welcome to my journal

We’re delighted to introduce Anna, owner of Anna Lewis Cakes. She has kindly taken the time to answer some commonly asked questions from couples when they start their wedding journey, from initial design to delivering it on the day!

1. When should I start looking for a cake maker? 

I would always recommend you do this as soon as you have confirmed your date and your venue as some cake designers can get booked up years in advance so if there is someone you really want to work with it’s worth securing the date with them early on. The design process etc. can happen later down the line if that works better for you.

2. Can we try samples before placing our order? 

Yes of course, I send monthly postal sample boxes during the quieter season (October-April) so it’s a great opportunity to try some flavours in the comfort of your own home. Your date isn’t held until the booking fee payment is made so it’s always good to act quickly after receiving your sample box if you are keen to secure your date.

3. Can I have different flavours in each tier? 

Absolutely! I actively encourage it.

4. How much should I budget for my cake? 

This is a difficult question to answer as it will depend on the finish of the cake you prefer (buttercream, chocolate ganache or fondant), and the design complexity. As an average though, my couples tend to budget between £750-900 for a three-tier wedding cake.

5. Should I send inspirational pictures to you? 

I really welcome inspirational photos as It helps me to build a picture of the kind of styles you love. Stationery, florals, dress designs and cake photos are always welcome however I do make it clear to my clients that I will never copy another cake designers work if cake photos are sent but I could use elements to inspire their bespoke design.

6. What flavours are traditional for weddings? 

Definitely not fruit cake anymore! There really aren’t any traditional flavours but I would say there are more seasonally popular flavours such as a light Lemon, Elderflower and Blueberry for spring or a rich indulgent Sticky Toffee for autumn. Really anything goes though, it’s just important to select flavours that reflect you as a couple and flavours you adore – it’s your cake!

7. When will the cake be delivered at the wedding? 

Depending on the design I tend to set-up around 90 minutes before the guests arrive so that the cake isn’t left sitting around all day. I’m discreetly in-and-out before any of the guests arrive.

8. How long will the leftover cake last? 

Your cake is best eaten within 48 hours of the wedding whilst it’s at it’s freshest however some couples carefully cut, wrap and freeze left over slices for weekend treats or special occasions to enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to defrost the cake to eat whilst watching the wedding video with family.

9. Can I freeze the cake after? 

Absolutely. Your cake is baked fresh for you and never frozen which means it can be frozen after your day.

10. Can I view my cake before the big day? 

After consultation, I provide detailed, hand-drawn sketches of the wedding cake so you can visualise what your cake will look like in advance.

11. Do you offer a cake table and knife? 

I have a number of different cake stands available for hire but I don’t provide a cake knife as this is something the venue or the catering team tend to provide