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The Art of Cake: Custom vs. Online Shop – A Chat with Cakes By Laura

When it comes to cakes, Cakes By Laura Melbourne stands out for its exquisite craftsmanship, artistic touch, and a deep commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quick and delicious cake from her online shop or a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for a special occasion, Laura’s expertise ensures that every bite is a delight.
But what’s the difference between purchasing a cake from Cakes By Laura’s online shop versus ordering a fully customized cake? We sat down with Laura herself to dive into the details.

Q: Laura, let’s start with the basics. What’s the main difference between your online shop cakes and your custom cakes?

Laura: The biggest difference comes down to customization and lead time. Our online shop cakes are pre-designed, meaning they’re created with a set design, flavour options, and sizes that are available for quick ordering. These are perfect for last-minute celebrations or when you need something delicious and stylish without much planning.
Custom cakes, on the other hand, are entirely bespoke. We work closely with each client to design a cake that fits their theme, event, and vision. Every element—from flavour combinations to intricate decorations—is tailored specifically for them.

Q: Can online shop cakes be customized at all?

Laura: No, our online shop cakes cannot be customized. The options available in the shop—including designs, flavours, and sizes—are set, and what you see is what you get. This allows us to ensure consistency, high quality, and quick turnaround times.
For those looking for a fully personalized cake, a custom order is the way to go.

Q: What if someone orders a cake from your online shop but asks for small changes, like removing a ribbon or adjusting a colour? 

Laura: Our online shop cakes are designed exactly as shown, which means no modifications can be made. When you place an order, you’re selecting from a set design with pre-determined colours, decorations, and finishes. This allows us to maintain consistency and quality while ensuring a quicker turnaround. If you’re looking for something more personalized—whether it’s a colour change, a different decoration, or a completely new design—a custom cake order is the best option. So, if you love a design from our online shop but want to tweak it, we’d recommend reaching out for a custom order instead!

Q: So if someone wants a unique cake that reflects a specific theme or event, they should opt for a custom cake?

Laura: Exactly! Our custom cakes are where we really bring creative ideas to life. We don’t do exact copies of other designs, but we can take inspiration from them to create something original. This ensures that every custom cake is truly unique.
For example, if a client loves a particular floral arrangement or a specific colour palette, we use those elements to craft a cake that perfectly complements their event. This level of detail is what makes our custom cakes stand out.

Q: And what about pricing? How do the two compare?

Laura: Because online shop cakes follow a set design and structure, they have a fixed price, making them a more budget-friendly option. Since custom cakes require more time, design work, and premium materials, their pricing varies depending on complexity, size, and specific requests.

Q: What’s the ordering process like for each?

Laura: Ordering from our online shop is quick and easy! Simply browse, choose a design, select your preferred size and flavour, and place your order. We typically need at least 48 hours' notice for online shop cakes.
For custom cakes, the process is more personalized. Clients usually reach out via email or social media with their ideas, and we discuss themes, colours, decorations, and flavours. We then provide a quote, and once confirmed, we bring their vision to life. Custom cakes require more time, so we recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

Q: Why aren’t all fondant cakes available in your online shop?

Laura: Fondant cakes require a high level of customization, intricate detailing, and a longer production time, which makes them more suited for our custom cake orders rather than our online shop. Since our online shop cakes are designed for quick and easy ordering, we focus on buttercream and ganache-based designs with only a few options for fondant cakes available in the shop that allows for consistent quality and faster turnaround times.

Generally, cakes with a fondant finish are true showpieces, and because every detail is handcrafted, they require more consultation and planning where we can take the time to create something truly special for each client.

Q: Beyond cakes, what other products do you offer?

Laura: In addition to cakes, we offer a variety of sweet treats, including cookies, cakesicles, and seasonal items for special occasions like Valentine's Day, Father's Day, and corporate events. These are available in both our online shop and as custom orders.

Q: Finally, what’s your advice for someone deciding between an online shop cake and a custom cake?

Laura: It really depends on the occasion and what they’re looking for! If they need a beautifully designed, delicious cake without much hassle, our online shop cakes are perfect. But if they’re celebrating a big milestone—like a wedding, engagement, or an important birthday—a custom cake ensures they get something truly special and tailored to their event. Either way, we put the same level of care and quality into every cake, ensuring each one is a joy to eat and a delight to look at!

Finally, Laura advises clients to consider the occasion. Ultimately it’s about weighing convenience, budget and the level of uniqueness desired.

Cakes By Laura caters to a broad range of needs by offering both a convenient online shop and a bespoke custom cake service. The clear differentiation between the two options, coupled with an emphasis on quality and customer service, is key to their business strategy. By setting expectations around customization within the online shop, and directing clients to custom options when their needs are beyond basic design requirements, Cakes By Laura ensures that clients can select the best experience to suit their specific events and individual tastes.