least 5 days notice. No additional charge will be added. CANCELLATION: The purchase price of your cake can be applied to any future order(s) with at least 5 days notice. *The only time a cancellation will be refunded is if I am no longer available and have to cancel on my end. I have never had to cancel an order, and I work very hard to be able to fulfill every order I get - but after 2020 you can never be too certain!



Do you make theme cakes?

Yes, and no. I am happy to create cakes with general themes like woodland, mermaid, princess, etc. However, I cannot create cakes with copyrighted images or logos. If you want a cake with a specific character or design that I cannot legally recreate, I recommend ordering a cake with matching colors and general theme and purchasing a separate topper for your cake with the image. Here's an example of a cake that, with the right topper, instantly became a "Paw Patrol" cake.



How soon should I place an order for my event?

Most of my clients book 1-2 months in advance for celebration cakes, which means I tend to book quickly! I require a minimum of one week notice for most orders, but I often am fully booked about 2-3 weeks in advance. If your event is in a busy wedding month (June, Septemer, or October) then the earlier the better to avoid disappointment. Always check my availability updates or contact me before placing an order to make sure I still have openings for your date.



How much cake do I need?

Really, as much as you want! My serving suggestions are a guideline for how many slices most people get out of a given size cake, depending on the type of event. The lower number of servings is how many larger "dessert" size slices you can get, and the higher number is how many smaller "coffee" size slices you can get. If you know your guests really enjoy cake, then it is always safe to get a little extra so you don't run out before everyone is served. Any leftover cake can easily be wrapped and refrigerated or frozen for later.



Weddings

How soon should I contact Pearl's Cakery?

The earlier the better! 2021 is fully booked, and booking for 2022 dates will begin in August 2021. My busiest wedding months are June, September, and October, and they tend to book 8-12 months in advance. Less popular months book 4-6 months in advance.



Do you provide wedding samplers?

Yes. Wedding Samplers are available for pickup on August 20-21, 2021 and November 5-6, 2021. Samplers include a slice of cake in each flavor so you can try it all in the comfort of your home and decide which option(s) you'd like to have on your wedding day. If you aren't available on those dates, I recommend asking a friend or family member to pick up your box for you and refrigerate/freeze it until you can get to it. Packaging is designed to keep your cake slices fresh in the fridge for up to four days, or in the freezer for up to one month.



Do you use fondant?

All of my wedding cakes are made with buttercream to give you and your guests the most delicious dessert experience.



What is the price for a wedding cake?

Wedding cakes start at $6.00-$6.50 per serving. This cost includes a classic flavor and fresh floral application when the flowers are provided by your florist. Custom and modern designs are subject to an artistry charge based on supplies and work hours needed to accomplish the design.



Do you deliver?

Absolutely! Delivery is $25 for up to ten miles from my home bakery. Additional charges are added for additional mileage. Set up is included.



Do you make display and sheet/kitchen cakes?

No. All of my my cakes are made for consumption! If you are seeking a sheet cake to serve your guests due to budget constraints, I would recommend cupcakes. They make a beautiful display and are just as delicious to eat!



Do you make cupcakes?

Cupcakes are available in Vanilla, Chocolate, and Carrot for $30 per dozen. All cupcakes are topped with classic swirl of creamy vanilla buttercream.



General

How do I cut my cake?

I have a video for that! Watch my instagram video for the best way to get the most servings out of your tall cakes.



How long does cake stay fresh?

All of my cakes and cupcakes are made using real ingredients and do not have any preservatives. Uncut cakes will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Once a cake is cut it can be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in the fridge for up to a week. To freeze your cake for an extended time (like the top tier of a wedding cake!) wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Cupcakes can be kept in the fridge for up to four days, or they can be wrapped and frozen to keep for a longer period of time. Always allow your cake to thaw to room temperature before unwrapping and enjoying.



What are the design options?

Custom Designs are 100% unique and created with your event theme and colors in mind. Custom cakes are especially suited for bridal showers, baby showers, and birthdays with specific colors and themes. These designs are often a collaboration of your vision and my artistic style. Signature Designs include customer favorites to make the ordering process quick and easy. Choose between palette knife or semi-naked designs and customize the color scheme or additions to fit your event. Classic Designs feature flavor elements as decoration to show you exactly what you're about to enjoy. For example, here's my Chocolate Oreo cake in a Classic Design. It speaks for itself! Classic designs are all "as-is" and are not customizable.



Do you have pre-made cakes ready for pickup?

No, I operate out of my home and do not have an open storefront. I do not keep any cakes or cupcakes on hand.



Do you make allergen-friendly cakes?

I do offer some flavors that can be made gluten-free, and most recipes are nut-free. However, all cakes are baked and decorated in a shared kitchen and while I make every effort to minimize cross-contamination, I cannot guarantee that my cakes are 100% free of allergens. If your allergy or sensitivity is severe, I recommend seeking another baker who is 100% nut or gluten free. Pearl's Cakery is not responsible for any allergic reactions or illness that occur after eating our products.



Pickup

When/Where do I pickup my order?

Pickups are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays ONLY. Friday orders can be picked up between 9:00-10:00AM and 5:00-7:00PM. Saturday orders can be picked up between 9:00-10:00AM. Your order will be labeled and placed in my garage for easy no-contact pickup at your scheduled time. If these pickup windows do not work for your schedule, contact me directly and I can do my best to accommodate a different time on Fridays or Saturdays. However, I cannot accommodate different pickup days. Orders are scheduled for pickup from my home in Mantua Township. Just type "Pearl's Cakery" into Google Maps and it will give you directions to the right place!



Do you deliver?

Delivery is only available for weddings, large orders of $300+ and Seasonal Preorder specials. All other orders are picked up at my home in Mantua Township.



How do I transport cake?

Cakes and cupcakes are packaged to make them easy to transport, but please keep these precautions in mind while driving with your order: 1. The safest place for your cake is on the floor in front of the passenger seat, or on another level surface where it will not slide. 2. PLEASE do not have the heat on in your car when transporting a cake. Buttercream starts to soften and melt at only 73 degrees, which is quickly reached in a heated vehicle. In the summer take special care to have your A/C on high to keep your car cool and never leave your cake in a car that is not started. 3. If you are driving over 90 minutes with your order, you may want to prepare a cooler for your cake or cupcakes to insure safe arrival. 4. Pearl's Cakery is not responsible for any damages that may occur to your cake or cupcakes after pickup, so keep that in mind while you drive.