Can I Order a Bespoke Cake? Your Questions About Custom Cakes Answered

If you've ever looked at a stunning cake on Instagram and thought I'd love something like that, but I wouldn't even know where to start, this one's for you.

Ordering a bespoke cake can feel a little daunting if you've never done it before. What information do you need? How far ahead do you have to order? What does it actually cost? We answer all of this and more below, so that by the time you get in touch with us, you feel completely confident about what to expect.

What exactly is a bespoke cake?

A bespoke cake is one that's been made specifically for you: your flavours, your design, your occasion. Unlike off-the-shelf supermarket cakes, a custom cake is built around what you actually want, rather than what happens to be on the shelf that week.

At BKRY, bespoke doesn't mean complicated. It simply means we work with you to create something that feels genuinely personal, whether that's a two-tiered birthday cake in someone's favourite colours, a wedding cake that reflects the couple's style, or a celebration cake that tells a story.

What occasions are bespoke cakes suitable for?

The honest answer is almost any occasion worth celebrating. Our customers order custom cakes for:

• Milestone birthdays (18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th and beyond)
• Weddings and engagements
• Christenings and first birthdays
• Graduations
• Baby showers and gender reveals
• Corporate events and brand activations
• Anniversary celebrations
• Just because, because sometimes you don't need a reason

If you're marking a moment that matters, a bespoke cake is one of the most tangible ways to make it feel special.

How does the ordering process work at BKRY?

We've designed our ordering process to be as straightforward as possible. Here's what to expect:

Step 1: Browse and choose your base cake. Our online collection gives you a starting point. You can see the styles we make, from our signature drip cakes and vintage buttercream designs to naked cakes and elegant tiered styles, and use these as inspiration.

Step 2: Customise your order. Choose your size, flavour, and any personalisation details when ordering online. If you'd like something more specific or have a design in mind that isn't covered, get in touch with us directly and we'll talk it through.

Step 3: We get to work. Once your order is confirmed, our team gets baking. Every cake is made fresh to order at our Caversham bakery.

Step 4: Collect from our Reading shop. Your finished cake will be ready for collection from 47 Church Street, Caversham. We'll let you know when it's ready.

Can I try the flavours before I order?

Absolutely, and it's one of the easiest things to do. Pop into our Caversham shop and pick up one of our cupcakes or loaf cakes, which are baked in the same flavours as our celebration cakes. It's the best way to find your favourite before committing to a full order, and frankly, it's a pretty enjoyable bit of research.

If you're planning a wedding cake or a large celebration and want to try several flavours, we'd suggest visiting the shop and picking up a small selection to taste at home.

How far in advance do I need to order?

We can accept orders up to three days before your collection date, so if you've left things a little late, it's always worth getting in touch to check availability.

That said, longer is always better. For most custom cakes, we'd recommend ordering at least one to two weeks ahead to give us the time to create something we're really proud of. For weddings, large tiered cakes or highly detailed designs, four to six weeks is more appropriate. During busy periods like Christmas, Valentine's Day and school holiday seasons, the earlier you can order the better.

As a general rule: if the date matters to you, don't leave it to the last minute. We'll always do our best, but the more notice you give us, the more we can do.

How much does a bespoke cake cost?

Custom cake pricing varies depending on size, number of tiers, design complexity and the time involved in creating it. At BKRY, our cakes start from £42 for a single tier, with pricing increasing for larger or more elaborate designs.

We'd always encourage you to think of a bespoke cake as an investment in the occasion rather than just a line on a budget. A cake that genuinely reflects the moment, one that people photograph, talk about and remember, is worth every penny.

What if I have dietary requirements?

We cater for a range of dietary needs at BKRY, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and nut-free options. Please mention any requirements when you place your order and we'll make sure your cake works for everyone at the table.

Ready to order?

If you're ready to get started, head to our online cake shop or get in touch with us directly. We're based at 47 Church Street, Caversham, Reading, and we'd love to help you create something worth celebrating.