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Cake Nouveau FAQ - Your questions answered!
Below you will find a list of answers to common questions that we receive about our cakes. We would greatly appreciate if you would take the time to read through this list before calling or emailing us.
How do I order a cake? How do I order cupcakes? How far in advance should I place my order? Can I order a cake that I like from your website's photo gallery? How much is that cake on your website? What are your cake prices? Do you require a deposit for cake orders? Do you deliver or ship cakes? How do I schedule a cake tasting or design consultation? What flavors can I choose from for my order? What is fondant? Do you make sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan cakes? Are you hiring or looking for help? I'd love to learn how to make cakes. Can I come watch you work?

How do I order a cake? We prefer cake orders to be placed in person or over the phone so that we can make sure we get all the information we need from you about your cake. We have a wonderful staff that is trained to take your cake order and answer any questions you may have. They can also help you with design and flavor ideas. The first thing we need to know is the date of your event so that we can check if it is still available. Currently, Courtney is the only cake artist making cakes, so the number of cake orders we can accept is limited. When placing an order, please have an idea of how big a cake you need, or how many people you would like to feed, as well as the sort of style or design you have in mind. Tell us your theme, colors, and any specific design ideas you have, but remember that Courtney is the artist, and the final product will likely reflect her talent and style and be her interpretation of the theme. We will also ask for detailed contact information, event information, preferred pick-up or delivery times, and a non-refundable deposit to reserve your date. (Click here to return to question list.)
How do I order cupcakes? Cupcakes are baked fresh each day and are available for purchase to walk-in customers. However, to ensure enough are made for each day, we prefer that orders be placed in advance if possible. Cupcake orders may be placed in person or over the phone, and must be paid in full at the time the order is placed. Orders may be placed for any quantity of cupcakes of the four weekly flavors currently available. If you would like to order a special flavor that is not being featured that week, we require a minimum order of one dozen cupcakes. Specialty cupcakes may also be ordered that have custom-made fondant or gumpaste decorations at extra cost. Please refer to our cupcake information card for prices and flavor ideas. Cupcake orders may also be enhanced to include special gift packaging, a card, candle, and may be delivered according to our regular delivery prices and availability. (Click here to return to question list.)
How far in advance should I place my order? We can only accomodate a limited number of cakes, depending on the complexity of the orders. Therefore, we recommend you place your order as soon as you know a date for your event. A non-refundable deposit will reserve your date, allowing you time to finalize the details of the cake later. Most of our wedding cakes are booked six months to a year in advance. We recommend all cake orders be placed at least a month ahead, and cupcake orders should be placed at least a week in advance. For short notice orders, please call us immediately on the rare chance that we may be available. Any cake requires a minimum two day notice in order to be baked off and decorated. (Click here to return to question list.)
Can I order a cake that I like from your website's photo gallery? The cakes on our website were made for past clients, and are meant to serve as examples of what is possible. We do not like to replicate cakes made for other clients or made by other cake designers. We do, however, use pictures and past cakes as inspiration for a new custom cake made just for you. Our goal is for each of our clients to have their own personal, unique cake creation! (Click here to return to question list.)
How much is that cake on your website? All of our cakes are custom creations, made for a specific person or event. Therefore, the price would not be relevant to your party or event. We cannot tell you how much a previous client paid for their cake, because cake prices depend on many different factors. However, if you are interested in a similar cake and are willing to provide us with some specific details about your desired cake, we would be happy to provide you with a base price estimate. Please call us for more information or read more about our pricing information. (Click here to return to question list.)
What are your cake prices? Since all of our cakes are unique, and customized to you, we do not have set prices. Cakes are priced according to several different criteria. Our base prices per slice can give you a general idea of the the estimated starting price of your cake. The base price includes the layered cake with flavored buttercream filling, fondant icing, and very simple decoration. Other factors that add to the price include cake sculpting, gumpaste decorations, detailed piping, painting, airbrushing, or other time consuming design elements, and delivery. Price estimates will be provided when orders are placed, but final prices are usually not set until closer to the delivery date and are subject to change if necessary to compensate for unexpected time or level of difficulty. All cakes must be paid off in full with cash, debit, or credit card at least one week before delivery date, or the order may be cancelled. Base Prices: Party/Event Cakes: Start at $5.00/slice plus extra design or delivery costs. Wedding Cakes: Start at $7.00/slice plus extra design or delivery costs. (Click here to return to question list.)
