How to Plan a Custom Cake for a Special Occasion

A custom cake is the centrepiece of a celebration, and a little preparation makes the whole process smoother. This guide covers what to think about before you enquire, so you can give a baker the information they need to design and quote for your cake.

1. Start with the date and the occasion

Tell the baker when and why you need the cake. The date affects availability, and the occasion (a birthday, wedding, baby shower, anniversary or corporate event) shapes the design. Order as early as you can: our standard orders need at least 4 days’ notice, and busier dates and more complex designs benefit from more. Rush orders are considered case by case and aren’t guaranteed.

2. Work out your guest count

Guest numbers drive the size of the cake. Count adults and children, and decide how you’ll serve it. Our guide to choosing the right cake size explains why serving numbers vary and lists the size ranges we use.

3. Choose a theme and style

Think about what the cake should say about the person or event:

• Theme: a character, hobby, favourite colour, or a style such as floral, drip, minimalist or novelty.
• Colours: your party palette or the person’s favourites.
• Style: simple and elegant, or detailed and sculpted. More intricate designs generally take more time and cost more.
• Message: a name, age or short message for the cake.

You don’t need a finished design. Even a rough idea helps.

4. Gather reference images

Pictures communicate better than words. Save a few images of cakes you like, and note what you like about each, such as the colours, the shape or a specific decoration. Browse our cake gallery for ideas, and tell us if you’d like something similar. A baker can adapt the idea rather than copy another maker’s work.

5. Pick a flavour and filling

Flavour matters as much as looks. We offer a range of flavours and fillings; see our flavours page for the current list. Some flavours and add-ons cost more than the standard sponges. If guests are likely to have different tastes, ask about options.

6. Tell us about allergies and dietary needs

Say so as early as possible if any guest has an allergy or follows a particular diet. Our kitchen uses nuts, gluten, dairy and eggs, and cross-contact is possible in all our products, so please talk to us about any allergy before ordering. We can discuss the options, such as eggless or vegan cakes, but we can’t promise an allergen-free product.

7. Think about collection or delivery

Collection is the default, and delivery is available case by case, for an extra fee, particularly for cakes that need extra careful handling. See how to transport a decorated cake safely if you are collecting a cake and moving it yourself, and how to store a birthday cake for looking after it before the event.

8. Understand the booking terms

Check our deposit, balance and cancellation terms before you confirm; they’re on our contact page. In short, a 50% deposit secures the booking, and deposits are non-refundable if you cancel.

9. Enquire

When you’re ready, send us:

• The date and the occasion
• The number of guests
• Your theme, colours and any reference images
• Preferred flavour and filling
• Any allergies or dietary requirements
• Collection or delivery

You can start an order, which turns your answers into a message ready to send on WhatsApp, or message us directly. We’ll confirm the details and the quote.

A checklist

• Date and occasion
• Guest count and serving style
• Theme, colours and message
• Reference images
• Flavour and filling
• Allergy and dietary notes
• Collection or delivery
• Questions about price or timing