Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order a cake?
Ordering a cake is easy! We can take your information over email, info@acakelife.com, through our Contact Form, or we can set up an appointment for a virtual cake consultation to discuss your order and details via FaceTime of Zoom. Virtual consultations are optional and not required. Virtual consultations are held by appointment only so we ask that you please email us to schedule your appointment time.
Do you offer bento cake tastings? How do I schedule a cake consultation?
Consultation Info & Cake Bento Boxes:
We currently offer virtual consultations or bento pick ups. Our virtual consultation is $30 and we can schedule a one on one time for a consultation either via Facetime, or Zoom. If you prefer Facetime, whats the best number to reach you? We do not offer in person consultations.
We offer Bento Box cake tasting pick ups. We do not offer in person cake tastings. Our bento box is $28 and this needs to be scheduled and paid for at least 24 hours in advance. For the bento box pick up, you can either order our top 6 most popular flavors or a custom bento with your choice of 6 flavors. Bento boxes are available for pick up Tuesday Through Sundays, please note our pick up hours.
You can schedule and purchase a sampler for pick up on our online shop: https://shop.acakelife.com/
Email us directly if you have any questions: info@acakelife.com
Hours for Pick Up:
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 5pm
Wednesday & Saturday: 9am to 12pm
Sunday: 9am ONLY
Closed on Monday
Cancellation Policy:
For virtual consultations, cancellations prior to a week before your appointment will be eligible for a full refund. Any cancellations made less than a week to your appointment is non-refundable and the balance will be moved to a store credit.
For bento pick ups, cancellations made 48 hours prior to your pick up day will be eligible for a full refund. Any cancellations made less than 48 hours prior is non-refundable and the balance will be moved to store credit. Any cancellations made less than 24 hours prior are non-refundable.
Postponement Policy:
For virtual consultations and bento pick ups, there is no penalty for postponements made 48 hours prior to your pick up day. Any postponements made after 48 hours may be subject to a penalty fee.
No Show Policy:
For virtual consultations and bento pick ups, no shows to a virtual consultation or day of sampler pick up will not be eligible for a refund. Any rescheduling done on the day of will be charged for the additional service.
We will wait 20 minutes from the start of your appointment time, if you do not contact us and do not show up before this time then the remaining time on your consultation is cancelled and there will be no refund issued based on our No Show Policy.
What if I’m not in Honolulu? How do I schedule a bento cake tasting?
If you are planning your wedding from out of town; your wedding coordinator, trusted friend or family member can schedule a bento pick up on our Shop page to try our cakes. We will then coordinate with you via email to create your custom cake design or can schedule a virtual consultation!
Do you ship your cakes for tasting?
No, we do not ship our cake bentos at this time.
Do I have to schedule a virtual consultation to place an order?
No, consultations are optional. You can choose if you want to have a virtual appointment to discuss your cake details or you can email us with your information and we can discuss your order from there.
How far in advance should I place my order?
Due to the detail, customization, and attention we give to each cake; we can only accommodate a limited number of cakes per day before we close out the date. We strongly recommend you contact us regarding your cake as soon as you know the date and venue of your event. Overall, we recommend that orders be placed 3-4 months in advance for weddings and a couple months in advance for event cakes and cupcakes. We always try our best to accommodate last minute requests, but cannot guarantee last minute availability. Please inquire and we can let you know more information about our availability.
Popular wedding dates (ie: 2-22-2020) and holiday weekends will close out earlier and recommended to be booked 10-12 months in advance. A non-refundable and non-transferable 40% retainer will reserve your date. We take orders up to 12 months prior.
Do you deliver your cakes?
Yes, we deliver to all locations on Oahu. The delivery charge is based on the distance of travel and order size. Please see our pricing page for starting delivery fee information.
What is fondant?
Fondant is a sugar dough that is rolled out and draped over a buttercream iced cake. Fondant creates a smooth, seamless, porcelain-like finish.
What does fondant taste like?
Our fondant has a sweet taste which some describe it similar to marshmallows. Some of you may have not had a pleasant experience with fondant, but we welcome you to please try ours! We use a ready-made premium quality brand fondant that we think you’ll enjoy.
Which is better – fondant or buttercream?
This is a matter of personal preference for taste, dependent on the design chosen as some designs require fondant, and budget as fondant is more costly. Set up time for either buttercream or fondant is pending your timeline. Check out this great article discussing the differences between Buttercream vs. Fondant.
How do I figure out what kind of design I want?
There are many great places for cake inspiration, the following galleries of our work are a great place to start!
Or we always recommend a quick Google search too!
Can I have a different flavor for each tier?
Yes, you can customize each tier of your cake to be a different flavor. There is no additional charge for different flavors as long as the flavor is already on our menu.
What if I don’t need that much cake but would like a large tiered cake? Do you make fake tiers?
Yes, we do make fake tiers. The fake tiers are made of a styrofoam interior and decorated along with the rest of your cake. You would not be able to tell it is a fake tier from the outside and it is purely for display purposes only, not to be cut. Fake tiers are always start at the bottom with the real tiers on top.
The faux tiers are calculated at $20 less per tier from the starting cost of the cake. (e.g. 1 faux tier is -$20 from the starting cost, 2 faux tiers are -$40)
Can I have fresh flowers on my cake?
Yes, you can have fresh flowers on your cake. If you want us to provide/place them please let us know what your florist is planning on using or the florals in your designs if you want these to match! However, there are certain flowers that are toxic or are too fragile to be placed on the cake. We can let you know if any florals in your list are not able to be used on your cake.
If you have already ordered the florals through your florist and want us to place them, you can drop them off to our shop the day before your event. For an additional fee, we can wash, wrap, and design them onto the cake. We can also do this for faux/fabric florals as well! You can drop them off to our shop at least a couple days before your event.
We do NOT place florals on site as we do not have time allotted for this in deliveries and do not have the tools to prep/place them.
What are gum paste sugar flowers?
Gum paste flowers are made from a type of sugar dough that is rolled out, cut, and shaped to create a beautiful realistic flower. The flowers are then left to dry and hand painted for that final life-like touch. Although they are much more costly than fresh flowers, they are a great alternative if you wanted to have types of flowers that are toxic, fragile, or out of season.
We do NOT recommend mixing fresh and gum paste flowers and greenery. Generally we recommend sticking to either fresh or gum paste to keep it consistent.
Can I purchase only gum paste flowers or sugar pieces to decorate my own cake?
No, we do not sell any gum paste flowers or sugar pieces a la carte.
