FAQs
So you’re thinking about ordering a cake, we can’t wait to make it for you! Here are some of the questions we get a lot from our new clients and their answers.
Wedding Cake FAQ
I’ve never ordered a wedding cake before, what is the process?
1 – Gather any design inspiration materials you may have (pictures, décor, etc.) and schedule a date and time for your in-house tasting or to-go tasting. See our Tasting/Consultation Page for more details.
If you took your tasting to go, call or email to set up your design consultation.
2 – Book your wedding date with a $200.00 non-refundable deposit.
3 – Schedule an in-person or virtual final consultation for one month prior to your event date.
4 – Attend your final consultation to finalize any decorations, guest counts, flavors, etc. The remaining balance of the order is due at this consultation.
5 – One week prior to the wedding date, drop off any self-supplied materials to Sorella’s Cake Studio (ribbon, flowers, etc.)
6 – See your incredible cake and/or sweets on your big day!
When should I start planning for my wedding order & how soon do I need to reserve my wedding date?
As a general rule, the sooner, the better. We recommend scheduling your initial consultation/tasting roughly six to nine months prior to the wedding date and reserving your wedding date as soon as possible afterwards. The closer we get to a wedding date, the higher the odds are that we may not have availability to accommodate an order and/or delivery on your date.
How do I reserve my wedding date?
A non-refundable $200.00 deposit (deducted from your total order balance) is required to secure your date. Reach out to a Cake Expert to pay your deposit and reserve your date.
Do you offer tastings/consultations?
We offer a variety of paid cake and sweets table tasting options to help you find the perfect fit for your celebration. Included in the cost of your tasting is a 30-45 minute design consultation. All tastings must be pre-scheduled and are subject to availability. See our Tastings and Consultations Page for more information.
Do you offer any perks or discounts for booking with you?
We’re delighted to offer a complimentary 6-inch, single-tier anniversary cake with any wedding order of $400 or more. In addition, enjoy 15% off all wedding-adjacent orders (including bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc.).
We’re getting close to the big day, what else do we need to do?
Roughly two months before your wedding, we’ll send you a reminder to schedule your final consultation (to be held no later than one month prior to the wedding date). During this consultation, we finalize guest count, flavors, design, and everything else pertaining to the order. This can be held in person, by phone, or via Zoom. If you have not yet paid your final balance, it will be collected during this final consultation.
General Ordering FAQ
How far in advance should I place my order?
During ‘peak celebration season’ (May–October), we require at least 14 days’ notice for all orders, as we typically reach max work load capacity for a given date about two weeks in advance. This means an order must be placed with a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your final balance(OR a non-refundable $200.00 deposit for an order that is being delivered), 14 days prior to the pick up date. An order is not considered placed until we receive, and confirm the receipt of, this non-refundable deposit. While we may accept orders on shorter notice year-round, a rush fee will usually apply. Lead times and rush fees are both subject to change, at the discretion of Sorella’s Cake Experts.
Please note that this timeline does not apply to wedding orders – see our Wedding Cake FAQ section for more details.
I’m interested in placing an order. What info do you need from me?
To give you the most accurate quote and begin your order, we’ll need the following:
- The date of the order
- The number of people the order will serve
- Design inspiration/reference material (particularly if you are looking for a specific design or hoping to replicate a particular cake)
- Bring the reference with you if ordering in-store
- Attach it to your initial inquiry if emailing
- Email it to us if you are calling
- Any dietary restrictions the order needs to accommodate
Additionally, at the time of order placement, we require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your final balance OR a non-refundable $200.00 deposit for an order that is being delivered. This can be paid via cash, check, credit card, or Venmo. An order is not considered placed until we receive, and confirm the receipt of, this non-refundable deposit.
What is a ‘Signature Cake?’
We offer six budget conscientious cake designs, at a set similarly budget conscientious price point. We refer to these as our Signature Cake Designs. Other designs may also fall under the ‘Signature Cake’ price point, if it meets the same scope of work as those on display(this determination is at the sole discretion of Sorella’s Cake Experts). Small tweaks or additions to the designs (such as rosettes, metallic writing, extra floral, edible images, etc.) can be accommodated at an additional fee.
Signature Cake designs are currently on display in store, and will be featured online in the near future.
