Celebration Generation Cakes - Hardcore Sugar Art.

Celebration Generation Cakes in the media

Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do you do tastings, when, where, cost etc?
A. As a small bakery with no retail storefront (only custom orders), and some pretty heavy opinions on what cake should - and shouldn't - be, we've had to be creative with our tastings. After trying out a few different options, we have recently changed the way we do our tastings.
Once a month (or two!) we have a tasting day for couples that we've done wedding cake consultations for that month. We bake up two or three of our most popular flavor options as cupcakes, and box the samples for you. You - or someone you assign - stop by the kitchen that evening and pick up your samples, enjoying them in the privacy of your own home.
A different way of doing it? Definitely. The best, most cost effective way for you to try a variety of our amazing flavors at the same freshness your wedding cake will be - rather than pulled out of a freezer? Absolutely.
Should you - as someone who has participated in our tasting day and went through to contract - desire to try one of the other flavors, you are able to order a taster cake in that flavor. Each serves 12, and is available for $35. This option is ONLY available to couples already contracted with Celebration Generation for a minimum of 100 servings.
Q: How far in advance should I place my order?
A: As soon as you are certain of your event date! To ensure quality, cake bookings are VERY limited and can fill up months in advance. Some dates in late summer / fall fill up a year in advance. Due to the complexity of our cakes, a minimum of one month notice is required for all cake orders. Please call or email to inquire about availability.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: This is greatly variable based on the design and size of the cake, in addition to the types of fillings and icings used. The amount of decoration needed for a cake can raise the cost above the starting price. Naturally, a large, intricate cake is going to cost you more than a small, simple cake. Most of my cakes start at $6.75/serving, and sculpted or custom shaped cakes are priced on a case-by-case basis.
Q. I only need a small cake. How small a cake can I order?
A. Due to the high level of attention I give to every cake, and the limited amount of bookings available, there is a $300 minimum order.
Q. I need a cake in X days! Can you help me out at the last minute?
A. As a sanity saving measure, we have decided to no longer accept last minute orders. Grocery and "big box" stores tend to keep frozen cakes on hand, and as such, are much better equipped to handle last minute orders. If looking for a high end custom cake - from us, or anyone else who specializes in them - it is best to plan and get a contract together well in advance of your event.
Q. What are your terms and conditions?
A. See the bottom of this page for our Terms & Conditions
Q. My venue has restrictions as to who can supply my wedding cake. Are you a licensed baker?
A. Fully licensed through the state of Minnesota!
Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. I currently rent space in a commercial kitchen and bake as needed. I do not have a traditional storefront. I find this is the most efficient way for me to deliver a great product at reasonable prices!
Q. What are your most popular flavors?
A. Hands down, no question - our Chai cake is our absolute most popular cake. Almond Amaretto and Blood Orange Truffle are pretty much neck and neck for 2nd most popular. Take this listing with a grain of salt - those flavors were around from Day 1, and we add new flavor combinations all the time. Bananas Foster, though only recently added, is shaping up to become a frontrunner flavor.
Q. Do you deliver my cake?
A. Yes, I actually insist that I deliver most of our wedding cakes, and some of our smaller sculpted cakes. This is for a multitude of reasons, including (but not limited to!) Insurance & Liability reasons, convenience for the client, architectural/structural reasons with set up, etc. For this reason, we include wedding cake delivery within the Twin Cities for free!
Q. When is the final date to make changes to the cake design?
A. Your final payment is due 1 month prior to your wedding - it's at that time that I'll need all of the design and serving information finalized.
Q. If I finalize my servings a month before my wedding, then find out closer to my date that I actually need less than I thought, can I cut back the servings?
A. No. A lot of the time, your ingredients / other elements of the cake are ordered soon after you finalize your servings. Once the finalized number of servings are received, some of the design work can be started - templates made for your design, etc. A lot of the time, these are size-specific to the final cake sizes / shapes. We definitely encourage you to have a reasonable idea of your guest count when you finalize.
