Wedding Cakes: Generally 4–12 months in advance. Peak season weekends (May–June and Sept-Oct) fill up quickly.

Semi-Custom Cakes: 1–3 months in advance, or as your event details are finalized.

Online Bakeshop Cakes: Order ahead, or by Monday at 7pm for Friday/Saturday pickup. Availability is limited and updated in real-time as I reach capacity.

I offer gluten-free cakes and desserts for those with gluten sensitivities.
At this time, I do not offer vegan or dairy-free desserts.

Allergen Notice:
While I take great care with each order, my kitchen is not a dedicated allergen-free facility. Equipment may come into contact with gluten, nuts, dairy, and other common allergens.

If you or your guests have severe food allergies, I strongly recommend working with a bakery that specializes in allergen-free baking to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe and worry-free treat.

For wedding cakes:

A 50% retainer is required to reserve your date.
The remaining balance is due 30 days before the wedding.

For semi-custom cakes and smaller celebration cakes:

Payment is due in full to secure your spot on the calendar.

I’m not able to accept deposits or “hold” a date without a finalized order.
Your date is officially booked once your invoice is paid and your order details are confirmed.

Wedding Cakes
Wedding centerpiece cakes follow seasonal minimums (based on design time, serving size, delivery, and setup).
Most couples invest $700–$2,000 depending on guest count and design style.

Semi-Custom Cakes
Final pricing varies based on detail level, palette choice, and scheduling, but most start around:

• $150–$300+ for one tier

• $350–$700+ for two tiers
  

Online Bakeshop Cakes
Simple 1–2 tier cakes with preset designs and palettes are priced individually in the Bakeshop.

Yes! I offer cake tastings for couples who have submitted a wedding inquiry and I have confirmed availability for their date.
Tastings are $15 per tasting cake, and you’ll receive a private link to order once we’ve connected.

For elopements and semi-custom cakes, tastings are available on a case-by-case basis depending on the date, season, and level of detail needed.

Yes! I offer delivery for wedding cakes and some semi-custom orders.
Delivery fees depend on distance and venue access.
Online Bakeshop cakes are pickup only.

Takes the Cake is a licensed home-based bakery located in Salem City. Pickups are scheduled in advance to keep everything running smoothly.

Once your order is paid, you’ll receive the pickup address along with a link to choose your pickup time.
Online Bakeshop orders follow the standard Friday/Saturday pickup schedule unless otherwise noted.

If you prefer a contactless pickup, I’m happy to arrange a porch pickup for smaller items — just let me know when you place your order.

Your cake will be fully chilled and ready for pickup. This helps keep the buttercream looking its best and ensures a safe trip home.

Once you arrive, place the cake in the refrigerator until about 2 hours before you're ready to serve.

Cakes are happiest (and tastiest!) at room temperature.

Just a heads-up: cheesecakes and cakes with curd or fruit fillings should be kept refrigerated when not being served.

For more tips on transporting and caring for your cake, check out the Cake Transport Tips

Yes. Full-service wedding cakes (centerpiece cakes that require delivery and setup) follow seasonal minimums:

• $1,000 for May–June and October

• $750 for July–September

• $600 for all other months

Delivery and setup are additional.

Simple 1–2 tier pickup cakes can be ordered through the Online Bakeshop year-round.

Absolutely! If you’re planning to pick up a preset 1–2 tier cake design, (semi-naked, smooth buttercream, light texture, or a small painted detail), you’re welcome to order through the Online Bakeshop.

If you want something more detailed, like vintage piping, painted florals, pressed flowers, or a custom palette, please use the Semi-Custom Inquiry Form.

For centerpiece wedding cakes or anything needing delivery/setup, use the Wedding Inquiry Form.

I specialize in:

• Smooth, semi-naked, and textured buttercream

• Vintage piping

• Hand-painted buttercream florals

• Palette-knife floral wraps

• Pressed floral cakes

• Sculptural/abstract designs

I do not offer characters, fondant sculpting, or themed cakes.

Yes! I offer phone consultations for wedding cakes and dessert bars.
In-person consultations/tastings are available for larger weddings and events when my schedule allows.

For semi-custom cakes, most details can be handled through the Semi-Custom Inquiry Form and email, but I’m happy to schedule a phone consult if needed.