Hot topic: Cake catastrophe

Image courtesy of Velvet Storm Photography 

Sylvia’s dos: 
Employ an experienced and recommended cake designer. Look for reviews and comments from previous clients. Plan ahead and book your preferred cake designer well in advance. Allow at least a year, to ensure your date isn’t taken. Putting down a deposit will secure your date, and if necessary, the design can be finalised nearer the time when your plans are more refined. Next…

• Meet the cake designer in person. Good communication is the key to avoiding disaster. 
• Try their bakes and make sure you like it!
• Ask to see a sketch of the agreed design. 
• Check and double-check all the details of your order, as written out by your designer, ensuring everything is correct. 
• If you want to change any details already agreed upon, do so in good time. Check the terms and conditions to find out how much notice they need.

Syliva’s don’ts: 
A family member or friend may love the idea of making your dream cake, and you may like the idea of less expense, but consider if they will have the experience necessary to…

• Advise on how much cake you will need to go round.
• Bake, fill, ice and stack cakes to a professional standard and ensure they are secure for transport, even during extremely hot weather.
• Have the facilities and knowledge to meet hygiene and food safety recommendations. 
• Be able to attach fresh flowers or other decorations in a food-safe manner.
• Be able to safely transport and set up your cake at your venue.
• Do all of the above without a stressful meltdown, which spoils the enjoyment of your day!

A good supplier, alongside the event manager at your venue, should be able to advise you on any decisions affecting your masterpiece on the day. Avoid asking for your cake to be set up…

• In direct sunlight.
• In a marquee that may overheat.
• On unstable surfaces such as a wobbly table on grass!

Sylvia Tippett, Art of Cake 
artofcakebysylvia.co.uk