FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When do I need to book my cake?
I normally request 3 months notice for wedding cakes and two weeks notice for other cakes, dependent upon availability. To avoid disappointment I advise booking as early as you can, but I do try to accommodate short notice requests where possible. For weddings, I will reserve the date up to 18 months in advance (subject to a deposit of £50), with a consultation to agree the design a minimum of 3 months before the actual wedding date. Some of the popular wedding dates do get booked well in advance.
Q: How and when do I pay for my cake?
A £50 deposit is required for wedding cakes payable at the time of booking. The remaining balance is payable 3 weeks prior to the wedding.
For all other cakes a £10 deposit is required at the time of booking for orders up to £50 in value, and 25% of the value of the order if in excess of £50.
Payment can be by cash, cheque, or Paypal (add 2% surcharge). Please note only cash can be accepted on collection/delivery for celebration cakes. If you wish to pay for celebration cake by cheque or Paypal please ensure that payment is made a minimum of 1 week prior to collection to allow time for clearance.
Please note no booking is confirmed until a deposit has been paid.
Q: Do I have to choose one of the designs from your portfolio?
Not at all. All cakes are individually designed. You can certainly order a cake from the website but they are also there as inspiration. There is no extra charge for creating a design from your ideas.
Q: Can I incorporate fresh flowers in my design?
Certainly. These can be provided at an additional cost or you may order them from your florist and we will liaise with them. NB. Please note some flowers are not suitable for use as a cake decoration. Ask your florist for details regarding toxicity. We cannot be liable for any contamination to our food product that may arise from their misuse.
Q: Can I alter the design of my cake after booking?
Up to a certain point it may still be possible to alter the design, or design elements of your cake and every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. If the alteration affects the overall cost then your balance will be adjusted and any additional costs must be paid. You will be advised if this is likely to be the case, when any alterations are discussed. Please get in touch as soon as possible if you wish to discuss alterations.
Q: Can you deliver our cake?
Yes. Delivery of wedding cakes is included in the price, within a 15 mile radius of Nailsea/Bristol. Delivery further afield may be possible, but a nominal fuel charge will apply . Please ask for a quotation at the time of booking. Cakes can be delivered on a specific date but specific delivery times cannot be guaranteed as these are arranged in conjunction with the venue. All other cakes can be delivered - please ask about costs at time of booking. Cakes can be collected. Cakes are supplied in boxes suitable for transportation. If the cake is collected by either client or courier, Dream Cakes South West is not liable for any damage to the cake once it has left the premises. Collection times need to be pre-arranged.
Q: What if I need to cancel my cake?
If you need to cancel your cake, up to 1 month prior to the required order date, any deposit and monies previously paid will be forfeited.
If you cancel your cake with less than a month’s notice and production of your cake and/or decorations has commenced you will be charged for any components already made. If your cake has been completed payment IN FULL will be required.
General Information
Stand Hire
Stands for wedding cakes are supplied free of charge, but a security deposit of £50 is required. This will be refunded to you when the stand is returned back in good, clean condition. Stands must be returned within 3 days of the wedding date (unless otherwise agreed) or the security deposit may be forfeited.
Storage
All cakes should be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight on a flat stable surface. Never put your cake in the fridge. The cakes contain no preservatives or additives and should be treated as a fresh food product. Consumption within 24 hours of delivery/collection is recommended (except for Madeira and Chocolate Cakes which should be consumed within 7 days) . If you wish to keep your fruit cake it is recommended that it is stored in a cool, dry place in a cake/cardboard box or stripped of icing and marzipan and stored in an airtight container.
