The Painted Cake

The Painted Cake

That would depend on whether the cake was delivered and set up by your decorator or whether it was picked up by a family member or friend.

While most decorators are happy for you to collect, I would always encourage to have the decorator deliver and set up (well, I do, anyway) as I am confident in how I drive whilst I have a cake on board, and know how to get a cake from A to B without damage occuring.  Yes, collecting the cake yourself might save the delivery fee, but it's worth the piece of mind to know that your cake will arrive as it should.  The last thing a bride wants to be worried about on her wedding day is what might happened to the cake.  A good decorator will always have a "rescue kit" with them in the event of anything happening.  If you have any concerns about their delivery, don't hesitate to ask them how they transport.

In the second scenario, things aren't as clear cut.  The business's terms and conditions should state what their policy on damage is, but, generally, once a cake has been handed over, it is out of the decorator's hands.  Decorators have no control over how that person drives or how it arrives or is set up.  However, I would still contact the decorator straight away if damage does occur as they may have more buttercream, fondant, flowers etc and may be able to help you out depending on location and distance.  I know, myself, I will always do my best to ensure that the cake arrives in good condition.

The Painted Cake

There are a number of things you can do to help with the cost of cake.  The biggest price point difference is whether you want fondant covered with hand made gum paste decorations or not.  This has more to do with the time taken, rather than the materials involved.  A 3 tier, fondant covered cake with handmade gum paste flowers can take weeks to prepare, depending on the elements involved.

If you're wanting to look for a less expensive, yet still beautiful cake, the naked / semi-naked / buttercream cake are very on trend and look stunnging with fresh flowers.  (Just be mindful that not all flowers may be in season at that time and some flowers can be toxic) so make sure you talk to your decorator about what flowers you choose.

Fresh flowers, in most cases, will be less expensive than handmade decorations.  

Think about the type of cake you are looking for.  Some couples still like to go for a traditional fruit cake, however, bear in mind that the mixed fruit and materials for a fruit cake can be quite expensive also.  

Mud cake is very popular as it is a good stable cake and when treated with love, it will be beautiful and fresh.

Anyhoo, that's a few of my thoughts,

Hope that helps

Katie

The Painted Cake