How far in advance should I place an order?
For wedding cakes, the sooner the better.  6-9 months is a good enough time frame.  If your date is on a popular holiday weekend, it is best to book at least 9 months in advance to secure the date.
For novelty cakes, approximately 4 - 6 weeks. If you have let time go by and have forgotten about the cake (gasp!), no worries, please feel free to contact me and I will see how I can accommodate your request with my schedule.

How much do your cakes cost?
Since each cake is unique and customized for your event, it is difficult to set a fixed price. Cakes are priced according to several different criteria, such as, complexity of design, cake sculpting, painting, piping, gumpaste flowers and any other time-consuming design elements.

Wedding cakes start at $8 per serving, with a minimum order of $400, (which includes consultation and cake tasting). Minimum order for Novelty cakes is $350. I will work with you to help design a cake that meets your desire and works within your budget.

How do I schedule a wedding cake consultation and tasting?
Wedding cake consultations & tastings are booked in advanced and are by appointment only.  Appointments are available in the evenings and on the weekends based on availability due to cake deliveries.  During your consultation, I will review your wedding details, wedding cake design, and offer you a 6" cake sample of your desired cake flavor and filling.  The fee is $45 and if you decide to book your wedding cake, this fee will be credited to the total cost of your order. If you would like additional sample cakes at your consultation, they are $25 per 6" cake.  Please e-mail me to book your consultation or for more information.

What if I want to order a novelty cake but would like a cake tasting as well - since I can't decide on a cake flavor?
I can certainly offer a 6" sample cake of your choice for you to pick up and sample at home. The fee for a sample cake is $25.

Why are cakes priced per serving? Any venue charges meal packages by the person. The same thing applies with basing the cake cost per-serving.

What is the difference between Fondant and Buttercream?
Fondant is a sugar dough that is molded over the cake creating a clean porcelain type finish.

The buttercream I use for all my cakes is a meringue-based buttercream in which cooked sugar is poured into whipped egg whites and fresh butter is slowly incorporated to formulate a nice and creamy textured buttercream.

Both fondant and buttercream can be colored to match your color scheme.

There are advantages and disadvantages for each. For instance, fondant is an ideal medium to work with in designing more complex cake designs, especially in 3D sculpting and novelty cakes. It preserves the cake very well so it maintains its' moisture. And it also hardens nicely so when transporting it is less likely to damage. On the down side, fondant is a bit more expensive and not everyone likes the taste of it. Not ever fondant is alike. I use a premium imported fondant that tastes divine. Please make sure to ask for a sample at your wedding cake consultation and tasting.

Buttercream is very popular and traditional. The taste is light and creamy, however it does not do well in heat and humidity compared to fondant. Designs can be limited because of its' soft nature. If your wedding date is set for mid July, unless you are planning on doing an indoor wedding, you may want to opt for a fondant icing.

Do you just offer cakes?
I am a trained pastry chef and although my specialty is custom wedding cakes and novelty cakes, I do offer designer mini wedding cakes, cupcake towers, sugar cookies, chocolate truffles, french macarons, and more for party favors. Please email me for more information on these items if you are interested.

Do you ship your cakes?
Due to the delicate nature of the cakes, I unfortunately cannot ship them. However, cakes are available for pick up or can be delivered within the Tri-State Area for a nominal fee. I deliver all wedding cakes as this will prevent any relative from being disowned!

Delivery insures prompt service to your venue, proper care of your cake during transportation, as well as set up.

Delivery costs vary depending on location.

Where are you located?
Cakes by Nicolle works out of a commercial kitchen in Queens, New York and has a consultation office in Midtown, Manhattan. Wedding cake consultations are by appointment only and must be booked in advance. Please email me for more information.