What is a ‘Studio Cake?’
Studio Cakes offer endless possibilities for a one-of-a-kind creation, tailored entirely to your vision. Due to their highly custom nature, a paid tasting or consultation may be required to ensure dedicated one-on-one time with a Cake Expert to design your masterpiece.
I’m not sure what design I want for my cake. Do you have a book I can look at?
We don’t have look books, but there are plenty of ways to find inspiration:
- Visit our store to view our Signature Cake designs on display
- Browse our social media, Google reviews, and website to see a wide range of past creations
- Tell us about the event or person the cake is for—is there a theme, color scheme, hobby, favorite band, show, superhero, animal, etc. that we can use for inspiration?
- Search the internet to find designs you’d like us to recreate or draw inspiration from
With that info, our Cake Experts will help you design the perfect cake for your occasion!
Do you carry toppers, toys, fresh floral, or faux floral?
We do not carry toppers, toys, or fresh or faux florals in stores. With sufficient lead time, we may be able to source these for you at an additional cost. Please note that items we source will be marked up from their normal retail price.
If you prefer, we have a sister store, Kitchen Creations, which sells a wide variety of cake decorations and makes custom acrylic cake toppers. You’re welcome to purchase items from here or elsewhere, and we would be happy to place them on the cake at no extra charge. We ask that you unpackage and assemble any toppers, props, or decorations and drop them off as early as possible so they’re ready when we begin your order. Please check with a Cake Expert for specific timelines for dropping off your decor items.
Why is there a minimum order of a dozen for certain desserts/offerings?
Scaling recipes down does not reduce ingredient or labor costs proportionally. All price points and minimum order requirements are set to not only cover the true cost of production, but to ensure our Cake Experts are fairly compensated for their time and talent.
Is there a price break if I order larger quantities?
While scaling batches down doesn’t decrease cost, scaling batches up inevitably increases the price of both materials and labor. All price points and minimum order requirements are set to not only cover the true cost of production, but to ensure our Cake Experts are fairly compensated for their time and talent.
I called/emailed/stopped in & talked to someone about my order. That means my order is placed, right?
At the time of order placement, we require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of your final balance OR a non-refundable $200.00 deposit for an order that is being delivered, which can be paid via cash, check, credit card, or Venmo. An order is not considered placed until we receive, and confirm the receipt of, this non-refundable deposit.
Okay, I spoke with someone a few weeks ago, then sent a deposit just now for my order for tomorrow. My order is placed NOW, right?
1 – We require 14 days’ notice for all orders.
2 – An order is not considered placed until we receive, and confirm the receipt of, this non-refundable deposit.
3 – If you did not receive written or verbal confirmation from a Cake Expert stating “your deposit was received, and your order is officially considered placed,” your order is not placed.
A Cake Expert took my order & confirmed they received my deposit. What should I expect at my pickup?
1- Tell the Cake Expert who helps you that you are picking up an order with the name the order was placed under. The Cake Expert will bring your order to the counter for your review before boxing it for transportation (see our Pickup/Transportation FAQ section for more details).
2 – If any errors have occurred, please let the Cake Expert know at this time, and we can assess available options for adjustments. Once the cake leaves our premises, any needed design changes, fixes, etc. will incur a charge.
3 – Pay your remaining balance due.
4 – Carry your cake from the bottom and place it on a flat surface (please see our Pickup/Transportation FAQ for more details). If you prefer, one of our Cake Experts will be happy to assist you with taking your cake to your vehicle.
Can I pick up my order earlier than the time I originally gave?
We organize our work day based on pick up time requested, and the amount of time an order will take to complete. We can not guarantee any order will be ready prior to the pick up time given when placing the order.
Can I modify my order after placing the order?
Due to the custom nature of our work and our tight schedule, we cannot accommodate modifications to the order (size, flavor, décor, etc.) made within 3 days prior to pickup.
Can I cancel/postpone my order?
Life is unpredictable, we know. If you need to make changes to your order, please contact our Cake Experts as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling options. Please note that all deposits and payments are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation, any amount you have paid will be converted to in-store credit under your name. This credit will be held indefinitely at the discretion of Sorella’s Cake Experts.
I have an allergy/dietary restriction. Do you guarantee completely allergen-free baking?