If you do find that your guest count isn't where you thought it would be, don't worry! You will find that extra cake *always* gets put to good use. Most people don't factor in DJ, Photographers, etc in their count, and it's always nice to feed them as well. Additionally, it gives you a bit of buffer if the caterer cuts the portion sizes wrong, if you have last minute guest RSVPs, or if you just want a bit of cake the next morning. Additionally, many couples have more than one flavor in their cake, and there are *always* people who want to try more than one / all flavors!
Q. I've read that I can get a fake cake to display, and sheet cakes to serve.. is that really cheaper?
A. Not really. The materials for a fake cake cost almost as much as for a real cake, and the labor is the same. I recommend having a fake layer or two if you'd like your tiered cake to look bigger (size DOES matter when it comes to wedding photos!), and I charge 80% of the cost per serving for the fake tiers. For instance, if a real layer of cake would serve 56 people and normally cost you $378, a fake layer of the same size would cost $302.40 .. and that's on top of the cost for the sheet cake that would feed those 56 people! Much better to have a large, impressive tiered cake!
Another way to look at it is this. Let's assume you want cake for 150 guests. A 3-tier cake for 100 and a sheet for 50. A 3-tier cake for 150 could be a 14", a 12", and an 8". If you want the 3-tier AND a sheet, then I have to bake a 12/10/8 PLUS a sheet cake. My baking time is higher, because it doesn't take any more time to bake a 14/12/8 than it does to bake a 12/10/8.
I have to buy 3 large cardboards to support the sheet which is an added cost to me. The sheet takes up more space in the van for delivery, so higher transporation costs to me - and the possibility of making an extra trip on the deliveries for the day. This actually brings me to another point to consider - basic delivery and setup is included in the cost of a wedding cake (aside from additional mileage, if it applies). This is because I require that I deliver all tiered cakes. I don't require delivery for sheet cakes, and therefore it's not included in the cost. So, that's another reason why it's all the same price, no matter what pan I bake it in.
To quote one of my idols in the cake industry: "If a bride is getting her cake from a mass production bakery factory who bakes them a year in advance and just pulls one out of the freezer to slap some icing on it, then it might be cheaper if she buys it from them .... .but I dont' make her cake a year in advance and I don't just slap icing on it." Same applies here!
Sound complicated? I can explain in more detail at your initial design meeting!
Q: When do I pay for my cake?
A: Cakes require a retainer of 1/3 of your contract price (or $250, whichever is greater), plus your security deposit on equipment to hold the date and the balance due 1 month before the event.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
A: At this time I accept only cash and check.
Q: Do you do sheet cakes?
A: "Kitchen cakes" are available with a wedding cake purchase of at least 100 servings, any only to supplement a regular (tiered) wedding cake order. OUR kitchen cakes are fully torted and filled to match the "regular" cake. We do not do "Sheet" cakes. Click herefor an article we wrote about sheet cakes and kitchen cakes.
Q: What is fondant? I’ve heard that it tastes really bad.
A: Fondant is a sweet dough that can be rolled out and used to cover a cake. It gives cakes a beautiful, porcelain-like finish. It is extremely versatile: it can be molded, painted, draped, and made to shimmer. It can also be used to sculpt various shapes or figurines. The taste of fondant has gotten a bad rap in the past - many commercially made fondants taste.. well, bad. I hand make your fondant the day I decorate your cake, from a marshmallow base - no chemical taste. I can flavor it to "match" your cake, should you so desire. I roll it out about 1/8" thick and apply it to a buttercream base. If you don't think you'll like fondant, but love the look - no worries! It can easily be peeled back, and you can enjoy the cake and buttercream frosting without it. Want to know more? We wrote a blog entry about it! Check it out Here
Q: What flavors do you offer?
A: Click here to view our gourmet flavor combinations. Have something else in mind? Run it by us - if it exists, we can make it.. if it doesn't exist, we can usually create it anyway!
Q: I have a food allergy – can you make me a gluten-free/dairy-free/nut-free cake?
