Frequently Asked Questions
These are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. If you don't see an answer to your question, please email or call us !
Cakes
Q. Who decorates my cake table at the reception?
A. The elements of design for the cake table are the responsibility of the client. This typically includes floral arrangements, tablecloths, lights and anything else that would be added to the table. Sweet Tiers Cakery will always provide a cake base (roughly 2-4 inches larger than your bottom tier) that will complement your design elements. We recommend that you work with your event coordinator to ensure that your table is properly setup by the time the cake is delivered.
For candy buffets, Sweet Tiers Cakery provides all elements of design which includes matching theme, style, colors and taste. For more information on specifics, check out our Candy Buffet page.
Q. Do you deliver?
A. Yes! We can deliver anywhere in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT). Delivery charges vary by the size of the cake and the distance involved. Sweet Tiers Cakery uses the CakeSafe system for delivery of all tiered and sculpted cakes. Clients are generally able to pick up cupcakes, single and two tier cakes. We do not recommend that you attempt to deliver cakes that are taller than two tiers or sculpted. We are not responsible for cakes once they leave the shop for self-delivery. Please give us a call for an estimate.
Q. What kind of fondant do you use? Does it taste good?
A. Sweet Tiers Cakery makes everything from scratch, including our fondant. It has a marshmallow base (commonly referred to as Marshmallow Fondant) and is quite simply the best tasting fondant you’ll ever have. With hints of lemon, almond and vanilla, it’s sure to satisfy the most discerning of critics. Fondant is ultimately rolled to about an 1/8 of an inch and can be used to cover cakes for edible decorations. Fondant is currently one of the most popular options for cake decorating.
Q. Payment Policy Information
A. Custom cakes require a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation. The remainder of the balance is due no later than one week prior to your event. An order is considered confirmed once your signed contract and deposit are provided. We accept cash, check and Paypal for payments. Full payment will be required if a cake order is placed within two weeks of the event. Design and tasting appointments are recommended for most, but not all, cake orders. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required, payable in cash, credit or PayPal. The deposit will be applied to the final cost of the cake. Sweet Tiers Cakery will hold your reservation date provided a signed contract and deposit is returned within five (5) business days of your design/tasting appointment. Your date may become unavailable after that.
Q. I saw one of your cakes and loved the design, but I only have 20 guests.
A. Our cakes are designed to be beautiful and to fit the occasion. That being said, not every cake scales well in terms of design and serving sizes. Sweet Tiers Cakery will always do their best to work with your design ideas and inspirations.
Q. How much do your cakes cost?
A. There are many variables that go into pricing a cake, but at the most basic level, complexity of design and servings are two of the biggest factors. It is not unusual for a smaller, more intricately designed cake to cost more than a larger one. As a starting point, butter cream cakes start at about $6 per serving, fondant cakes start at $7 per serving, intricate floral designs start at $9 per serving and novelty/sculpted cakes start at $12 per serving. We always work with our customer to achieve a balance between budget and design, often offering several design proposals and price tiers to choose from. Please check our Pricing page for more information.
Q. Can I order cupcakes for my wedding or event?
A. Absolutely! Sweet Tiers Cakery can provide you with variety of design ideas for your event that incorporate your theme and colors. There are a variety of stands that can be rented depending on the amount of cupcakes needed. For a wedding, a small cake is typically located at the top of the stand. This is used for the ceremonial cutting of the cake. Many people choose to use cupcakes as an edible party favor, as well.
Q. What is a groom’s cake? Can you make one?
A. A groom’s cake has become quite a tradition and often incorporates the groom’s hobbies, life experiences or occupation. These cakes come in all different sizes and shapes, but is usually smaller than the wedding cake (roughly 1/4-1/3 of the size). Sweet Tiers Cakery can provide designs for groom’s cakes based on your specifications. The sky is the limit when it comes to these cakes!
Candy Buffets
Q. I can buy my own candy, why shouldn't I just do it myself?
A. There's much more to setting up a candy table than just purchasing candy. You need to account for setting the table up, breaking it down, having the appropriate jars, plates and accessories to match the theme of your party as well making sure you ordered the right amount (and type) of candy. We specialize in assisting with all of these details and ensure you have nothing to worry about on the day of your event. We also source our candies from many specialty vendors who offer unique color and flavor combinations. The whole point is to provide your guests with candies they don't usually see, which are coordinated with the theme of your party and which provide unique flavor combinations.
Q. How much candy can I expect to receive per guest?
A. The standard serving-size is about 4-6oz. We provide ample candy to allow your guests to enjoy the display, and prevent it from looking empty too quickly. This is done by choosing the right mix of bulk/designer candy and the appropriate jars. And of course, you get to keep the leftovers!
Q. Can I use this as my favor?
A. This is a great idea and a growing trend! Your guests love an edible favor, especially when they can make their own. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and experience new flavors and old favorites. We can provide many personalized options for candy bags so they complement the theme of your party and still remain functional as a favor.
Q. Can I bring my own candy?
A. No. We go through great lengths to ensure food safety so we cannot allow you to supply any of your own candy. However, we will accommodate any requests for specific candies or baked goods. We have hundreds of recipes on standby and we'll do our best to work it into the display for you!
Q. Will I receive a discount if I bring my own table linens?
A. Our prices are packaged to already include linens and there's no separate fee that can be deducted. We're happy to supply coordinating linens or work with what you have. We create many of our own unique backdrops and tablecloths from exotic fabric manufacturers such as David Tutera and Nicole Miller.
Q. Can you do anything other than candy?
A. Absolutely! Most of our candy buffets consist of candies and baked goods such as flooded cookies, cupcakes, mini cupcakes, cake pops, marshmallow pops, cotton candy - the list goes on. We typically tailor the type of candy to the audience. Kids will like gummy type of candy while older children will like sweet and sour candy. Adults will prefer chocolates and nuts. All of this is taken into consideration when we consult with you.
Q. Can you provide a Kosher candy buffet?
A. Definitely. Many of the specialty manufacturers we work with provide Kosher certification on their candies and we will build your display honoring that requirement.
Q. Can you work with other dietary considerations?
A. Yes. Whether we choose to use candy or baked goods, we will work with you to do our best to meet your requirements.
