Frequently Asked Questions for Bethel Bakery Pittsburgh
Appointments and Ordering
Are Bethel Bakery Wedding Cakes included in any Wedding Packages in Pittsburgh?
We are proud to say that Bethel Bakery is a preferred vendor or a included part of many local wedding packages. Some of these reception sites are Doubletree Pittsburgh City Center, Salvatores, Hyatt Regency - Pgh International Airport, Sheraton Station Square, Omni William Penn, The Willow Room, Phipps Conservatory, Westwood Golf Club, Clarion Hotel-Greentree, Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh, and Banquets Unlimited. The Event Planner or Catering Sales Manager at each venue can advise you regarding how they handle cake details.
How far in advance of my wedding date should I order my wedding cake from Bethel Bakery?
It is best to confirm your wedding date and your reception venue before your schedule an appointment with Bethel Bakery to order your wedding cake. If it is within one year of your wedding date, please call us to make an appointment so that you can see and sample what we have to offer you. In some instances, it may take two appointments to complete the order. The first appointment will be an opportunity to see your choices, and the second appointment will be to finalize all the details. Most cake orders are finalized between four and six months in advance, but if you prefer, we can certainly finalize your order prior to that. All orders must be finalized no later than one month before your wedding date, and the remaining balance will be due two weeks prior to your wedding.
When does Bethel Bakery offer apoointments?
We take appointments Monday - Thursday evenings and during the day on Saturdays. Call us at 412-835-6658 and select extension 4 for the wedding department so that we can select a time that will work for both you and our staff.
What can I expect at my Wedding Cake Consultation at Bethel Bakery in Pittsburgh?
Your appointment will begin with a tasting or our most popular cake and filling combinations. We will then help you determine design, falor, and cake size that will best compliment your style and your wedding. You will receive a personalized pricing worksheet which will be created based on your choices. At the clsoe of our meeting, you may choose to secure your wedding date with a $100 non-refundable deposit, and make a finalized order. YOu can also choose to confirm your decision later.
What do you suggest if my guest count falls between two of your wedding cake sizes?
You will, ofcourse, have extra servings if you choose to order your wedding cake in the larger size. However, another more cost effective option may be to purchase the smaller sized cake to display and then order a "backup cake" to cover the extra servings. "Backup cakes" are undecorated 10-inch round cakes which serve 24 guests. They will be created with the same cake batter/filling combination as your main cake and will be cut and served as needed.
Cakes - Style, Flavor, and Servings.
Can I have more than one cake batter/filling combination in my wedding cake?
Absolutely! Each tier in your wedding cake can have its own batter and filling combination. We do find that most couples choose one flavor for the entire cake because it eliminates the cahnce of any guests not getting their flavor preference. But the option is open to you.
Does Bethel Bakery offer fondant-covered cakes?
Bethel Bakery's trademark is our French Buttercream Icing and that is what we generally ice all of our wedding cakes with. We can however create a fondant-covered wedding cake if this is your preference. Another option is a wedding cake with French Buttercream Icing with fondant ribbons, bows, or drapings. Fondant is significantly more labor-intensive and therefore it would incur an additional charge.
May I bring a picture of a wedding cake design that I saw in a magazine?
Some of our best and most popular designs have been adapted from pictures brought to us by our wedding couples. We will look at your idea and let you know how closely we can replicate your request. We will also give you an estimate for any additional cost for your design.
What color is Bethel Bakery's trademark French Buttercream icing?
Because of the butter used in our French Buttercream Icing, the icing is not a bright and stark white. We like to call the color
What is the serving size of a Bethel Bakery wedding cake?
Our suggestion is that our wedding couples use their wedding cake as a dessert. We have found that our serving size provides a perfect-sized dessert after a wedding meal. The size of the dessert serving, whether cut from a round or square wedding cake, is 4"h x 2"d x 3/4-1-inch wide.
Does Bethel Bakery have sizing requirements for ornnaments for the top of the cake?
We suggest you bring any ornament with you when you come in to finalize your cake order. We have found some specific guidelines that work best for the top of your cake. There should be a maximum base width 4 1/2", maximum height of 6" and a maximum weight of 12oz. If you have your figurine/cake topper on the cake table at the reception site on the day of your wedding, we will be glad to place it on the cake.
Wedding Cake Delivery
Will Bethel Bakery work with my florist?
Definitely! We finalize our delivery schedule by Thursday afternoon prior to your wedding. If it is documented on your order that your florist needs information about your cake prior to delivery, they may call our wedding department. We do suggest that if you are having fresh flowers accenting your cake, your best option will be to have the florist do this once the cake has arrived safely at the reception venue.
What time will Bethel Bakery deliver my wedding cake to my reception site?
Often, the delivery time will be dictated by the reception site. We will call your reception site the week prior to your wedding and ask at that time for a time frame that is best for us to deliver the cake. Some sites are accessible for delivery at any time during that day while others are more strict and have specific timeframes that we try to accommodate. Generally, wedding cakes will be delivered no later than one hour before your reception starts. However your cake could also be delivered and ready several hours earlier depending on the reception site's availability and our delivery schedule for the day.
How far does Bethel Bakery deliver?
We deliver to more than 100 reception sites which are generally within a 10-25 mile radius of our bakery.
What are the charges for Wedding Cake delivery?
Delivery charges vary depending on the time and distance it takes us to reach your location. Please call us at 412.835.6658 to confirm delivery service to your site. The delivery fee is a great way for you to have peace of mind. Your showpiece wedding cake is in good hands and the fee guarantees that delivery and set up will be done perfectly.
Wedding Cake Display Options
Does Bethel Bakery provide display stands for my wedding cake?
We have silver stands, both round and square, that are available for rent at Bethel Bakery. These stands can be the perfect way to add extra height and presence to your wedding cake. Stands are reserved on a first come, first served basis as we have a have a limited quantity available.