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CAKE FAQs

Creating your custom cake is a collaborative and personalized experience. I’ll listen to your ideas, understand your vision, and bring it to life with care and creativity. Your input shapes every detail, making your cake a unique and meaningful centerpiece for your celebration. Together, we’ll craft something truly special that you’ll always remember.

Below, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about the process, logistics, and our tastings. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

BEFORE WE BEGIN... 

We recommend reaching out at least 6 months to a year. To make the most of your design meeting and tasting, please ensure most of the following are ready:​

  • Event date

  • Venue

  • Invitation / Stationary

  • Color palette

  • Floral design

  • Wedding Attire/Gown
  • Reception Design

Having this information ready allows us to start dreaming big for you from the very beginning. If you’re missing a few details, no worries! Feel free to share invitations, images, or inspirations for your design. Include details like your theme, colors, venue, or anything else that sparks creativity. If you love a design from our portfolio, let us know!

Please note that cake sketches and revisions are at our discretion. Gallery and portfolio designs are provided as inspiration, and some past designs may no longer be available due to factors such as season, size, date, and order minimums. If you plan to incorporate fresh flowers into your cake, we recommend meeting with your florist first.

  • IS THERE AN ORDER MINIMUM? (Not including delivery)
    Yes! We have a $500 minimum for custom orders in November - April, and a $1000 minimum for custom orders in May - October. If you are looking for something under the minimum, check out our the pre-designed in our online shop (coming soon!).
  • DO YOU HAVE A RETAIL SHOP?
    Sweet Pea Cakery LA is an artisanal online cake studio, specializing in buttercream floral art and custom desserts. We offer tastings by appointment, available either in person or as a convenient pickup option from our location in La Cañada Flintridge, CA. With a passion for creating beautifully handcrafted cakes and desserts, we ensure each treat is thoughtfully designed for your special occasion.
  • I HAVE A SPECIFIC QUESTION. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
    We’d be happy to help! Please contact us with your questions, and we’ll do our best to provide the information you need.
  • DO YOU MAKE SUGAR FREE, NUT FREE, DAIRY FREE, VEGAN OR GLUTEN FREE?
    At this time, we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests. However, we’re happy to recommend local bakeries that can. While some of our cake flavors do not contain nuts, please be aware that our kitchen is not nut-free, and we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination despite taking precautions during baking.
  • HOW MUCH CAKE SHOULD I SERVE?
    Our portion guide provides an estimate, but actual servings may vary based on how your venue slices and serves the cake. If you're offering additional desserts, we recommend using “tea” cake slices as a reference when choosing your cake size. For weddings, we suggest ordering for 75% to 85% of your guest count, as not everyone may opt for dessert. Dessert slice: 1" x 2" x 5" h Tea slice: 1"x1"x5"h Canapé slice: 1"x2"x3"h
  • HOW DO I TRANSPORT MY CAKE, ESPECIALLY IN HOT OR COLD WEATHER?
    Please note: We offer and highly recommend delivery for cakes larger than two tiers! If you're ordering a wedding cake or a large cake, we'll go over delivery details during your design consultation. Cake Transport Tips: Always carry the cake box from the bottom—avoid holding it by the sides. Keep the box steady, and don’t tilt or jostle it. Place the box in a flat spot in your car—usually the passenger side floor is the best place. Avoid placing the cake on a seat since it’s not completely flat. If possible, use an SUV with a flat back for more stability. Keep your cake out of direct sunlight. Our cakes travel best when they’re cold. When you pick up your cake, it will be chilled, and your car should be too. In summer: Cool your car by running the AC on your way to the shop, then leave it running with the AC on high while you pick up your cake. This is especially important for longer trips, but it helps no matter the distance. In winter: Keep your car as cool as possible and avoid placing the cake near hot air vents. One-tier cakes are packaged in cardboard boxes with window lids. Two-tier cakes come in heavy-duty cardboard boxes for easier transport. We recommend keeping the cake in its box if you need to store it in the fridge. If you’re picking up a two-tier cake, bring a friend to help—these cakes can be heavy and tricky to carry. If it’s an important occasion (like a wedding), extra help is always a good idea. Please drive carefully! Avoid sharp turns or sudden stops to keep your cake safe. If you have any questions about transporting your cake, feel free to ask! We're confident in the quality of our cakes, but once it leaves our studio, Sweet Pea Cakery LA is not responsible for any damages. If you’re concerned, we’d be happy to discuss delivery options.
  • HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I PLACE AN ORDER?
    For any custom cake, the earlier, the better! Our calendar fills up quickly, so we recommend reaching out at least 6-8 months in advance for weddings; and 1-2 months for birthdays and milestone celebrations. All custom orders must be finalized at least three weeks before the event date.
  • CAN YOU DELIVER MY CAKE TO THE VENUE?
    For cakes larger than two tiers, we offer—and strongly recommend—delivery. Please contact us to confirm availability for your delivery. For smaller cakes, delivery is optional. We offer delivery throughout Southern California, with service available in the following counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, San Fernando, Orange , Riverside & San Bernardino, and Santa Barbara.
  • HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?
    To secure your date, a $350 booking fee is required. This charge holds your date on our Sweet Pea calendar and will be applied towards your order. Half (50%) of the remaining amount owed will be collected as a retainer fee and signed contract are required to proceed with your order and secure our services. The retainer covers the time and resources dedicated to your cake, including design sketches, revisions, and sourcing specialty materials. Booking fee and retainer are non-refundable. The remaining balance and any changes are due three (3) weeks before your event. For orders placed within one-month, full payment is required at the time of booking.
  • HOW MUCH WILL MY CAKE COST?
    Pricing varies greatly based on design; all of our custom cakes start at $13+ per serving. We will provide you with a quote after we learn more about what you are looking for. Stay tuned — Online shop of our pre-designed cakes, coming soon!
  • DO YOU OFFER CAKE TASTINGS?
    Yes! Tastings are $68 and include 4 flavors of your choice. If you wish to purchase additional flavors, they are $15 each. For wedding cakes, we prefer to have you taste in person as part of your design consultation. That way, you can be part of the conversation when we design your cake. For other custom cakes for servings of 74 guests, we can provide you with a link to purchase a pick-up tasting.
  • DO YOU OFFER CAKE STAND RENTALS?
    Yes, we offer a limited selection of glass and porcelain cake pedestals, ranging from 10" to 13" in diameter. If you don’t find the perfect stand, I’d be happy to source one for you to purchase as a keepsake, with the cost added to your invoice. Cake stand rentals start at $25-$75 per stand with a $100 security deposit. All rentals must be returned by the following Wednesday in time for our next event, as we do not offer a strike service. Your deposit will be forfeit if not returned by scheduled date.
  • WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A TASTING?
    We offer tastings within 12 months of your wedding date. Since you'll design your cake during the tasting, we recommend scheduling it once you have a clear vision for your wedding design. If you plan to include fresh flowers on your cake, it's best to meet with your florist before booking your tasting. Tastings are available on Thursdays from 10 AM-2 PM (on the hour), and Saturdays throughout the day from 11 AM-3 PM (last appointment at 3 PM!). Weekend slots fill up quickly, so we suggest reaching out at least a month in advance to secure your preferred time.
  • I'VE HAD MY CAKE TASTING AND LOVE THE FLAVORS! WILL MY WEDDING CAKE BE COVERED IN WHITE BUTTERCREAM?
    While the interior flavors of your cake will stay the same, the exterior can be customized to match your design. For weddings, the cake is typically finished in white or off-white buttercream, but we can also create a custom color to complement your overall theme!
  • CAN MY FLORIST DECORATE MY CAKE?
    For quality and food safety, I handle all final decorations to ensure a seamless, food-safe design. Buttercream florals or sugar flowers are ideal, but if you prefer fresh flowers, I’m happy to work with your florist to arrange them beautifully. Please note that an additional order for fresh florals from your florist may be necessary, depending on the chosen design. In the past, we’ve encountered situations where the provided flowers were unsuitable—either being just filler flowers or arriving too droopy and wilted for decoration. To ensure safety and quality, sugar flowers are preferred if the blooms are not food-safe or are toxic when placed on cakes. For example, some flowers to avoid include anemones, daffodils, lily of the valley, calla lilies, and hydrangeas.
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