FAQs

What makes Valley Designer Cakes so special?

With over 12 years experience in cakes and cake decorating, you are in good hands when you choose Valley Designer Cakes, Melbourne’s favourite wedding cake designer. We were awarded 4th best wedding cake supplier in Victoria by ABIA for 2019 and have achieved Easy Wedding Five Star Awards since 2004.

Our cakes are made 100% from scratch and absolutely no commercial cakes mixes are used. You will taste the difference and can be assured of quality. We have won the custom of a number of well established wedding venues across Melbourne and can offer special discounts with our preferred suppliers. You may have seen us at a recent wedding expo or venue open day – be sure to come and say hi!

We would love to host you in our boutique cake studio, located on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD in Ascot Vale, where you can view our cakes and taste our amazing cake flavours. We are located close to all modes of public transport, just to make it that much easier and stress free for you. We would love to create something amazing for your wedding or special event but don’t just take our word for it, see what our customers are saying about us.

What does the Design Meeting involve?

The Design Meeting is your opportunity to discuss and design your cake requirements, as well as view and sample a selection of Valley Designer cakes.  Experienced cake designer and decorator, Narelle will assist you every step of the design process to create your unique dream cake.  We are conveniently located close to all modes of public transport to make it as stress free as possible for you.

Can someone help me design my cake?

Yes, if you have a particular idea in mind we will work with you to design your perfect cake.  You can choose from the many ideas on offer at Valley Designer Cakes or, during your design meeting,  we can draw up a design to customise the shape, size and style to create your own beautiful cake.

What should I bring to the Design Meeting?

Inspiration can come from anywhere: art, fabric, wedding gowns, wedding invitations, jewellery, greeting cards, furniture, architecture, landscapes, flowers, music and most importantly your individual style and input.  Bring anything that you think will help in the design of your cake.  It could be pictures of the venue, the wedding dress, invitations or flowers, colour samples, material swatches or lace, all these components can provide inspiration to create your wedding cake.

For other special occasion cakes, you may have a favourite character from a book, a model car or a toy animal, so please feel free to bring your special items to the Design Meeting.

Do I need an appointment?

You are welcome to visit the showroom anytime however; appointments are necessary for Design Meetings, please click here to make an appointment.

What types of flavours are on offer?

We have nearly 30 flavours of mud cakes to choose from, all baked entirely from scratch.  They range from the more traditional tastes to exotic offerings such as lime, coconut or irish cream.   We know exactly what goes into our cakes – no artificial preservatives or additives are used.   We also have a range of buttercakes and an amazing fruit cake, made the old fashioned way laced with brandy.  All cakes are covered in either fondant, ganache or butter cream. Click here to see the entire list of flavours.

Food Intolerances and allergies can be catered for including gluten free, dairy free, egg free and vegan.  Please ask for details so we can tailor make your cake according to your specific requirements.

Your cakes look beautiful, but do they taste good too?

At Valley Designer Cakes, our cakes are freshly baked 100% from scratch on the premises for every order.  We use only fresh, natural ingredients including couverture chocolate, butter, free range eggs, milk and flour, the way they should be made!  There are no commercial pre-packaged cake mixes used here.  Our cakes don’t just taste good, they taste delicious!

How are your cakes priced?

The cakes are completely custom made and priced individually.  The price always depends on the following factors:

  • Complexity of design
  • The amount of time and specialized labour required to create your chosen design
  • The amount of sugar decoration
  • Size and amount of serves you require – you will need more cake if dessert portions are required.

A quote will be provided at your Design Meeting or with a visit to the shop.  Please click here to make an appointment

What size cake will I need?

  • Coffee portions are approximately 1″ x 1″ x  3″ cake height. (2.5 x 2.5cm x 7cm)
  • Dessert portions need to be at least  2″x 1″ x 3″ cake height. (2.5 x 5cm x 7cm)

If you wish to keep the top tier cake, this won’t be included when calculating the amount of cake you will require. Ask about our special rates to re-decorate your top tier cake for your 1st Anniversary or your child’s Christening.

What is a false/foam tier?

Polystyrene foam blocks may be used within the overall cake design to increase the size of the cake appearance, which saves you having to order cake over and above your serve requirements. For example: if you need serves that would fit into a single tiered cake and you prefer the look and height of a multiple tiered cake, a foam/false layer can be added in to achieve the desired effect.

For example –  For 80 coffee serves, a 2 tier cake would be sufficient. However, if you prefer a 3 tier design and you don’t need more than your required serves, a foam/false tier can be added to give the look of a 3 tiered cake.

