How much do you charge?

All of our cakes (except dessert cakes) are priced per serving. The price per serving varies greatly depending on the ingredients used, the complexity of the design, and the time involved to create it. Please see our Pricing page for more information about prices for all of our products. 

Why do your cakes cost more than a cake I can get at Wal-Mart,     Hy-Vee, or Costco? Why should I order a cake from you instead?

For many people, cakes from grocery or discount stores fit their expectations and budget, and that's just fine. Our cakes are intended for people who are looking for a custom-designed, home made cake that is created just for them. Our creations are more than just something to eat - we like to think of them as "cake art." Because of the custom nature of our cakes and the extensive time and talent it takes to create them, they're priced higher than what you might order at a grocery store. In return, you have complete freedom to choose any flavor you want and to work with us to design something that's one-of-a-kind.

Keep in mind this quote from a talented cake designer:

"When pricing cake, remember this rule: Try taking guests to a nice restaurant for dessert, and see if you can get them each a piece of fresh, decadent, custom-designed cake for less than $5.00 a serving!"

Can you do a 3d sculpted Spongebob or Elmo cake for my child's birthday?

There are a number of legal issues that surround licensed characters like Spongebob, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, Pokemon, and others. The use of any copyrighted image or licensed character is strictly regulated by the entity that owns the license/character. Companies like Disney, Nickelodeon, Louis Vuitton, and Coach are actually notorious for pursuing violations of their licenses. 

That being said, there are some bakeries that will still make cakes of licensed characters (and violate copyright laws in the process). We don't particularly like the thought of being sued, so we will not create or sculpt any licensed character on a cake. However, there are a number of cake kits and figures that can be purchased for use on your cake that don't violate the laws regarding licensed characters. We'd be happy to talk with you about how we can design a cake around these ornaments that will still allow you to get the look and feel of the character.

Do you offer consultations?

What happens at a consultation?

During the consultation our goal is to get the details regarding your event and learn about any ideas you have for your order. Feel free to bring any photographs, color swatches, and ideas with you to the consultation. We'll then share our ideas with you and come up with a design that is perfect for your occasion. At the consultation you'll get an estimate of the cost for your order as well. Please schedule your consultation at least one to two weeks in advance of the consultation date desired.

How can I get more information if I'm not ready for a consultation?

Feel free to look at the variety of information available on this website, or drop us an email at info@thequeenscakery.com with your specific questions.

How do I place an order for a wedding or occasion cake?

The first step is to contact us to set up a consultation. At the consultation you'll receive a proposal that includes a price estimate and general design description. We'll follow up to our consultation by emailing you an order form and contract. To confirm your order and reserve your time and date, simply sign the contract and return it to us with the required deposit.

How do I place an order for other items?

Send us an email at info@thequeenscakery.com. We'll then contact you to discuss your order more in detail. This consultation will usually take place on the phone, but we can also accommodate customers who wish to correspond solely via email. We'll send you an order form after the consultation. To confirm your order, simply sign the order form and return it to us with full payment.

How far in advance should I place an order?

It's important to us that we give your order the individual care and attention it deserves, so we only take a limited number of orders per month. Therefore, you should place your order as much in advance as possible.

We suggest you place your wedding cake order at least 4-6 months in advance.Popular spring and summer weekend dates may book a year or more in advance. For occasion cakes, you should call at least 1-2 months in advance. Orders for dessert cakes and cake truffles should be made 2-4 weeks in advance. We may be able to accommodate orders with less notice, depending on whether or not we have other bookings - just ask!

Do you offer tastings?

We offer one complimentary tasting session for wedding cake orders only. The tasting occurs during the consultation for up to four people (the couple and 2 additional people). As you begin your comparison shopping, be aware that some cake decorators charge for their tastings or charge for persons other than the couple.  At the tasting, you'll get to sample three cake flavors, two fillings, our buttercream frosting and our fondant frosting. The flavors and fillings  sampled will depend on what we've baked recently, but at a minimum will include both our vanilla and chocolate flavors.  Tastings for other cake orders are available for a $25 fee.

Do you require a deposit?

Why is the deposit for cake orders non-refundable?

It's very important to us that we give your order our undivided attention. Therefore, we only book one cake order for any given date. When you book your date, we close that date to any other customer. This means that we may turn down business from future inquiries for that date. Should something happen and you change your mind, move your date, or want to use another cake designer, and you cancel your booking, it creates a hardship for us because we may not be able to rebook that date. The non-refundable deposit covers the lost opportunities and the costs incurred by us based on your commitment.

