Questions?

How much do cake tastings cost?
The fee for a cake tasting and design session is $25. This fee is then applied to your final order upon signing a contract for a custom cake (for all cakes over $500)
Do you have pre-made cakes for sale?
All of our cakes are custom made-to-order cakes. At the current time, we do not have the ability to service retail (walk-in) cake, customers.
Are you able to ship cakes?
At the current time, we do not ship cakes.
When do I pay for the cake?
An initial deposit of 50% is due at the time of contract signing. The remaining 50% is due 3 weeks before your event. Without the deposit or final payment, we cannot guarantee cake availability.
Do you have any guarantees around food allergies?
No. Our facility handles multiple allergens. Any allergen requirement must be communicated at the initial design meetings before a contract is signed.
Can we pick up our cake?
Chicago roads are bumpy, traffic can be awful, and cakes are fragile and sensitive. For these reasons, we recommend that you allow us to deliver your cake. Additionally, to ensure your cake arrives and is displayed perfectly, we always send a designer on the delivery to make any necessary repairs or decisions (florist, lighting, placement, etc…) However, some cakes are able to be picked up at our shop location.

In these circumstances, we will contact you 1-2 weeks before your event to schedule a good pickup window. All cake pickups are scheduled between 10 am and 6 pm Mondays through Fridays, and generally between 10 – 1 pm on Saturdays. There is not an option for Sunday pickups.
Do you accept link cards?
We accept only check, cash or Venmo payments or electronic transfers via Zelle through your bank.
How far out should I order my cake?
We are a small shop with a limited number of decorators to hand make beautiful cakes each weekend. During wedding season, May through November, we recommend signing a contract as early as possible. If capacity permits, we require at least 4 days notice for a cake order.
How much do your cakes typically cost?
We recently launched a new Signature Collection of cake designs. Buttercream cakes within this collection are $5.50 per slice, fondant designs are $7.50 per slice. There is a 100 slice minimum to order from the Signature Collection. Our custom wedding cake designs typically start at $750, plus sales tax and delivery. Pricing for custom design varies based on design complexity and size.
What is Fondant
Fondant is the rolled sugar coating on the outside of some decorated cakes. Fondant creates a clean, crisp, modern look, whereas buttercream is more rustic. We only use the highest quality, Swiss imported Carma fondant. In our opinion, it tastes like a mix between marshmallows and candy corn!

Chicago can be hot in the summer. If you are having an outside wedding, we definitely recommend a fondant style cake. If you are having an indoor wedding you want your wedding cake to fit the design of your Chicago wedding. For example, if you are having a more formal black tie wedding, your wedding cake should probably be a more formal structured fondant wedding cake. If you are having a barn style wedding, a textured buttercream fresh flower wedding cake is probably perfect for your wedding
What's the difference between layers and tiers?
Layers are the delicious cakes and fillings inside of each tier. A tier is an individual cake, and multiple tiers are when we stack all of them together!
How do you make sure your cakes don't fall apart?
We use food grade wooden dowels and hand cut cake boards in every one of our cakes to guarantee the best stability. Our swiss meringue buttercream is light and creamy, but also strong and supportive to help us make sure that we have everything working in our favor when we deliver your cake.
Should I refrigerate my cake or can it sit out?
We recommend refrigerating buttercream cakes up until one hour before your event begins. We do not recommend refrigerating fondant decorated cakes due to the fact that most refrigerators have too much humidity in them, and can cause your cake to form a layer of condensation that may deteriorate the design. Fondant covered cakes can be left in a cool, dry area until they are ready to be consumed.
What is a sheet cake?
If your cake has a particular design or size that does not feed as many people as you like, we can supplement with a sheet cake. Our sheet cakes are layered exactly the same as our regular cake and are delivered to the kitchen rather than presented with the decorated cake.
What are fake tiers?
We use fake tiers to supplement larger designs with fewer slices. For example, if you wanted a four-tier cake but only needed forty slices, we would do two fake bottom tiers and two real top tiers. Both are decorated in the exact same manner, so it is virtually impossible to tell which one is fake and which one is real.
Can I come in right now to talk about my cake in person?
We are an appointment only bakery, and most days we are booked with appointments. If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with Amy or her team please feel free to fill out our contact form or call us at 312-545-3655.
When should I begin my wedding cake planning process?
The best time to start your wedding planning process is as soon as you have your wedding venue picked out. Once you know your venue, your wedding budget, and have some design inspiration in mind, feel free to contact us to begin the process!

We usually recommend giving as much time as possible for the cake. Generally, we would like all the details solidified within 3 to 6 months before your event.
What are my filling choices?
Whether you're looking for a fruity filling, like strawberry or passionfruit, or a heavier one, like mocha, chocolate ganache or Cappuccino Tiramisu, the type of ingredients used will make all the difference in taste. Exotic options, like elderflower, will cost you a little extra, so ask if sourcing uncommon ingredients will run up the bill. At Amy Beck Cake Design, we love to use a swiss meringue buttercream, cream cheese, flavored cream cheese, Chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, and fresh fruit curds. We find that those are perfect for your Chicago wedding cake.
Can you make sugar flowers? If I choose fresh blooms, will you work with my florist?
At Amy Beck Cake Design, we will make gorgeous sugar flowers that either match your wedding flowers or just happen to be your favorite flower. Most bakers can create sugar flowers for your cake. But like everything, some people make them better than others. Ask to see pictures of past work to get a feel for what they specialize in. If you decide to garnish with fresh flowers, ask if your baker will partner with your florist (most will). At Amy Beck Cake Design, we will be happy to work with your florist as needed to make sure the look is picture perfect for your wedding day!
How far in advance will my wedding cake be prepared?
Many bakers have multiple clients, so don't be surprised if the baker makes your cake three to four days prior to your wedding day. Of course, the closer to your wedding date, the better, but a few days in advance will not impact the taste or look and may be necessary if you want a complicated design that takes more than a day to execute. At Amy Beck Cake Design, we make all of your cakes fresh the week of your wedding.
Who will make my wedding cake?
Since we are a small bakery, we will be doing most of the work on your wedding cake from beginning to end. Some bakeries house a baker and a designer; at others, one person creates the entire cake from batter to sugar flowers. We decide who is the correct person for the exact point of your cake that is the best person for the job. For example, we have two dedicated bakers, but they might also be decorating your cake if that type of cake is their best skill set.
How are the cakes delivered?
It's best to have the wedding cake delivered to the reception. We will charge a delivery fee based on how far we have to travel with your cake, so ask from the start and we will factor it into your quote. Our delivery team is made up of our decorators, so if last-minute touch-ups need to be made, we will be ready.