Welcome to our Vendor Spotlight series, where we shine a light on the talented professionals who help bring weddings to life. In this series, we’ll introduce you to some of the most creative and dedicated vendors in the industry. Our goal is to give you an inside look at their work, share their expert insights, answer all your frequently asked questions and help you find the perfect team to make your wedding day unforgettable.

Today, we’re excited to kick off our series with a feature on Tara Menzies from Broken Spoon Cakes, an incredibly talented cake designer whose creations are renowned for both their beauty and taste, making her a favourite amongst engaged couples.  She has been in the industry for over 7 years, and is amazing at what she does. Let’s have a look at what Tara had to say!

How many different types of cake do you generally have on offer for wedding cakes?
Many different types from traditional to contemporary to custom, in both buttercream & fondant finishes.

What’s the most popular flavour and style?
The most popular style would be anything in buttercream. It is loved by so many and can be either in a smooth or textured finish. It can be traditional or contemporary using colour and texture. A style that is very popular is the piped Lambeth style, which is a little retro and looks fab!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most popular flavours would be the following:

  • Champagne & Strawberry
  • Lemon White Chocolate & Raspberry
  • Lemon & Lemon Curd
  • Guinness Chocolate
  • Bailey’s Chocolate
  • Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Do you offer sampling?
Yes, I offer tasting samples. Samples are made to order. Tasting consultations can be in person or, alternatively, for those further afield or with busy schedules, tasting boxes can be sent by post.

What timeline do you recommend when sampling, ordering and receiving the cake before a wedding day?
I would recommend booking your cake supplier as soon as you have your date & venue finalised. Infact, I would say book your preferred suppliers such as florists, bands etc. as soon as possible to ensure you get the suppliers you really want for your day.

Do you have a set menu of flavour combinations, or can couples mix and match cakes and fillings?
I have a menu where you can choose your flavours, however I can also create flavours that may not be on the menu.

The Cake Menu can be viewed here: https://www.brokenspooncakes.ie/your-cake

How much does a wedding cake typically cost? Is the sampling included in this fee?
The tasting consultation is included in all my quotations. You have a choice of up to 3 samples made to order.

The cost of a wedding cake itself depends on many things so the cost can vary based on the below:

  • Size of the cake.
  • Finish – Semi-naked, Full Buttercream or Fondant finish.
  • Location of the venue for delivery.
  • No. of Guests
  • Fresh Florals – The wedding florist can supply the cake flowers or Broken Spoon Cakes can source the flowers for the cake & cake table.
  • Sugar work – Sugar work can take many days or if there are many sugar florals this could run into weeks. Often I get asked for what couples perceive as a simple cake, however, the cake may be finished with sugar work which can then raise the cost. Always discuss options with your cake designer as there may be other ways to achieve a similar look without the cost of sugar work.

How will the cake be displayed? Do you provide or rent cake stands?
Many venues have cake stands, however for those who wish to add a little drama to their cake table, I provide an optional styling service. This would include provision of cake stands, candle sticks & votive, candles & table dressings. I also collect all the display items the following day, so my couples do not need to worry about getting anythng back to me.

How do you ensure the safe delivery and setup of wedding cakes at the venue?
Firstly, I deliver all my wedding cakes. So much time goes into each one that it is essential that your cake designer delivers and sets up the cake at the venue. Anything can happen on the trip to the venue, so I bring all my tools etc. to ensure I have everything at the ready should repairs need to be made to the cake over bad roads or sudden stops.

I transport my cakes in a Cake Safe, which is a specially designed heavy duty acrylic cake box. It is designed to minimise damage & movement to your cake and also protects cakes from all types of weather. I also use a flat bed trolley to transport the Cake Safe from the car to the cake table, so it is safe all the way.

To ensure the cake is set up in a food safe manner, I also arrange all the fresh flowers on my cakes. Some flowers can be toxic, so this is an extremely important part of the setup.

I only deliver one cake a day with a maximum of two wedding cakes a week. This ensures that the time is devoted to each cake, and setup & delivery are not rushed. This is such an important day in people’s lives that the proper care & attention should be paid to it.

If couples  are unsure which cake is best for them, are you able to help them in their decision making process?
I always work with my couples to ensure they have the cake they love and one that works with their theme, colour scheme, stationery design etc. I always say to people, think about the venue, time of year, what you are drawn to etc., then start from there.

Do you have any tips for any couples who are currently trying to plan their wedding?
If something is unclear or you have an idea or have seen something that you absolutely love, then do not be afraid to ask your suppliers. Suppliers are there to guide and help you. It often helps me immensely when I have a really good cake chat with my couples that gives me an idea of what they love, the type of day they have in mind etc.

Also, as I said previously, book the suppliers you really want for your day. 

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Tara and learning more about her amazing work, and that this blog answered any of the questions you may have had when trying to decide on your wedding cake. Tara’s dedication to her job  and her passion for creating beautiful, delicious cakes truly sets her apart in the wedding industry and makes her a standout choice for any couple. If you’re looking for a cake designer who can turn your vision into a reality, Tara is an excellent choice!

If you would like to get in touch with Tara, you can:

Email her at: brokenspooncakes@gmail.com
Visit her website: www.brokenspooncakes.ie
Follow her on instagram: @brokenspooncakes

Stay tuned for our next Vendor Spotlight, where we’ll introduce you to another incredible wedding professional. Until then, happy planning!

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