Where to start

This page will help guide and advise you through the process of procuring your wedding cake. If you do have a question not answered here please, feel to email Sinead at info@toptier.ie

Your wedding cake will be one of the main focal points for your wedding. Guests will view your cake as a centre point of a reception and many of your pictures will be centered on your cake. Furthermore, your wedding cake can tie together your wedding colours, the appearance and the atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create.

Where to start!

First, analyze the following:

• » number of guests
• » what design, style or number of tiers
• » what colours and decorations should be included
• » what type of cake top (if any) will you be using

After you have thought about the above you can contact Sinead to arrange an appointment. I recommend you arrange this meeting at least six months prior to your wedding. During this consultation I will guide you through the following:

• » The size, shape and number of tiers of your wedding cake
• » The design, theme and colour scheme of your wedding
• » Preferred flavours and fillings
• » Decorations
• » Estimated Costing

Helpful tips

1. Choose a cake that’s compatible with the venue’s style, the season, your wedding dress, the flower arrangements, or the menu. If you would like coloured accents (such as sugar flowers or ribbon), please bring a sample fabric swatch with you.
2. Have a multi-flavoured cake! This is a great option if you can’t decide between one flavour and another, or if you want to give your guests a selection of cakes to choose from. If you will be having three layers of cake, you could have a layer of chocolate biscuit, a layer of fruit cake and a layer of madeira cake, something for everyone!
3. Have a wedding cake with an unusual shape. At the moment, one very popular style is to have a wedding cake that resembles a stack of presents. This is a fun cake, and generally has two or more square layers, is heavily decorated and tied with a bow.
4. For a modern looking wedding cake, think about having your layers made in different shapes. For example, a square layer, a heart shaped layer and an hexagonal layer would make your cake modern indeed.
5. If your wedding will be having a colour scheme, decorate your cake to suit. If your colour scheme will be rose pink, you could cover your cake with small, romantic, pink rosebuds, either real or made of icing!
6. For a special touch, talk to your Sinead about using some of the detail on your wedding dress to make decorations for your wedding cake. If you take a picture of your dress to Top Tier they should be able to copy some of the lace, beading or other decorations from your dress onto your wedding cake.
7. Personalize your cake by having your, and the groom’s, initials intertwined in icing on your cake as decoration.
8. Add some accompaniments to your cake for your extra sweet-toothed guests. Chocolates, fruit, sugared almonds or lilies can be placed on your guests’ plates for a decorative touch.
9. The look of the moment is a wedding cake decorated with fresh flowers. Some favourites include roses, calla lily, carnations and pansies. These flowers can be made into cascade designs or other styles. For a simply stunning look, have one single, perfect, bloom on your cake, such as a lily or orchid. Using fresh flowers to decorate your cake looks great and need not cost a fortune. If you’re using fresh blooms, triple-check with your florist that they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Make sure all inedible decorative elements are removed before the cake is sliced and served.

FAQ

1. Q. How long before the wedding should I book my cake?
   A. Booking is always subject to availability (we advise at least 6-9 months in advance). However, we do find as the summer months and Bank holidays are the busiest 9-12 months notice is required. All wedding cakes are individually designed and created; therefore, we never overbook our work. This enables us to devote the care and attention to each order to produce cakes of outstanding quality. A deposit secures your date and the design of your cake can be completed at this time or nearer to your wedding date, if you wish.
2. Q. Can I mix the flavours of the cakes?
   A. Yes, of course. When the style of the cake has been chosen, we will advise you on the flavours for the cake i.e. a stacked cake can have 12″ fruit, 10″chocolate biscuit, 8″carrot, 6″madeira.
3. Q. When are your appointment times?
   A. We generally keep appointments to the start of the week, we do offer evening appointments to accommodate people at work, but day time appointments are also available. Please call in advance to arrange a time.
4. Q. Can I book via the internet?
   A. Yes, please e-mail first to check if your wedding date is available.  If there is a design of wedding cake that you like, quote the name of the cake when ordering, alternatively scan an image of a cake you like and Sinead e-mail you with all the relevant information.
5. Q. Can I have fresh flowers on my cake to match my bouquet?
   A. Yes, certain designs lend themselves perfectly to this. We will liaise with your florist to ensure the fresh flowers will be suitable for your cake.
6. Q. What if I am not local to you and would like to order a cake?
   A. Please call or e-mail and arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements and location.
7. Q. What if I have my own idea for a design?
   A. That is no problem, our “Empire State Building” design was originally designed by the Bride. I was supplied with a beautiful sketch and asked to reproduce it.
8. Q. I would like to keep the top tier, is this possible?
   A. Yes, if the top tier was made from our traditional fruit recipe, then the cake will keep (provided the cake is stored in the right conditions) for up to one year.
9. Q. How long will my cake keep after the wedding?
   A. If a tier is on its own board and has not been cut, Chocolate – up to 5 days, Sponge – 5 – 7 days and Fruit – up to one year. However, if a cake has been cut then we advise you to eat it quite quickly. To keep fruit cake please ask Sinead or Kathleen for advice on how best to store your cake.
10. Q. When should we cut the cake?
    A. Traditionally, the ritual of cutting the cake is at the end of the meal. However the cake is served later in the evening during a break for tea and sandwiches.