Image by Photography By Kathryn
We have something pretty tasty in store for you this afternoon, as we welcome new Brides Up North Sponsor, Debbie Gillespie Cake Design, to the blog.
Based in Yorkshire, Debbie loves nothing more than the challenge of creating a cake that tells a story and is a big advocate of couples expressing their personalities and interests through their big day design.
From beautiful hand-painted creations to rustic sensations and fun novelty designs, Debbie has the skills to do it all!
So, let’s take a look at some of her show-stoppers while hearing a little more from the lovely lady herself.
Can you tell us a little bit about Debbie Gillespie Cake Design and how it came to fruition?
debbie says:
My first wedding cake was my own in 2005. Although it was a very simple design, I found the process renewed the love of art and creativity that I had had as a child, whilst at the same time producing something beautiful and tasty for someone else to enjoy. The arrival of two children meant that cakes became more elaborate and soon I was being approached by family and friends to make cakes for them.I am largely self-taught but draw on a love of watercolour painting, gardening and my kids’ creative input to inspire my designs.
What is it about your job that you love?
I love sitting down with customers over tea and stickies and hearing their stories e.g. proposals, common interests, nicknames, and then designing their cake together. Many of my customers have become friends and I have continued to watch their lives unfold, even getting the opportunity to make cakes for their children. The wedding is only the beginning!
Where do you get your inspiration from for your cake designs?
I have very much a split design personality; enjoying bold and fabulous florals as much as fun and funky personal designs. I love the hand-painted and floral designs of Emily Hankins and Amy Swann, but would say that my biggest cake hero is Duff Goldman (of Ace of Cakes fame), as I love his ‘anything goes’ philosophy. Ultimately, my main inspiration are the couple and their life together and feel that their wedding cake should be a reflection of this, however bold and crazy it may be!
What should couples look for when searching for a supplier to make their wedding cake?
With any wedding supplier, there should be an ease so always find someone you feel comfortable with. Check out their portfolio to ensure that they can provide the style you want and don’t be afraid to ask questions. With cakes, always ensure that they are EHA-registered with good hygiene practices, have adequate public liability insurance and ultimately that they serve a tasty cake. You don’t want any nasty or unpalatable surprises!
What is the process if couples book you to make their wedding cake?
All my wedding couples are invited for a no-obligation consultation, where they are provided with a sample selection of our most popular flavours. We then chat over the design and I will provide a detailed quotation and sketch (if required). Their date is then secured with a 25% non-returnable deposit. Alternatively, as I will only have limited capacity per week, a wedding date can be secured with a £50 deposit and the design process completed nearer the date.
What styles and flavours of cake do you tend to create?
I do believe that the cake should taste as wonderful as it looks and for that reason, I prefer to stick to a smaller selection of popular and traditional flavours, e.g. lemon drizzle, red velvet, rich fruit etc. that I know are exceptional. However, I have just introduced a courgette and lime cake, which is proving very popular.
As for styles, I love to incorporate bold floral displays with hand-painting to produce a modern but rustic look. However, I am also partial to a little novelty and one of my biggest trends for 2017/18 are the reveal cakes – traditional at the front, party at the back!
Would you say that you have a signature style?
I would suppose that my signature style would be the rustic log cakes, which are hand-painted to look just like the real thing. Many people at wedding fairs are surprised to learn it is cake and want to touch it to make sure.
Where would you advise couples to draw inspiration from for their cake design?
They can draw inspiration from anywhere e.g. colour scheme, tattoos, common interests, but ultimately the cake should be representative of them both.
Do you have a personal favourite cake that you have created?
My favourites have been the ones that tell a story. Back in February, I designed a cake for a couple who had eloped to New York. I sat down with the bride’s mum and found out all about them – how they met at university studying English Literature, their love of Penguin Classics and all things Dr Who and Harry Pottter. We incorporated all these elements into the cake to tell the story. I have never met the couple and their cake was a complete surprise, however they were thrilled (as was the little boy who went to their reception dressed as Harry Potter and thought the cake was for him!).
In your opinion, what can bespoke cake bring to a wedding?
I believe that a wedding cake is possibly the one area where the couple can be quirky so enjoy it, go bold and give your guests something to really talk about.
What sets you apart from other cake suppliers?
I offer a completely non-judgmental approach as for me, no style can be too big/small/wild or wacky. I want customers to have the cake of their wildest dreams and if that includes Smurfs, the more the merrier! No-one should be afraid to express themselves.
What is the feedback like from your clients, what do they love about your service and cake designs?
I recently won the North of England Wedding Awards 2016. This is in recognition of excellence in customer service and is based purely on customer feedback. They all commented on how friendly and easy-going the whole process was, with good communication. One of my brides also stated that if you hadn’t tasted my chocolate cake, you hadn’t lived!
What area of the country do you cover?
I cover the Yorkshire region and free delivery and set-up is included within a 15-mile radius of Farnley Tyas, Huddersfield.
Can you give us an idea of price?
Prices range from £240 to £600, depending on the size and complexity of detail e.g. amount of sugar flowers, painting etc. Prices and further information for existing designs can be found on the website by clicking directly on the desired cake picture.
Sometimes I will run one-off deals on special occasions, e.g. Small Business Saturday, the details of which can usually be found on my Facebook page.
How can our readers get in touch/find out more about Debbie Gillespie Cake Design?
You can check out our designs and details of upcoming events on the website. The latest designs, info, tips, quotes and general cake chatter can also be found on our Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.
If you would like to make an appointment or discuss an idea, email me on info@debbiegillespiecakedesign.co.uk or ring on 07930 450962.
Anything else to share?
Whichever wedding supplier you choose, please don’t be afraid to speak up and be true to your style. If they won’t accommodate it, find someone that will!