Do you require a deposit for cake orders? Yes. We require a non-refundable deposit of about 25% of the estimated cake order in order to hold your date. All wedding cake orders require a $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve the date. Our orders are taken on a first come, first serve basis. We receive a lot of inquiries for dates that are unavailable, so if an order is cancelled at the last minute, we lose business that we could have had from other orders we turned down. For this reason deposit money will not be returned if an order is cancelled. We understand that some clients prefer to have a tasting and shop around before making a final decision, so we ask that any interested clients confirm their order by putting down a deposit within one week of the tasting or appointment, or the order may be cancelled. Cakes must be paid in full one week before the date of delivery, unless otherwise arranged. For some last minute cancellations, the full price of the cake may still be charged and is non-refundable. (Click here to return to question list.)
Do you deliver or ship cakes? Yes, we deliver. No, we do not ship cakes at this time. We prefer to deliver all wedding cakes and most large event cakes, as they may require some set-up. Delivery prices are calculated according to total travel distance. Local delivery cost is usually $15 - $25. There is no limit to the distance we may willing to deliver, however our availability does limit whether or not we will be able to make some deliveries. Long deliveries or out-of-state deliveries may require special arrangements, so please contact us for more information or estimates. (Click here to return to question list.)
How do I schedule a cake tasting or design consultation? Due to the number of cakes she works on each day, Courtney is only available for personal meetings for wedding cakes or large event cakes that serve 100 people or more. For smaller cakes, we ask that you speak to one of our staff members at the shop who will take your order and help you come up with ideas for a fabulous cake. Because weekends are so very busy, we are only able to schedule appointments during the week on Monday through Thursday between 1:00pm and 6:00pm. We require a $25 deposit for all cake tastings, which includes up to four cake flavor combinations of your choice. Additional flavors may also be requested for $10 each. If you choose to have Cake Nouveau make your cake, then the tasting will be free of charge and the $25 deposit will be credited toward the final price of your order. All of our cake tastings are prepared and boxed for pick-up only and will be ready for pick-up at the pre-arranged time set at the time the order is placed. (Click here to return to question list.)
What flavors can I choose from for my order? Your flavor options at Cake Nouveau are virtually unlimited! All of our cakes are made with alternating layers of cake and buttercream filling. You will need to select both a cake flavor and a buttercream flavor. Our most common cake flavors are Dark Chocolate or Vanilla, but other flavors or spices may be added to the cakes if desired. Our buttercream can be made in a wide variety of flavors to complement the cake. we have access to many flavors in our shop, and with enough notice, can accomodate almost any flavor you can dream up. For a list of a few flavor ideas, see our cupcake information card here. (Click here to return to question list.)
What is fondant? All of our cakes are covered in fondant, which is a sugar dough made from powdered sugar, gelatin, vanilla, and other sugary ingredients. We roll out our fondant very thin and lay it over the buttercreamed cakes. There are several reasons why we prefer to work with fondant on our cakes. We love the flawless, porcelain finish it gives to the exterior of our cakes. It also seals the cake and helps to keep it very moist on the inside. It also adds strength to the exterior of the cake in a way that makes it easier to handle, transport, and most importantly, decorate. Many of the decorations you see are sculpted or cut out of fondant and can be held in place very firmly even under stressful transportation or weather conditions. At the time the cakes are served the fondant can be cut with the cake and easily removed by anyone not wishing to eat it. For those of you who think you don't like fondant, we encourage you to please try ours. We use a delicious vanilla or chocolate fondant that we think may pleasantly surprise you if you have had bad fondant before... and trust me, we have tried them all! (Click here to return to question list.)
Do you make sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan cakes? Sorry, but we do not make any cakes that are sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan. Unfortunately, we also are unable to accomodate anyone with strict nut allergies. Allergies can be very serious and we use products (chocolate, flour, etc...) that are manufactured around nut products. We recommend contacting Whole Foods in Ann Arbor for sugar-free and gluten-free cakes. (Click here to return to question list.)
Are you hiring or looking for help? At this time we are not hiring for the front counter or kitchen positions. You are welcome to drop off a resume in person and we will keep it on file for future job openings. We are also not accepting any interns, externs, or co-op students at this time. Please feel free to check back in the future. (Click here to return to question list.)
I'd love to learn how to make cakes. Can I come watch you work? We are sorry, but the kitchen is a very busy place, and most people don't realize the stress involved with making these cakes and getting them done on time. We prefer to devote our full attention to each cake in order to make it as spectacular as we can. If you are serious about learning cakes, Courtney has been hired to do seminars or demos for various groups and will soon be making available classes that can be taken by individuals or groups. Please contact us for more information or if you are interested in hiring Courtney for any cake related seminars, classes, or demonstrations. (Click here to return to question list.)