Frequently Asked Questions I

By: Sweet Art Pty Ltd

Cakes

 

What flavours do you offer?

Sweet Art's recipes have been tried and tasted for and the flavours include dark or white chocolate, hazelnut, carrot, banana, orange-poppy seed or traditional fruit cake. Each is layered and covered in a delicious blanket of either dark or white chocolate ganache (French truffle filling). They taste as good as they look!

 

How do I choose the design of my cake?

The number of guests you intend to cater for will determine the size. If you are using the cake as a dessert you will need to double or triple the coffee portion size to have enough servings. With this as a starting point Sweet Art artists can then help you design your cake.

 

How much will I expect to pay for a Sweet Art cake?

Sweet Art cakes vary considerably in price, however as a general rule our cakes range from AU$200-$2000. Our biggest cost drivers are size, or number of guests catered for, and the specialist labour required to create your chosen design. Please speak to one of our consultants regarding your cake and we will provide you with suggested designs and cost estimates.

 

Does Sweet Art deliver cakes?

As our cakes are fragile and expensive works of art, we encourage our clients to collect their cakes from the store so their safety can be assured. However, Sweet Art will gladly deliver locally, interstate and overseas. Delivery charges will apply.

 

How do I care for my cake?

Sweet Art cakes do not like being refrigerated as they sweat and the colours can run. Keep the cake in the coolest room available (air conditioning is best) before the event. Refrigerate after cutting or freeze to preserve. If you wish to keep figurines or flowers these must be removed from the cake and stored with anti- moisture crystals in an airtight container.

 

I am not sure what cake I want. Can you design something completely unique for me?
Sweet Art has designed almost everything, however we are sure that there are still some design mountains that remain unconquered! If you are unable to find what you want in our online gallery please make an appointment with one of our consultants who would be happy to show you further designs or create something especially for you.

 

Coffee versus dessert portions, how do I know?
If you are having a three-course meal or cocktail function your guests will generally require only a small taste or coffee portion. Each piece is about the size of a petit four. If you would like to offer a more substantial portion or serve it as course on it's own, we would recommend considering a dessert- sized portion.

 

Note: A dessert portion is roughly 2.5 x 5 x 9 cm high, while a coffee portion is half the size of a dessert portion.

 

Can Sweet Art make gluten or dairy-free cakes?
Although we attempt to accommodate all needs, Sweet Art would prefer to recommend specialty suppliers to meet the stringent standards required by allergy sufferers. However, we can accommodate lactose intolerances with fruitcake or orange poppy where the white chocolate ganache filling is replaced with royal icing (egg white only). Alternatively, Sweet Art will gladly decorate a cake you supply.

 

Should I use fresh or icing flowers?
The choice comes down to personal taste, both can be accommodated and we are happy to use icing or fresh flowers in our designs. It is not feasible to mix them together on the same cake since flower moisture can melt the sugar icing. There is a price difference between the two and icing flowers are generally more expensive as they are hand made. Fresh flowers create a beautiful natural look and maintain a consistent theme throughout your event. However It is important to remember the seasonality and availability of the flowers when selecting the variety.

 

When should I book my cake?
For wedding cakes we prefer 4-6 weeks notice. For corporate, birthday or other occasions we prefer 2-4 weeks notice during early Australian summer (October-December). At other times 1-2 weeks notice is adequate. Often we can accommodate late requests, and in exceptional circumstances same day delivery is possible depending on production levels (surcharges apply).

 

Does Sweet Art make kosher cakes?
Sweet Art is able to decorate kosher cakes. The cake must be provided by an authorized Kosher baker/caterer and be delivered in a sealed box. Sweet Art will arrange the Kashrut Authority to pass the decorating and seal off the packaging on completion.

 

I'm interested in mini-cakes, can you give me an idea of what you have?
Mini cakes can be shaped as anything, a mini version of your product for example, or regular square/round with your logo on top, sitting in a clear cello box and tied with a themed ribbon. Price range from AU$12 - 40, depending on the size and decorative complexity. Often mini-cakes can be made of fudge giving them a longer shelf life making them ideal for media invites or other options. Cup cakes are another option to consider and are often more cost effective. They look fabulous arranged on a tiered stand if looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding cake.

Events

 

What are some of the benefits of an event Stylist?

Sweet Art believes that the major benefit of using a stylist is experience, for example knowledge of the difference lighting and colour can make in creating atmosphere. Also stylists attend to details that often get overlooked and understand the amount of time and energy that goes into the planning and creation of an event. Sweet Art is currently coordinating events for Sydney locals but is also coordinating weddings for a number of interstate and overseas brides. By allowing our team to assist you will save some precious time and invaluable effort, giving yourself the gift of a well-designed stress-free event.

 

Should I book my venue before my first appointment?
It's always a good idea to consult with us beforehand as we may be able to advise you of alternative venues that are unique, suited your needs and perhaps even better value. We will also be able to work with you to ensure that your event plans and logistics will be properly served by the venue.

 

Can you style events outside of Sydney? What about outside Australia?
With enough time and planning, anything is possible. We've styled events across the globe, from Kuala Lumpur to New York City and Brunei.

 

What do I need to know about my event prior to my first appointment with Sweet Art?
The most important criteria is your budget and desired number of guests - we'll use this as a starting point and then plan within your constraints. After that, we can work together on all the other details to make your dream event a reality.

 

I've seen an idea in a magazine that I love. Can you work from this?
Why not? We love a good challenge! We can work wonders for you. Still, there are some constraints that are dictated by season, venue and logistics. We'll do our utmost to work around them to best meet your expectations.

 

How much lead time do I need to give you when styling and organising my event?
It depends on the season, type of event and the number of guests. Venue availability usually dictates how much advance notice is required. The more popular venues are booked far in advance, maybe up to 12 to 16 months. On the other hand simpler venues may only need to be booked weeks in advance.

 

I have a friend doing my flowers, and my catering is being provided by the venue. Would you still be able to style my event?
Absolutely. We're happy to work in a team environment with other people and services to create a special day for you.

 

I'm struggling to pick and maintain a theme for my wedding?
We'd suggest discussing your ideas with our stylists who will then design a concept for your event combining theme, colors and so on to suit your personal style. Bring along some favourite colors and pictures you have collected as they prove to be a very helpful reference tool!

 

I would like soft lighting at my event but am not sure how to approach it?
Tea-lights are a great way of dispersing a soft feel-good light both indoors and outdoors, while also adding a special feature to tables. Candles are ideal when looking for a way of combining both decoration and place settings, plus they make a wonderful gift for your guests to take home with them.