Sarah’s Journey into Wedding Cake Mastery
Baking has always been a part of my life, thanks to my mum who baked every week. Growing up, our cake tin was always filled with delicious treats, sparking my passion for baking. I made my own 18th and 21st birthday cakes, my wedding cake, and all my children's christening and birthday cakes. After being made redundant in 2009, I decided to leave my career in retail management and dive into the cake business full-time. By 2016, I ventured into the wedding cake supplier industry, eager to expand my skills and take on new challenges. Thus, the Purple Pumpkin Cake Company was born.
The Creative Process
The journey of creating a custom wedding cake begins when a couple fills out the enquiry form on my website. I check the date, venue, and the number of guests to ensure I can deliver the cake. With a maximum of two cakes a week, I need to balance my schedule carefully. After confirming availability, I have a video call with the couple to discuss their needs and expectations, building a rapport that is crucial for a smooth process. We discuss the design, and I usually provide a sketch. Once booked, we maintain regular contact, finalise flavour choices 12 weeks before the wedding, and ensure everything is set for the big day. The week of the wedding, I coordinate with the venue and other suppliers, aiming to make the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable.
Popular Flavours and Designs
Our most popular wedding cake design is the "wooden look" cake, which seamlessly blends with the rustic charm of our rural venues. I also create more ornate designs, catering to a wide range of tastes. Unlike many cake makers, I don’t have a fixed flavour list. I believe a wedding cake should be personal both inside and out. I’ve created flavours as unique as blue bubblegum and rhubarb and custard, alongside classics like white chocolate and raspberry, chocolate orange, and the ever-popular Victoria sponge.
Personalisation and Attention to Detail
I work tirelessly to ensure each wedding cake is a true reflection of the couple’s personality and preferences. Whether it's incorporating favourite characters, sports teams, or intricate lace patterns from the bride’s dress, I strive to make each cake uniquely special. By listening closely to the couple and understanding their vision, I create cakes that not only taste amazing but also tell a story that resonates with them and their guests.
Taste, Quality, and Presentation
My tagline, "Traditional, with a twist of quirky," perfectly encapsulates the essence of my cakes. Each creation is unique, never a carbon copy, and I love experimenting with new trends and techniques. I also pay great attention to how the cake will be displayed, offering a variety of stands to complement the design. Taste is paramount, and allowing couples to choose any flavour ensures they get exactly what they want. My cakes are made fresh the week of the wedding, often resulting in guests enjoying multiple slices with little left to freeze!
Keeping Up with Trends as a Wedding Cake Supplier
To stay ahead of the curve, I follow major cake makers on Instagram and attend several courses each year with my "cake wife." I firmly believe that "every day is a school day," and I dedicate time to learning and practicing new techniques. This commitment to continuous improvement keeps me at the forefront of the wedding cake industry, ready to try anything new and exciting.
Memorable Creations
Choosing a favourite cake is tough! From a four-tier cake depicting a couple’s love story, including their engagement in Australia and adventures in New York, to a cake adorned with sugar tents and climbing boots for walking enthusiasts, each creation is special. Recently, I crafted a cake for thespians from the Stamford Shakespeare Company, featuring the theatre at Tolethorpe on the top tier and their favourite books and plays modelled in icing on the bottom tier. Every cake I make is a labor of love, reflecting the unique stories of the couples I work with.
Advice for Couples
When choosing your wedding cake, don't be afraid to make it personal. Ignore outside opinions and focus on what you love. Whether you prefer bold colors or traditional white, your cake should represent you as a couple. If you don’t like fruit cake, don't feel obligated to include it. Offer a variety of flavours to please your guests, but ultimately, it’s your day, your way.
Booking and Availability
I limit myself to two wedding cakes per week, so availability can vary. My advice is to book as soon as you know you want to work with me. My diary can fill up quickly, and I don’t hold dates without a deposit. Some couples book two years in advance, while others secure a spot within the same year. If you have your heart set on a specific supplier, don’t wait—reserve your date as soon as possible.
The Joy of Cake Making
Being part of the wedding industry is incredibly rewarding. I love working with amazing people, from venue holders to wedding coordinators, and meeting couples at the start of their exciting journey. Seeing their delight when I present a cake design and hearing their satisfaction when they taste the final product makes all the hard work worthwhile. Every "yes" to a cake brings me immense joy, and I can't imagine doing anything else.
Thank you to Sarah from The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company for her time to put together this blog post during such a busy time!
To learn more about The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company and see more of their creations, visit the links below:
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