Order Guide
How to Plan a Custom Cake Before You Contact the Bakery
Custom cake ordering becomes much easier when you prepare the right details before you call, visit or send a request. The Cake People welcomes custom orders and asks customers to include as much information as possible. That request is important because the bakery cannot guess your date, guest numbers, delivery needs, colour style, dietary requirements or exact design preference from one short message. A detailed enquiry helps the team understand the job clearly and saves time for everyone.
Start with the date. The event date decides everything. It affects availability, production planning, pick-up, delivery, decoration time and whether your design can be completed without rushing. A simple cake may be easier to arrange than a detailed themed cake, but every custom cake still needs planning. If the event is on a weekend, order earlier where possible because birthdays, weddings and family gatherings often cluster around Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Next, share the occasion. A birthday cake for a six-year-old is different from a cake for a company launch. A baby shower cake needs a different tone from a Halloween cake. A wedding cake has different expectations from a casual office cake. When the bakery knows the occasion, the team can suggest a better style, message length, finish and decoration approach. The occasion also helps decide whether the cake should feel playful, elegant, modern, bold, soft, funny, formal or romantic.
Then decide the main visual direction. You do not need to know cake design language. You only need to explain what you like. Useful details include colours, theme, shapes, image references, cake toppers, names, ages, logos, flowers, piping style, edible images, sprinkles, glitter, chocolate decorations, character inspiration or a mood such as “soft pastel”, “bright kids party”, “corporate clean”, “vintage pink”, “black and gold”, “rainbow”, “sporty” or “simple and classy”.
Guest numbers matter because the cake needs to serve the room properly. A cake that looks great but runs out too early can create stress. A cake that is much too large can cost more than needed. Tell the team how many people you want to serve, whether the cake is the main dessert and whether other sweets will be served. For example, a party with cupcakes, cookies, fruit and lolly bags may need a smaller cake than a sit-down dinner where cake is the only dessert.
Dietary needs should be discussed clearly and early. The Cake People has a strong focus on inclusive cakes, with plant-based products and selected free-from options across their range. However, every event is different. Mention any needs such as gluten-friendly, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soy-free or other restrictions when you enquire. This is especially important for children’s parties, workplace events and family gatherings where guests may have different requirements.
Finally, include logistics. Say whether you want to collect from Keilor Park or arrange delivery. If delivery is needed, provide the suburb, venue address, event time and any access notes. Cakes are delicate, especially tall cakes, vintage piping, character cakes and designs with toppers. Clear delivery or pick-up planning helps the cake arrive in good condition and reduces stress on the day.