How soon should I book the date? We recommend booking your date as soon as you have it selected. Since Sweet Expressions limits how many wedding cakes are done in a weekend, we do book up fairly quickly.

Is there a deposit? Sweet Expressions requires a $50 nonrefundable deposit. The deposit is nonrefundable if the order is cancelled, otherwise it will be applied to your wedding cake order. Information needed to hold a date - the bride & grooms names, address, telephone number, wedding and reception date, time and location(s). Schedule a consultation appointment at your convenience, two months in advance of your wedding date if possible.

What kind of paperwork will I receive to make sure everything is as we have discussed? At the time of your consultation we will write up your order an ask you to read over it and sign it. We will then give you a photo copy of the order. Changes to the order can be made up to ten (10) days before delivery. After that time the only additions or changes can be the addition of kitchen cakes. What about the design of the cake? Sweet Expressions. Master Cake Designer will work with the Bride to ensure that her cake is exactly to her liking and taste. We have many different styles to choose from and will mix, match or create the perfect centerpiece for your reception. If you have seen a cake elsewhere, please bring in a photograph and we will be happy to reproduce it for you. Sweet Expressions has the knowledge and ability to create all styles of cake.

Are there extra charges for using fountains or special cake stands? Sweet Expressions charges a small deposits / rental fees on cake stand and equipment used to set up your cake as long as everything is returned by 5pm the Wednesday following delivery. Late fees of $25 per day will be charged on equipment that is late returning. If we must replace equipment because you have not returned it on time, or it has been lost or broken you will be billed for the replacement costs. This can run up to $500 or more depending on the stand.

Is it necessary that the cake match the Bridesmaid dresses? No, as the Bridesmaid dresses are rarely in the photo with the cake. If you want to use another color, choose colors that will blend in with the rest of the reception. Please remember that very dark colors will look great on your cake at your reception, but will probably not photograph as well. If you bring in a color swatch we will make every attempt to match it as closely as possible.

Do we care if someone else (another decorator, relative, friend or store) makes another cake for the same reception where our cake will be displayed? We are very comfortable and proud of what we have to offer the Bride and Groom. We do not want any one thinking that our work is that of someone else or take credit for another.s work.

Does this mean that we have to do all or nothing? No, we are willing to work with you. If you find yourself in need of more cake than what you have ordered we suggest using kitchen cakes. You will find that we are very reasonable for these cakes and would ask you to order them from us rather than from another store. Sometimes you get in a situation where someone has decorated a little and wants to give you a cake as a gift. We suggest asking the person to make you a bridal shower cake instead. Our main concern is that your cake be as perfect as possible, by using a professional you run less risk of a disaster. Sweet Expressions is a fully licensed, inspected kitchen and our decorator has over 28 years of experience to insure you a quality product.

Would we use a recipe that the Bride brought for us to use as the wedding cake? We would consider it, but would have to have plenty of time to test the cake for structure and baking limits. There is a $50 fee for the research & testing with no guarantee that we will agree to use the recipe. Our cakes are tested and well known for their flavor, moistness, stability and ease of cutting. With over 30 flavors of cake to choose from, we are sure you will find something that pleases you.

Do we put fillings in our cakes? Our cakes are so rich and moist a filling is not needed but if you prefer we offer many fillings to choose from. What kinds of icings are available? Sweet Expressions offers Buttercream, Cream Cheese and Fondant. When choosing the icing please consider the wedding colors, Cream Cheese icing is a yellow color, Buttercream and Fondant come is any color. If your dress is ivory or any of the off whites, such as champagne, we do not recommend having your cake iced in white, as your dress will appear off colored in your wedding photos.

Do we charge extra for using different flavors? No. Here at Sweet Expressions each cake is baked individually, so you may choose as many flavors as your have tiers.

How many cakes do we deliver on a typical Saturday? We average about two cakes per Saturday. Presentation is very important to us and we try to allot ample time for each delivery. When booking our weddings, we are very aware of the time needed to decorate and deliver each cake. Our commitment is to the weddings that are booked and insuring that each Bride has the cake of her dreams. That is the reason we have to turn so many Brides down. Since we have a small but very skilled staff, the type of decorating we offer cannot be done on an assembly line. Each cake is unique and different, just like our Brides.

How much cake should we order? That depends on the number of invitations you send out? Remember that most invitations are for couples, so if you send out 200 invitations that would make 400 people. Of course not all will attend, so take a look at how many invitations are for out of town people who will not be able to attend and cut down accordingly. Next take a look at how many invitations will include children and add in for them. Just be honest! Don.t ask us to make a 200 serving cake when you know that 400 will be there. It will be very embarrassing for you and us.

How do we feel about fresh flowers used on the cake? Fresh flowers are fine, but we do have a few requirements for using them. Flowers must be arranged for with a florist. We do not recommend using flowers from your garden, as they may have sprays and/or bugs on them. We do not allow our cakes to have stems inserted into them, as this is a health hazard. You can arrange for the florist to place them on the cake (we will contact the florist, letting them know the sizes of cake and design of the floral arrangements) or we will be happy to place them for a $25.00 fee.

Can we taste the cake? Certainly, simply let us know when you set up your consultation time and we will be happy to make up a sample cake for you.

How many meetings will it take to finalize the plans for my wedding cake? Usually just one meeting is necessary. Most questions and changes can be handled by phone or by mail. We will schedule you to meet as many times as it takes to make sure you are comfortable with all the details.

Who pays for the Groom's cake or Bridal Shower cake? If the Groom's cake is to be served at the rehearsal party, usually the Groom's family. If it is to be served at the wedding, the Bride or Groom's family may pay. Bridal Shower cakes are usually paid by those hosting the party, but sometimes the Bride's family will pay if it is something special that they want.

When is final payment due? Your cake must be paid for in full 2 weeks before deliver. If it is less than 10 days, only cash will be accepted.

Any other questions? Please contact Kathy Scott . Sweet Expressions . 864-446-3137 or e-mail sweetexpress@wctel.net