How much notice do I need to give before the cake is required?

In essence, as much as possible as certain times of the year can get very busy. For wedding cakes and similar special occasion cakes that need time to mature, at the very least three months and preferably six months is required. For sponge birthday cakes around four weeks is desirable.

 How many pieces will I get from a cake?

This largely depends on how the cake is cut. As a guide, an average sized piece of sponge cake will be 3 inches by 1 inch by the depth of the cake; for fruit cake this would be 1½ inches by 1 inch by the depth of the cake. Don't forget to ignore the top tier of a wedding cake if you are considering keeping it for a christening cake.

 I've got a lot of wedding guests but do not want a huge cake on display. What alternative is there?

A cutting cake is the economical answer. This is made, marzipaned and iced in the same way as your main cake, but is not decorated (as it is not displayed). Once the display cake has been formally cut, your caterers can use the cutting cake to provide the extra pieces needed.

 I want to display my cake on a stand. How can I organise this?

I will be pleased to arrange the hire of cake knives and stands on your behalf.

 I want a wedding cake but I'm not sure of the choice of cake available?

Rich Fruit Cakes can be coated in fondant (soft) icing or Royal Icing. Sponges are coated in fondant. Growing in popularity are chocolate wedding cakes.

 What if I don't like marzipan!

It is always preferable to use marzipan to acquire a better finish but this is essential when working with Royal Icing.

 I want a sponge wedding cake, is this a problem?

The key issue is that all decoration needs to be undertaken at the last moment. For this reason complexity needs to be carefully considered.