First up, A Cookie & A Cupcake
Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: So the truth is there is only one big misconception about baking in general, and I know I speak for many pastry chefs and bakeries when I say this.....There are not unicorns and puppy dogs magically baking our product lol. People think that an 8 tiered cake can be whipped up in no time and can be completely custom, let alone that you may have any other previous projects due, but it will cost next to nothing. This sometimes disappoints many bakeries but truth is, its all about educating the client. So, we at A Cookie and A Cupcake will always try and fit whomever into our schedule with any project but we may have to adjust the design a bit. Our suggestion to clients is to always be well prepared, ask questions, and be reasonable about your budget expectations.
Q: Describe your "brand" at A Cookie and A Cupcake?
A: A Cookie and A Cupcake has always prided ourselves on our handmade, from scratch baking....we don't keep a freezer full of cakes, but we make everything to order. This not only helps with the freshness of our cupcakes but it extends the life for our client to be able to buy them and enjoy right away or in a few days. We love making and creating and our heart is in everything we do.
Q: What are some mistakes you see couples make when choosing their baker?
A: I don't think its necessarily about mistake in choosing a vendor, but more of being realistic. You often see people using their "aunt who has a friend that bakes" or a friend who will do it for free.....this doesn't always work. So being realistic about your budget and your expectations is the key in choosing a vendor. We are not the cheapest around nor are we the most expensive, but we are "seasoned", with amazing product that your guests will enjoy and remember.
Q: What should a client look for in bakery?
A: Well, I may say the same thing over again for this question....Always know your budget ( a realistic budget) and your expectation of product before choosing a vendor. So many brides are burdened with keeping in a certain budget and have Walmart prices in mind but want a amazing cake or cupcakes. Now, we do not think that Walmart is bad, but we are a boutique bakery using amazing local ingredients with care and are able to produce a much better product. So if you need to evaluate what you want versus what you can truly afford.
Q: What are some benefits to working with A Cookie and A Cupcake?
A: The bride can count on not having a bunch of small fees with A Cookie and a Cupcake. We have a package that includes the delivery fee ( up to 20 miles), and display stand. Also, when choosing A Cookie and A Cupcake you get a large flavor list to choose from for the same price.
Q: What is something that you think a client should splurge on with their wedding cake?
A: Well a couple should feel like they are in good hands, from custom designs to amazing product. So you should always feel like using the endless list of flavor combinations to your advantage. Whether your choosing a tiered cake or a cupcake wedding, enjoy having a dessert not just plain cake, pick flavors you would like and this will be something your friends and family will appreciate. Now I always say splurge on design as well. there are plenty of ways that you can get an amazing cake if you don't have the budget, and that's what I am here for, but if you had to choose I would say spend the money on designing a one of a kind cake!
Q: What would you do with a client who had an endless budget for cake?
A: We love helping our clients with creating the most amazing cake for their budget, but we have had a few lucky times when their is not a set budget...and this is a great opportunity for our client. We love designing one of a kind cakes and cupcakes. many times we draw up sketches and work together to create something that is just for the couple. This also included unique flavors as well as unique edible favors.
Q: What should clients pay special attention to in their cake contract?
A: I think the fine print is what many people forget to read. The feed back I get from clients about their other vendors is they forgot or didn't see the fine print and end up paying much more then intended. We are very open (as many bakeries are) about out policies and costs. there are no hidden fees or taxes and gratuities to worry about. But I have heard couples say they have run out of money because they didn't see something in their contract and it added "blank" amount of money. So, my advice is not only to read the fine print but take notes and right down reminders. Couples are too busy the last week of their wedding to get hit with hidden fees, so if you are prepared it will go smoothly.
Q: What are some things a client should know to make working with you an easier experience?
A: I think its mainly that we want you to feel like you are the only client but we do have many clients and most bakeries are hands on owners. We work extreme hours and most of the time we have endless days. We do this because we love it and we want to make people smile when they enjoy our product....which we never get to see them enjoy lol. So the more time you give a baker the better....it helps us manage our production schedule and our personal schedule .
Q: What do you love most about working with clients?
A: I love when a client is excited about their special event, they are enthusiastic and want to have a wow piece as their dessert. These clients acknowledge the time put into their product and choose us because we can make that happen. These clients are usually back every year for birthdays, anniversaries etc.....and that's why we love them.
You can see from the answers that A Cookie and A Cupcakee is a company that loves what they do and enjoys the process. I hope that you have a great wedding cake for your big day, if you aren't sure who to book, be sure to check out A Cookie and A Cupcake!
Happy Planning!