A: All of the cakes are made from wheat flour, and loaded with eggs and butter. Most of the frostings contain butter. Please let me know if you are allergic to nuts and I will make sure your cake is kept separate from any orders for cakes that do contain nuts. However, please be aware that all of my cakes are processed on the same equipment, and while they are cleaned impeccably, cakes may still contain traces of allergens.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: No, my prices are non-negotiable. If the price quoted is out of your price range, I can accommodate you by making suggestions that will fit within your budget.
Q: How can I get a quote?
A: Quotes are available by email or phone, or by booking a consultation
Q: How big of a cake should I order?
A: You should order enough cake that every guest who wants a slice may have one. A good rule of thumb for weddings is that you will need cake for approximately 60% of the number of guests you invite. For example, if you invite 150 guests, you can expect approximately 90 guests at the reception
Q: Can I make changes to my order?
A: Yes, but all details must be finalized 1 month prior to the event. Please keep in mind that changes may increase the price of your cake.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: All retainer monies paid are non-refundable and non-transferable to another date or order. Any monies paid beyond the initial retainer will be refunded, providing that no work has been completed on your cake, and that notice of cancellation is received earlier than 30 days prior to your event. If a portion or all of the work has been completed, partial refunds will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If payment for a wedding cake has not been received by 30 days prior to the event, the order will be cancelled and no refund will be issued.
Q: What comes with my cake?
A: I do not provide plates, forks, napkins, cake knives, cake servers, linens, cake stands, or tables. When you order a cake, you receive the cake(s) and the box(es) it is in, as applicable. Equipment rental is included for items we carry in stock - with a security deposit. A basic 6" round groom's cake included with wedding orders, and delivery is included within a 40 mile radius of our kitchen. (Minimum 100 serving order for free delivery)
Q: How do I reserve a date?
A: You may request a reservation by email or phone. However, a non-refundable retainer of 33% is required in order to reserve your date. Your reservation request will be locked in upon receipt of your retainer.
Q: Is there a fee for a consultation?
A: No fee for initial local consultations. I am available to meet with you in a location more convenient to you - we have clients all over MN! I do charge a nominal mileage fee for long distance consults. Additionally, many clients find our phone and/or email consultations to be very convenient. For in-person consultations and meetings beyond the first, a small fee will be charged.
Q: Do I have to pick a cake from your portfolio?
A: Absolutely not! The portfolio is there to display my past work and to inspire you! I will custom design your cake just for you. Of course, if you see a cake in the portfolio that you love and want it duplicated, I can do that, too!
Q: Can you match my colors/dress/invitations/napkins/etc?
A: Yes! You will need to provide swatches/photos/samples for me to get a truly accurate representation. I will make every possible effort to translate your cake dreams into reality and am confident that I can turn out a product that you will be delighted with – but please bear in mind that printer inks and couture fashion do not always translate exactly into sugar form, and precise matches are sometimes impossible.
Q. What if there is a problem with my order?
A. If there is a problem, yo, I'll solve it!
Q: Do you bake the cakes? When do you bake them?
A: I make the cakes myself, and all of them are fresh, never frozen! Most cakes are baked two to three days prior to the event.
Q: How long will my cake stay fresh?
A: Unless otherwise specified, your cake will remain fresh for up to 1 week. To keep the cake from drying out after it has be cut, cover the cake with a piece of plastic wrap. We are not responsible for the results of consuming an improperly stored cake.
Q: Do you offer custom cake stand options?
A: Yes, I do! I can get whatever you want - my husband actually makes most of my stands. Options and prices will be discussed at your consultation or after any necessary research is done.
Q: Do you provide figurine cake toppers and decorative serving sets?
A: If I can't make it, I can find it! As an educated florist and trained professional designer, I am able to custom design and coordinate all of the accessories you desire for your perfect day!
Q: Will you serve my cake?
A: I may be available to serve your wedding cake for an additional fee. If you are interested in this service, please inquire early as availability is extremely limited.