What if I have a budget?

Most people have a budget range. Please let us know what it is, that way we can design your cake incorporating the elements that are important to you whilst keeping within your price range.

When should I book my cake?

All our cakes are made to order so please book early if you don’t want to be disappointed. Wedding cakes generally require 1-6 months’ notice, however, if it’s during the busy wedding season (September through to April), book earlier for your own peace of mind.

For all other cakes, depending on the complexity of design, we recommend 2-8 weeks’ notice.  We may be able to take late orders depending on our workload. Please give us a call. We require full payment if order is within 14 days.

Can I change the design details of my cake?

Yes, in some cases changes can be made to your cake. There may be an additional charge to make changes and is entirely at Valley Designer Cake’s discretion.

Do you sell cupcakes and cookies?

We certainly do! Cupcakes are very fashionable and practical if they are to be served as a dessert or at a function where finger food is being served.  They also make great “Bonbonniere” or “Wedding Favours.”  Cupcakes are made 100% from scratch, this ensures they stay fresh and moist.  Iced cupcakes start at $3.85. Additional costs are: – decoration, optional top cake, stand hire, delivery and set up.  Minimum order 24 cupcakes.

Our Cookies are a beautiful vanilla sugar cookie iced with delicious royal icing.  .  Our royal icing is the nicest addition to our cookies by way of presentation and taste.  You won’t be disapponted.  We also create beautiful embossed sugar cookies, for those special messages.   Any design can be created.  Don’t forget to ask about our special wedding packages available for your cake and cookies.

Valley Designer Cakes also has a variety of cup cake stands for hire starting from $35.00.  A deposit is required and is fully refundable on safe and timely return of the stand.

Do you offer delivery and set up?

Valley Designer Cakes offer an optional delivery and set up service across  Melbourne and surrounding areas.  Delivery is advisable, as we take great care in handling your often heavy but delicate cake.  We ensure it is delivered safely to the venue on the day, on time, and set up onto the cake table where possible.  This way no one else needs to handle your cake.  Cost is dependent upon location.

Can I pick up my cake?

Small or single tier cakes can be safely transported on a flat surface in your vehicle but definitely not on the back seat.  Cakes will be boxed or covered in cellophane.  With some of our more delicate cakes, we highly recommend that you have us deliver the cake for you.  Fragile ornaments or cake toppers should be handled with care.  They will be packaged in a separate box to be attached once the cake is delivered on site.  If you’re picking up your cake, Valley Designer Cakes takes no responsibility for its safe delivery once it leaves the shop.

How do I store the top tier of my wedding cake (for fruit cake only)?

Remove all decorations. Wrap the fruit cake with plastic wrap four times excluding as much air as possible. Wrap in Alfoil, then put into an airtight container. The fruit cake can be kept in the freezer for up to one year. Before serving, remove from the freezer, unwrap the cake and leave it out to allow it to return to room temperature. There will be some condensation on the icing which will dry overnight.

Valley Designer Cakes can redecorate the fruit cake for you for any special occasions such as a First Wedding Anniversary or Christening.

How do I store sugar flowers and figurines?

They are for decoration only and should be removed prior to serving (not to be consumed). They should be stored in a dry container. Silica gel crystals are recommended to assist with dry storage. Keep away from moisture and sunlight. Expect some colours to fade with time. If your figurine is made from ‘Fimo’ a clay based substance, it can be kept out in the open air.

What’s the payment policy?

A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your order.  The remaining payment is due 14 days prior to the date of function.  For your convenience we accept the following methods of payment:

  • Direct Bank Deposit or EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
  • Credit Card – Visa or MasterCard  (Surcharge applies)
  • AMEX
PLEASE REMEMBER: When paying via Direct Deposit or EFT, please include your name and the Invoice number on the payment.

CANCELLATION

A 50% deposit is required upon confirmation of the order, if you wish to cancel the order, the following terms apply.

  • If the cake is cancelled within 7 days of ordering, the deposit is refundable minus an administration fee. The administration fee charged will be at the discretion of the proprietor.
  • Prior to 6 months of the function date, a portion, 60% of the deposit will be refunded.
  • Within 6 months of the function date, the deposit is non-refundable, however the deposit can be transferred to another order upon cancellation
  • Final payment is due 14 days prior to the function. If the order is cancelled within 14 days prior to the function, there will be no refund, nor is it transferrable to another order.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please read the above Terms and Conditions carefully before placing your order with Valley Designer Cakes.  Once you have placed an order with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.