13 minute read
READY, SET, BAKE
READY, SET, Get to know local cake companies bake!
Your cake is a great way of tying together your chosen theme or colour scheme and is a chance to showcase your creative side. To help give you heaps of inspiration, we’ve interviewed some of the best local suppliers.
MEET LISA BETHELL FROM BAKE IT SPECIAL
07923 131 705 | www.ibakeitspecial.co.uk
Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? I started making cakes when my children were young as a way of giving them a special creation for their birthdays. It quickly became a hobby, and I wanted to try and develop my skills, so I spent my spare time practising and making them for family. Within a few months, I was being asked for larger and more elaborate designs and took the plunge into my first wedding cake gifted for a friend. I loved the whole creative process and being involved in someone’s special day. Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? I don’t have one favourite wedding cake as they all mean so much to me in different ways. However, sometimes when you are given free creative control, you get the extra bonus of knowing it’s all you, the vision becoming a reality. It’s hard for couples to give you full control, but on the few occasions I get to do it, these are my favourite.
Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? I recommend couples book their key suppliers at least 12 months in advance. Especially if you have your eye on a particular supplier, style or design. We do take bookings up to two years in advance for those who are particularly keen. Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? When booking with me, I try to be led by the client in terms of design and wishes, both for the cake and wedding day as a whole. I want them to love the finished result, so I spend a lot of time perfecting recipes and making sample boxes that look and taste as good as possible. Attention to detail is key. I work closely with the couples to create the perfect design with matching colours, flowers and textures. Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? I love meeting couples and hearing about their plans, designing their cakes and setting up on the day. Seeing the vision become a reality, tying the bake into the venue and décor is the end goal, and when it all works, it’s magical. I want to leave that room knowing the couple will love it when they see it for the first time.
Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? When searching for your cake maker, look at their previous work. Obviously, you want good hygiene, communication, insurance and work ethic, that goes without saying, but for that dream design, look at the details, the finish and reviews from previous clients.
You want someone who will understand your vision and be freely available to pursue it. While it’s very much a professional relationship, you want a supplier that you can talk to and get along with, who is open about your ideas, and you ultimately trust to bring it all together.
MEET JACKIE DIAMOND FROM JACKIE DIAMOND CAKE DESIGN
07974 041 934 | www.facebook.com/jackiediamondcakes
Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? My cake journey started early. I have always loved baking and spent hours with my mum, nan and aunts making all sorts of delicious treats. I got married nine years ago and decided to make my own wedding cake with the help of my aunt, Margaret, which was the start of my journey. I started out making birthday bakes but soon moved onto weddings, which I love. Then seven years ago, I gave up my job as a law clerk to make cakes full time. I can honestly say it was the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve met some wonderful people over the years, and I get to do something that I really enjoy.
Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? I aim to take the stress out of choosing a cake and provide couples with a personal service from start to finish. Upon booking, they are supplied with a sample box, that way they can enjoy them at their leisure.
I am available to answer any queries or questions by phone or email and to offer advice as required. A consultation is arranged approximately three to four months before the big day, at this stage, the design and flavours can be finalised and a sketch will be provided. I will then arrange with the venue for delivery and staging on the day.
Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? My top tip for couples looking for a cake maker is to visit local wedding fairs where you can meet suppliers in person and have the opportunity to chat over your ideas, budget, availability, and you’ll also have the opportunity to see their work and sample some of their bakes. Afterwards, you can check out the ones you like on social media and read their reviews. You can also ask friends and recent brides for word-of-mouth recommendations. Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? Once the couple has confirmed their date and venue, it’s the best time to book, even if your wedding is 12 to 18 months away. It’s important to get booked in with a cake maker as soon as possible to secure your date. Designs and flavours can be finalised at the consultation three to four months before, and by then, you will have a clear idea of your theme and colours.
Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? This is a difficult one, but I would have to go with the Harry Potter-themed cake that I made for a lovely couple several years ago. Normally Harry Potter has quite bold colours, but liking it to be different, I made it in pastels with lots of detail hand embossed on the tiers. Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? There’s so much I enjoy about my job, but my favourite part is meeting all the couples and helping them bring their dream cake to life.
