Frequently Asked Questions

Below is everything you need to make your cake experience effortless, delicious, and unforgettable…

  • How do I book a cake?
    Submit an enquiry via our website with your event date, guest count, venue, and any design ideas or inspiration. We’ll respond within 1–2 business days.

    A 50% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance due 14 days before collection or delivery. Dates are not held without a deposit.

    How much notice do you need?

    • Weddings: 6+ months recommended, especially during peak season (October–March).

    • Celebrations: 2–4 weeks notice is usually sufficient.

    What are the minimums?

    • Wedding cakes: $380. Most couples invest between $800–$1,200 for a bespoke design.

    • Celebration cakes: $150. Custom designs start here, with pricing reflecting size and detail.

    Can I collect my cake or do you deliver?
    Pickup is available from our St Kilda studio. Delivery and setup are offered within Melbourne, with fees depending on location and cake size. Multi-tier cakes are strongly recommended for delivery to ensure they arrive perfectly.

  • What’s the difference between layers and tiers?
    Cake layers are the individual sponge sections stacked with filling. A tier is a full cake made of layers, and multi-tiered cakes are stacked for a larger visual impact.

    Can I copy a cake I’ve seen?
    We don’t replicate other designers’ work exactly. Inspiration boards and images help Rhi create a unique, personalised cake in her signature style.

    Can I mix flavours between tiers?
    Yes! All cakes are gluten-free, with select vegan options. You can choose any combination of flavours to suit your taste and your guests.

    Can our florist provide flowers for the cake?
    Yes! Fresh flowers from your florist can be arranged after delivery to ensure they are secure and styled beautifully.

    Can I taste your cakes before ordering?
    Our tasting boxes are a perfect way to try a selection of flavours before committing to your cake. Each box includes 3 flavours of your choice and is either all gluten-free or all vegan (no mix-and-matching). Tasting boxes are priced at $50 and are available on the first weekend of every month, booking is essential. They’re designed to give you a real sense of how the cake tastes, how the textures work together, and which combinations you love most.

    How do I know how much cake to order?
    Cakes are typically served in two portion sizes:

    • Dessert portion: generous slices for sit-down meals (1”x 2”x 6”)

    • Coffee portion: smaller slices for casual events or extra desserts (1”x 1”x 3”)

    Rhi can advise on the right cake size based on your guest count and event style.

    Every cake is fully custom, we’ll work together on flavours, colours, and styling to make your cake uniquely yours.

  • Do you deliver cannolis?
    Yes! Cannoli towers include delivery and setup within 20km of St Kilda. Trays can be picked up or delivered for a small additional fee.

    What sizes are available?

    • Towers: 30, 60, 100, 150+ pieces

    • Trays: 30, 60, 100, 150+ pieces

    Larger orders can be split across multiple towers or trays.

    How far in advance should I order?
    We recommend at least 1–2 weeks notice for larger orders. Cannolis are perfect for weddings, parties, or casual gatherings — quantities and setup can be tailored to your event.

  • Looking for something a little different?

    We love creating bespoke desserts beyond our standard menu, from lamington towers and cheesecakes to pavlovas and custom creations. If you have an idea in mind, get in touch and let’s brainstorm something beautiful (and delicious).

    For completely new flavours or custom recipe development, a $100 recipe testing fee may apply. This covers ingredient sourcing, development time, and testing to ensure your dessert meets our standards for both flavour and presentation. If you proceed with your order, this fee can be credited toward your final balance.

  • Can you recommend other wedding vendors?
    Yes! Check out our Vendors We Love page for our favourite Melbourne florists, venues, photographers, planners & stylists.

    Do you work with wedding planners, venues or other vendors?
    Yes! We love collaborating with wedding professionals. Visit our For Vendors for more info on working with The Mess.

  • How do I store my cake?
    Cakes should be refrigerated until ready to display. Remove 1–2 hours before serving to reach room temperature for the best flavour and texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

    How do I transport my cake?
    If collecting your cake, place the box on the car floor (passenger footwell or boot), avoid pressing on the sides, and keep the air conditioning on. Drive carefully to ensure your cake arrives safely.

    Cakes are typically delivered 1–3 hours before the event, and Rhi can advise on setup and timing for the best presentation.

  • Do you provide undecorated cakes?
    No. All cakes are finished by The Mess to guarantee quality, safety, and design integrity.

    Can you cater to severe allergies?
    We take precautions, but our kitchen handles other allergens. Please contact us directly if you have specific dietary requirements.

    We love seeing your cakes in action!
    If sharing on social media, please tag @cakesbythe_mess and credit Rhi for design inspiration if using mood boards.

  • No problem! Send us an email via our contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.

  • Deposits: 30% deposits are non-refundable within six weeks prior to the delivery/pick-up time for your order, and non-transferable to new orders or another persons in any circumstance

    Cancellations: No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations made within 2 weeks of the event.

    Changes to Orders: Any changes to delivery/pick-up times are at our discretion and may incur additional fees.

    Consumed Orders: We cannot issue refunds for orders that have been consumed (in full or part).

    Date Changes: We do understand that things happen; if you need to move your order date, you will need to notify us in writing, and the new date is subject to availability.