Can you ship my order?

We are able to ship cake truffles, which make them great gifts for friends who live elsewhere. Because of the delicate nature of cake, we do not ship cakes or cupcakes. 

Why does a fondant-covered cake cost more?

Fondant is very time and labor intensive. A fondant covered cake is first iced in buttercream and then covered with the fondant, so the cake actually has two types of icings for your guests. Fondant is also more expensive to purchase or time consuming to make. 

Doesn't fondant taste terrible?

To be honest - yes, some fondant tastes horrible! We tried a lot of different fondants before selecting one that tastes wonderful. The fondant we use has been described by many as tasting like marshmallows. If you're unsure, you are welcome to sample some if you would like.

Can I use fresh flowers on my cake?

Many cakes, particularly wedding cakes, include fresh flowers. However, you should know that not all flowers are safe around food - many flowers are actually poisonous! You should work with a qualified florist to select flowers that are food-safe and have not been treated with pesticides. Also keep in mind that even if the flowers are organically grown, a florist's work bench is not a food-safe environment. For these reasons, we strongly recommend silk florals for cakes.

What should I know when picking out my cake topper?

First, you need to know the size of the top tier of cake. You don't want to select an 8 inch topper for a 6 inch cake! Most importantly, you need to tell your cake designer what kind of topper you are planning to have. Just because a piece can be put on a cake, doesn't mean it should be! That heavy lead glass topper you love may be too heavy to sit on the cake - it won't look nearly as lovely sunk down into the top tier. We would be glad to take a look at your topper and let you know whether or not it's appropriate for the cake you've designed.

How do I properly store my First Anniversary cake?

The Queen's Cakery includes a 4 inch Anniversary tier decorated like your wedding cake for free with all wedding cake orders. Proper storage is extremely important. Click here for storage directions.

Isn't it cheaper to get a fake display cake and serve sheet cakes at my wedding?

No. It takes just as much time and icing to decorate styrofoam as it does cake. Then you'll have to pay for the kitchen cakes, which cost almost the same as wedding cake. You will actually end up paying more for a display cake and kitchen cakes than you would if you ordered the appropriate servings of wedding cake. Take this example:

Styrofoam replica of cake that would serve 100:     $2.00/serving x 100 = $200 Kitchen cake for 100:  $1.75/serving x 100 = $175                                                              TOTAL COST FOR FAKE CAKE PLUS SHEET CAKES:     $375

Tiered wedding cake to serve 100:     $2.50/serving x 100 =     $250

In this example it would actually cost $125 more!

If you're concerned about your budget, we have a number of ideas for how you can still have a great cake. We would love to work with you to design something that meets both your expectations and your budget!

Does our cake have to be all the same flavor?

For any tiered cake, feel free to choose any flavor and filling combination you wish for no extra charge. This means that you can have every tier a different flavor and filling if you want! Our only requirement is that you use the same frosting for the entire cake in order to achieve a consistent appearance.

For non-tiered occasion cakes, our prices include one flavor and filling per cake.

How do you calculate the number of servings in a cake?

A standard serving of cake is 1"x2"x4" - or approximately the size of half of a sandwich. We calculate the number of servings per cake based on the Wilton cake cutting guidelines provided to you with each cake order. Click here for a chart showing the number of servings for various cake shapes and sizes.

What forms of payment do you take?

I accept personal checks drawn on a local bank only when payment is made at least 21 days in advance of your pick-up or delivery date. I also accept exact cash. Payment can also be arranged through PayPal by contacting me for more information.

Do you deliver or can I pick my order up?

Transporting and setting up a tiered cake is tricky business, so we strongly suggest that you have us deliver and set up all tiered cake orders. If you choose to pick up a tiered cake order, we are not responsible for it once it leaves the counter it's sitting on.

Delivery within 15 miles of Redfield, Iowa, or within the Des Moines metro area is available for a flat $25 fee. Delivery outside these areas is $1.00 per mile roundtrip from Redfield.

Orders are generally picked up in Redfield. If you choose to pick up your order, it is very important that you take a number of things into account. It is important that your cake sits level, that the car is air conditioned in the summer, that the cake is kept out of direct sunlight, and that you drive carefully. The car seat is not a good place to sit your order! Once your order leaves the counter it's sitting on, my responsibility for it ends. I can not be held liable for damage caused in transit or if the cake is moved once I set it up at your venue. 

Where are you located?

What are your hours?