Making a Custom Cake
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to cake! Read on for the answers to all those questions (plus way more).
How it Works
We’ve worked hard to ensure our process is as stress-free and fun as it is delicious.
Step 1: Inquire
Once you’ve decided By Cenza is the cake artist for you, get things started byfilling out our inquiry form. We recommend reaching out 9-12 months before your event. We’ll follow up to schedule a quick intro phone call to answer any questions and ensure we’re the best fit for your cake vision.
Step 2: Book
If your date is available on our calendar and we are a good fit for your event, we can get the process started! Clients can book their date at this stage with a retainer. Still deciding? Start with booking a tasting box or an in-person tasting and consultation (tasting fees apply).
Step 3: Taste
All in-person tastings are held at our studio in Cleveland Heights. You’ll try delicious flavors from our menu and talk through all things cake! This is where we’ll get to know each other and discuss design concepts for your cake.
Step 4: Design
Using everything we’ve learned and the inspiration you’ve shared, Haley will sketch a custom design for your cake. A proposal will be shared with you via email. Tweaks will be made as necessary based on your feedback. Once the design is settled, you’ll pay 50% of the balance and sign a contract.
Step 5: Prepare
As your big day approaches, we’ll work behind the scenes to ensure your cake comes together perfectly! We’ll check in to finalize any remaining details before the final balance is due. Someone from By Cenza always delivers your custom cake and ensures it’s ready for it’s moment!
One Year Later: An anniversary tier is provided with every custom wedding cake. Clients may choose to take the cake home from their wedding, boxed and ready for the freezer, pick it up at The Studio following the wedding, or get a freshly baked tier the following year!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question you don’t see below? Fill out our inquiry form or email us!
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Definitely not! We love all types of celebrations and can create something special for just about any type of event. We offer custom cakes for any occasion, from birthdays to baby showers and anything else worth celebrating!
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All cakes are priced depending on the complexity of the design and the number of serving sizes. Our decorated cakes begin at $12/serving, and average $20-25/serving. Additional sheet cakes outside the decorated servings priced at $6.50/serving Typically, total servings needed is made up from a combination of both the decorated cake and additional kitchen cake(s). Estimates can always be provided before booking after a brief discussion of design and logistics. Note: our current minimum for projects over 50 guests is $1250. Our minimum for long-distance deliveries and holiday weekends is $1500-2500, depending.
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We understand not every celebration calls for a large cake! We are able to take on projects for events <50 guests as our schedule allows. Cakes for 10-50 guests can range in price from $550-$1200.
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Our menu changes yearly as we dream up and perfect new flavor combinations, but it typically includes 8 flavors for you to choose from.
Here are a few of our favorite flavors from current & previous menus:
Lavender + Blueberry (lavender cake, lemon buttercream, blueberry compote)
Chocolate + Pistachio (chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, roasted pistachios, cinnamon, white chocolate + pistachio ganache)
Almond + Apricot
(cinnamon-almond cake, vanilla buttercream, apricot jam, toasted almonds)
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We do have gluten-free offerings! At this time, we do not create vegan cakes.
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We love the decorating process so much, we insist that all cakes are executed and finished entirely by our team. We do not make cakes to be finished with fresh flowers, preferring to craft handmade sugar flowers instead. (Check out our cake gallery to see them in all their realistic glory!)
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Haley’s passion for creating edible art means she’s not interested in simply baking your cake, but in designing something special from the ground up. She has spent years honing her sugar flower craft, and they provide the perfect medium to express her creativity and create something one-of-a-kind for each client. The handmade nature of sugar flowers creates endless potential; specifically with composition, color, and flow. Haley will work directly with your florist to match your fresh florals as closely as possible. I
BONUS: Sugar flowers last forever! After your wedding, they are gently removed from your cake and placed in a box to safely travel home with you. Keep them in a bud vase, shadowbox, cloche to preserve a memory that will last decades. Inquire about preservation services during the design process if you’d like Haley to handle your flowers after the wedding.
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Yes! We deliver everywhere. Our delivery fee starts at $75 and goes up depending on distance, venue, and project. We are currently based in Cleveland Heights. We are happy to provide a delivery estimate during the inquiry stage.
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A Past Client Said