Question 1

How can I place an order?

Accepted Answer

The first thing to do is to get in touch.
Make your enquiry through our contact form or alternatively email me directly Cakesbyzoelincoln@yahoo.co.uk (mailto:Cakesbyzoelincoln@yahoo.co.uk)or telephone me on 07783179254. I do also take message through my social media such as Instagram and Facebook too.

You can also find me and more of what I am up to on social media.
When enquiring, it’s helpful if you can tell me the number of people you need the cake or cupcakes to serve, the theme or design you'd like and the date you have in mind. This will enable me to give you a more precise quote and check if I have availability.

Question 2

How do I make a payment?

Accepted Answer

There are various ways to pay.
Online bank transfer using your online banking service is the easiest way to make a payment, just ask me for account details.

Paypal using any credit/debit card, American Express or registered bank account. There is an additional surcharge for paypal payments to cover their fees.

Question 3

Do you have a shop where I can see or buy cakes?

Accepted Answer

We are a home bakery & studio and as all of our cakes are made-to-order, visits to Cakes by Zoe are by arrangement only.

To book a consultation get in touch via the enquiry form and we’ll arrange a date.

Question 4

How much notice do you need for a cake order?

Accepted Answer

My diary gets booked up quickly and sometimes months/years in advance.

Generally two to four months’ notice for most celebration cakes is sufficient. Depending on how full the diary is I can sometimes accommodate a short-notice order if its more than 7 days notice, the best thing to do is to get in touch to check for availability.

For wedding cakes I ask for you to allow at least 6-12 months if possible. I can sometimes make wedding cakes at shorter notice depending on our availability, again, just get in touch and I’ll see what I can do.

Question 5

Can you accommodate allergy-friendly ingredients in wedding/celebration cakes, and how do you manage cross-contamination risks?

Accepted Answer

We understand the importance of catering to dietary needs and can incorporate ingredients that are free from certain common allergens into your custom cake. However, as a home-based cake studio using a variety of mixed ingredients and shared kitchen space, we cannot guarantee that products are completely free from allergens.

While we take thorough precautions to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, including careful ingredient selection and dedicated baking practices, clients with severe allergies should consider this when placing an order. We are always happy to discuss your specific requirements to create a beautiful, botanically inspired cake that aligns as closely as possible with your needs.

Question 6

What are the delivery costs?

Accepted Answer

Delivery is charged on the distance and time to set the cake up at the venue.

Please enquire to check for availability and prices.

Question 7

Do I need to pay a deposit, and if so, when?

Accepted Answer

A £30 or  20% non-refundable deposit if the value of the order is more than £200 will secure a date in the diary for all occasion cakes and confirms your order. The final balance for celebration cakes is required one week prior to collection or delivery of the cake. If your cake is a short notice booking (i.e. less than 14 days), I kindly ask for the full amount at the time of booking.

For wedding cakes, I require a non- refundable deposit of £100 when placing the order, and then the final balance is due a minimum of 4 weeks before delivery or collection. Your cake is booked into my calendar as soon as a deposit has been paid.

Any amendments to the original order may incur charges but they are always agreed upon first.

You can see more detailed information in our terms and conditions for bookings.

Question 8

Can I come for a wedding consultation and tasting?

Accepted Answer

I can happily arrange a consultation and cake tasting by appointment , this is  at my home studio as its a home business. (Online consultations are also available.) Working with you, I will provide samples in the flavours that you are considering for your wedding cake .

I bake tasters in the form of cupcakes, 3 flavours in a box of 6 cupcakes, or 6 flavours in a box of 12 cupcakes, prices for these are available upon request.

In preparation for your consultation, I ask you please to have your venue and date confirmed and have some ideas on your theme, colours and number of guests so that we can design a cake perfectly suited to you and your day. The ideal time to book an appointment with me is 4 – 6 months before your wedding. (Late appointments are sometimes available).

Question 9

How do I look after the cake?

Accepted Answer

Fondant covered cakes should be kept in a cool, dry place and are best left in the box I supply them in. They should not be kept in an air-tight, or sealed tin/container, or in the refrigerator.

Buttercream covered cakes should be kept in a cool room and can be kept in a sealed container, provided they do not have fondant-based decorations, which would soften and lose shape.

Fruit cakes can be kept for several months provided they are wrapped well and stored in a cool, dry place.
Sponge cakes are best eaten within 3-4 days of collection or delivery.

Stacked cakes usually have plastic rod supports (known as dowels) and should be removed before the cake is served. Wired decorations are non-edible and it is not recommended that they are consumed. Wired decorations and sugar cake toppers may be sharp and should be handled with care but they do make nice keepsakes. You will be advised upon delivery if there are any wires or supports and where they are located.

Question 10

Can you set up my cake and display table?

Accepted Answer

Of course! It would be my pleasure to provide this service, and I even have some cake stands you could hire. Just contact me to ask about pricing.

THE CAKES BY ZOE

Frequently Asked Questions