While we are happy to accommodate allergies/dietary restrictions, we are NOT an allergen-free facility. As such, Sorella’s Cake Studio is not responsible for the risk of allergen consumption. Dietary restriction-friendly options are available (special order only), but we cannot guarantee an allergen-free baking environment.
Why can’t I order for tomorrow or the week of my pickup? Why is there a rush fee?
We require at least 14 days’ notice for all orders, as we typically reach max work load capacity for a given date about two weeks in advance. As a small business with a talented but limited team, we can only take on a certain number of orders at a time while maintaining the high quality every order and customer deserves. If we exceed that limit, we risk compromising the unparalleled Sorella’s experience.
Cake 101 FAQ
What is a ‘layered cake?’
The simplest layered cakes have two layers of cake with one layer of filling in the middle. You can choose any of our delicious filling selections; if unspecified, we will use our house-made buttercream between the layers. This cake usually stands 4-5” tall. If a taller look is desired, we can add further layers of cake and filling.
What is a ‘tiered cake?’
Tiered cakes are two (or more) layered cakes that are stacked on top of each other and supported with dowels and weight distributors. This is traditional for a ‘wedding cake’ look.
How do I store my cake?
The short version: When in doubt, keep it cold.
The long version: Cakes with mousse or cream-based fillings should be refrigerated until your event (we’ll let you know at pickup). Cakes with fruit preserves, pie fillings, or just buttercream can safely stay at room temperature, so long as they are kept out of direct heat and sunlight. After serving, place any leftovers in plastic wrap, store them back in their box or another airtight container, and refrigerate if needed.
Pickup/Transportation FAQ
Will my cake be boxed for pick up?
Your cake will be boxed for pickup when possible. Please note that cake boxes are mass-manufactured in pre-set sizes and are designed only to protect against outside debris, meaning they offer no structural support. Because of this, not all cakes can be boxed. Always carry your cake level, supporting it firmly from the bottom, and ensure you have enough space in your vehicle and at home (including in your fridge) for your cake(and/or the box it is packaged in).
Where in my car should I place my cake for the drive home?
Cakes should be placed on the flattest surface of your vehicle; this is usually either the floor or the trunk. We do not recommend holding cakes in your lap or placing them on seats, as they will not be fully level. Please ensure there are no items in the space surrounding the cake that may shift, roll, or present hazardous travel conditions to your cake during transit.
Any other tips for transportation?
There’s always more to learn about cake delivery, but here are a few simple guidelines that will get you far:
- Keep your cake cold and out of direct sunlight when reasonably possible.
- Turn on the car’s AC and direct it to the vents closest to the cake. Do not leave your cake in the car, especially on a hot day.
- Drive like you have a baby in the car. Be aware of your surroundings. Start slow, stop slow, and avoid sudden/sharp turns and/or jarring motions.
Can someone else pick up my order for me (e.g., friend, spouse, family member, boss, or employee)?
Yes! Your designated pickup person is responsible for verifying the order and transporting it safely. To ensure a smooth pickup, they should have:
- The full name the order is placed under
- The full name of the person who placed the order
- The scheduled pickup time
- Details of the order (e.g., size, shape, quantity, flavors, decorations, and any provided items that need to be returned)
- The remaining balance amount due at pickup (if any)
- A valid method to pay said balance
Why can’t I pick up my tiered, sculpted, or custom-designed cake?
To ensure your cake arrives safely and in perfect condition, we require delivery (for an additional fee) for large and/or reinforced cakes or cakes with more than two tiers. Our Cake Experts may also require delivery for other cakes based on their size, structure, or complexity.
If you choose to decline delivery, the person picking up the cake will be asked to sign a waiver before leaving the building. Once the cake crosses our doorway, all responsibility transfers to the pickup person/signer of the waiver.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes, we do! Delivery is available for any order, regardless of size or quantity, for an additional fee.
Delivery starts at $60 for locations within a 5-mile radius (10 miles round trip) of Sorella’s Cake Studio brick and mortar storefront. Delivery fees increase and are calculated based on distance, availability, and delivery complexity—including route difficulty, time required, day of the week, and special care needed for your order. Pricing is tailored to each order and is determined at the discretion of our Cake Experts.