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Cakes By Karen
Having over 20 years experience, Wedding cake designer Karen Taylor specialises in creating beautiful and unique wedding cakes designed to suit the personality and style of the individual and made with outstanding craftsmanship and close attention to detail. Having over 20 years experience, Wedding cake designer Karen Taylor specialises in creating beautiful and unique wedding cakes designed to suit the personality and style of the individual and made with outstanding craftsmanship and close attention to detail. Having over 20 years experience, Wedding cake designer Karen Taylor specialises in creating beautiful and unique wedding cakes designed to suit the personality and style of the individual and made with outstanding craftsmanship and close attention Having over 20 years experience, Wedding cake designer Karen Taylor specialises in creating beautiful and unique wedding cakes designed to suit the personality and style of the individual and made with www.cakesbykaren.co.uk www.cakesbykaren.co.uk to detail. www.cakesbykaren.co.uk outstanding craftsmanship and close attention to detail. www.cakesbykaren.co.uk
Tel: 07751241193 karen@cakesbykaren.co.uk Tel: 07751241193 karen@cakesbykaren.co.uk Tel: 07751241193 karen@cakesbykaren.co.uk Tel: 07751241193 karen@cakesbykaren.co.uk
Bespoke wedding favours and cake design Contact Lisa on l_bevan@sky.com 07769 678 435 www.facebook.com/crumbssweettreats www.instagram.com/crumbssweettreats
LUXURY CREATIVE FLORAL STUDIO BASED IN WORCESTERSHIRE
MEET KAREN TAYLOR FROM CAKES BY KAREN
07751 241 193 | www.cakesbykaren.co.uk
Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? I have so many favourites; my giant Colin the Caterpillar was great and a real headturner, but I also love a simple plain iced cake with a bit of shimmer. Semi-naked bakes are also a favourite of mine and are very popular. Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? I began making cakes at a young age for friends and family and helping with the family Christmas cake every year. My favourite and best subjects at school were home economics and art, which helped me with my path towards a decorating course at college. After I had my son in 2004, I decided to set up my business, and it has since gone from strength to strength. I usually make around 70 wedding cakes a year, but this year, I have around 120 booked in.
Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? I would advise couples to book in with as much notice as possible, especially for the summer months where I get booked up quickly. Even if you’re unsure of what size/style of cake you would like, I can still take your booking.
Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? I can arrange a consultation to discuss ideas and sample a few flavours, and I will also offer design advice and listen to your ideas. I will keep in touch throughout the planning process to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? Seeing the cake finished and set up at the venue fitting in with all the room’s décor.
Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? Do your research, look at examples of their work and reviews. Ask friends and family for recommendations. A lot of my customers come from word of mouth.
MEET SALLY YARNOLD FROM DON’T GO BAKING MY HEART CAKES
bakinghearts@hotmail.com | www.instagram.com/bakinghearts_cakes
Q – Tell us about your background – how did you become a cake maker? I have always enjoyed baking since I was very young. I can remember making our Christmas cakes every year as a family, all excited to take our turn stirring the mixture and making a wish. As I got older, I started to make family and friends celebration bakes and eventually decided to take it more seriously and started evening classes after work to learn how to decorate. As day-to-day life continued, my cake dreams lingered in the background and were brought to life every now and again for a niece or nephew’s birthday. Fast forward several years, one day, while on maternity leave, my oldest daughter told me how much she loved having me at home with her. That was the moment everything changed. I was going to stop dreaming and start a business. I wanted to show my children that it’s okay to dream, but if you want your dreams to come true, you have to work hard to make them happen.
Q – What’s your favourite part of the job? My favourite part of the job is also the most important, the couples. Speaking with them is so much fun, and I love hearing their stories of how they met and the proposal. I get to really connect with them. Some brides want the lace or sparkle on their dresses incorporated into the cake design, so I’m sent photographs of their dresses before their loved ones have seen them. To be trusted in that way is something I’m so grateful for. There’s no bigger honour than being a part of making someone’s wedding day perfect, and as a wedding supplier, that’s my main focus. Q – What should couples expect when booking your services? My main aim is to provide couples with a beautiful bespoke creation that tastes and looks amazing. I love to take the time to find out about them and, if possible, incorporate a sentimental element into the design. It’s this that ensures my cakes are completely bespoke, and no one else has had that design. I really feel that weddings should be filled with sentimental touches to make the day the most special it could possibly be.
Q – How long before the wedding should couples book? It’s never too early and to avoid disappointment it’s a good idea to book your suppliers as soon as you know you want them. I’ve recently taken bookings for 2023, however, anything from six months to a year is ample time. Q – What’s your favourite wedding cake that you’ve made and why? Seven years ago, I made my wedding cake. It was five tiers high, decorated with my favourite sugar flowers and flavours. It isn’t my favourite because it was my most beautiful design, as I was still learning, the tiers were short, the edges weren’t perfectly sharp as they are now, and the flowers were basic, to say the least. My nan used to make cakes, and by the time I became interested, she was no longer with us, but the fact I have this connection to her is something I will embrace forever. When she died, I was given a piece of her jewellery which I copied onto the cake’s design and wore on the day. These little touches are the things that make your cake so much more than a cake. This design will never be my most beautiful, but it will always be the one closest to my heart.
Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a cake maker? Always make sure you meet your cake maker, whether it be face-to-face or via video call. I think it’s important to make sure you gel well and build a good relationship. Make sure they understand fully what you want from the design. I always relay our conversation to my couples and ask if they feel like I understand their needs.
Trying flavours is a must as you need to make sure it tastes as good as it looks! Ask for tasters, and when you get them, also look at how they’re presented as the little details are really important. Booking isn’t just about what arrives on the day, but the whole service provided needs to make you feel taken care of.