Q: Do you deliver?
A: Yes. Wedding & Event Cake Delivery is free within a 40 mile radius, with a minimum 100 serving order. We do charge 50 cents per mile for every mile thereafter (both ways).
If I cannot gain entry to the site at the scheduled time of delivery, the cake will be returned to the bakery and the delivery will become the responsibility of the customer. The delivery fee will not be refunded.
Q: Do you ship?
A: Cake is extremely fragile and as a result, I do not ship most decorated cakes. I Do ship all of our cookies, most of our bars, and some of our tarts. When in doubt, ask! Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of shipping minimally decorated cakes.
Q: What information do I need in order to place an order?
A: - The date and time for delivery or pick-up
- The location of your event and directions
- The type of event (anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc) - The number of people the cake will need to serve
- The cake flavor(s), icing flavor(s), and filling(s)
- How it is to be decorated
- Any food allergies that need to be taken into consideration (unfortunately, it is not possible to accommodate all food and diet restrictions)

Terms & Conditions
Minimum Order- Due to the high level of attention I give to every cake, and the limited amount of bookings available, we require all cake orders to be a minimum of $300.
Payments - Payments must be in cash, check or money order. A retainer of 1/3 the contract price (or $250, whichever is greater), along with security deposit for requipment is required for confirmation of Wedding Date. Retainer is non-refundable. Balance due must be paid by no later than 3 weeks prior to the wedding date.
Consultations & Appointments - Your first in-person consultation is free, additional in-person consultations or site inspections are available by appointment for a $25.00 fee, payable at time of service.
Complimentary Items - Complimentary 6" groom's cake included with minimum $675 main cake order, some restrictions apply, ask for details.
Changes to the cake - The final cake design is due at least one month before your wedding. There shall be no changes to the design of the cake within 3 weeks of the wedding date. Any changes after full payment is made are subject to a change in price and possible fees which must be paid prior to the wedding by cash or check. If you find you need more servings, a sheet cake may be made if availability permits. The sheet cake cost and possible fees for the late change, must be paid prior to the wedding by cash. All changes are subject to availability.
Food Allergies- All of Celebration Generation’s cakes,fillings, and frostings may contain or come into contact with soy, wheat, dairy or nuts. You acknowledge that you are responsible for informing your guests of this allergy information.
Cancellations - Understand this a custom order and understand if payment is not made in full by 1 calendar month prior to the wedding, this contract is cancelled and all payments are forfeited. Contract cancellation must be made in writing. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the wedding will receive a refund on monies paid, less non-refundable retainer. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to wedding date will receive no refund.
Quality Control - NO cake from another vendor is permitted to be served at an event where Celebration Generation’s cake is served. Violation of this policy could mean forfeiture of the cake and all monies paid at no compensation to the purchaser.
Liability - You agree to assume full responsibility for your wedding guests and agree to indemnify and hold Celebration Generation harmless from and against all bodily injury, property damage or consequential damages which may result from Celebration Generation’s services and provision of your wedding cake. We are not responsible for any damage to the cake, or shortage of cake, caused by a guest, caterer, or any other person not employed by Celebration Generation. We are also not responsible for your not having a wedding cake supplied by Celebration Generation if you fail to complete all payments and retainers required prior to the wedding by the deadlines. If payment is not made in full by at least three weeks before the wedding date, NO cake will be made and your order will be cancelled.
Delivery - Delivery and set up is included in the price of the cake (Minimum 100 serving order) within a 40 mile radius of our kitchen in New Hope. Outside of the 40 mile radius we can deliver and set up for a fee of $0.50/mile. It is your responsibility to ensure that the reception hall is open and available for set up at the appointed time. Should we have to wait at the site for the hall to be opened, you will be billed for the time at an hourly rate of $50 per hour. Celebration Generation is not responsible for anything that may happen to the cake after we have delivered and set it up at the reception hall/ other venue.
Acceptance of Terms & Conditions - Payment of retainer is considered your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.