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.
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.
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?
I am currently booking for 2021 and 2022 dates, so the earlier the better in order to secure your date! 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?
Wedding Samplers are $50 and include three mini cakes of your choice. The payment for your sampler can be applied to your wedding order of $500 or more (not including delivery).
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 $5 per serving. This cost includes a classic flavor and fresh floral application when the flowers are provided by your florist. Additional cost is added for gourmet flavors and more detailed or artistic designs.
Do you deliver?
Absolutely! Delivery is $25 for up to ten miles from my home. 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!
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.
What are the design options?
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/or vegan to accommodate multiple allergies. 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% vegan or gluten free.
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.
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: