Question 1

I want to book with you, what do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Thank you very much for choosing us to be a part of your special day! :D First and foremost, please fill out our Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)with as much detail as possible. 
 
From that form, you can choose to schedule a tasting with us if you would like taste test our flavors and and/or a consultation to discuss the details of your order. While not required, we highly recommend tastings if time and location allows! (Plus it's a lot of fun! :D) From there, our process will guide you through finalizing the details of your order, from custom flavors to design! 
 
We require both a non-refundable $500 Retainer and a signed Contract to finalize your booking and save your date. After that, it's smooth sailing as we take care of everything for you! We'll check in to make sure all of your details are in place, coordinate with your planner and other vendors as needed, and deliver and set up your gorgeous cake to perfection to create a show stopping display for when you walk into your reception!

Question 2

What do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Hanami Cake Design is 100% fully customizable and we delight in working with our couples to ensure they get the cake and wedding sweets they've been dreaming of!

We offer a vast array of custom sweets including bespoke luxury cakes, cupcakes, macarons, whoopie pies, tarts, doughnuts, and more! From flavors to decoration, we can usually accommodate any and all requests as long as we have enough notice. We love being challenged and experimenting with new ways to make delicious things, and to make them beautiful and unique just for you!
 
Feel free to start your experience with us by filling out our Inquiry Form!(https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)

Question 3

Can you make things for people with dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We specialize in allergen-friendly baking and it is our greatest pleasure to be able to provide amazing cakes and sweets to those with dietary restrictions!
 
Nearly anything can be made allergen-friendly, including gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, organic, and refined sugar free. If you or your guests have other dietary restrictions or needs, please let us know and we will do our absolute best to accommodate!
 
That being said, please note that we are not an allergen-free bakery, and as such we cannot guarantee a complete lack of cross contamination for those with serious allergies. While we do everything humanly possible to minimize the risk, equipment and work surfaces are shared with allergen-containing ingredients. Our couples and their guests need to be aware of this so they can make a fully informed decision for their own health.

If you have any questions about how we handle allergens in our space, you are always welcome to reach out! :)

Question 4

How much notice do you need?

Accepted Answer

As much as possible! We work closely with all our couples to ensure that each and every detail is exactly as they've always dreamed it to be. However, our high level of customization and attention to detail requires a longer process than most bakeries to ensure our couples' full satisfaction. The season gets busy very quickly and orders placed even a few months out can get tricky to fill. 
 
Our availability is always first come first serve, so for weddings, we recommend reaching out at least 6 to 9 months in advance to have the best chance for our availability for your dates. But never fear: we always want to work with couples who want to work with us, so always feel free to reach out! We will definitely do our best to accommodate weddings within that timeframe, just be prepared to think a little fast! :D 
 
During the wedding season (April through October), our availability to take on smaller orders is limited but we do sometimes have lighter weeks! Six weeks is required for smaller orders, with more notice if possible so we can provide you with the service you deserve! We cannot guarantee our ability to accommodate orders placed within six weeks.
 
For very small events, please consider one of our Mini Cakes,(https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/mini-cakes) which we designed for small gatherings! While these are still subject to our availability, they usually can be ordered within a week or two of your event--though earlier notice is very much appreciated! :)

Question 5

Do you offer tastings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Tastings are $50 for two people to try any (and we do mean ANY! :D) four flavors and/or items that you would like to taste. Additional fees apply if you would like to accommodate for more people at your tasting, or wish to try additional or unique flavors.
 
All of our tastings are available for pick up. We will create your flavors, you'll pick up from us here in Biddeford, taste them at your leisure, and then we'll touch base afterwards to discuss your thoughts and sort out the final details! :)

We are able to accommodate in-person sit down tastings by request during the off season (November - April), but unfortunately not during the wedding season (May - October). During the off season, which is our prime booking season, we can also ship deconstructed tastings for an additional fee once the weather is cold enough to ensure safer transits. If you live out of state and cannot arrange a standard pick up with us in Southern Maine, please reach out to inquire about shipping a tasting to you.
 
Tastings include a one hour-long consultation afterwards to discuss the your flavors and the details of your order. A proposal is then emailed to you confirming the design and details, along with a Contract for your reference. Your non-refundable Retainer is due then to finalize your booking, and we get to work planning your wedding sweets immediately afterwards!
 
You can schedule your tasting through our Inquiry Form here.(https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)
 
We have been working hard to sort out more reliable options for our out-of-state couples and are hoping to be able to offer bi-monthly tasting boxes that can be shipped to you soon! Follow us on Facebook (http://facebook.com/hanamicakedesign/)and Instagram (http://instagram.com/hanamicakedesign/)for updates (and to even have input on that month's flavors! :D)

Question 6

What are your popular flavors?

Accepted Answer

We are infinitely customizable, and have no set menu since we don't believe in dictating what our couples have at their celebration! But there are quite a few favorites that our couples keeping coming back to! Some of these include:

Classic Vanilla Bean
	Dark Chocolate
	Red Wine Dark Chocolate
	Sweet Almond
	Matcha (green tea)
	Lemon
	Lemon Blueberry 
	Praliné 
	Spiced Carrot
	Pumpkin
	Pistachio
	Lemon Raspberry
	Hummingbird

However, this is by no means the extent of what we do! Anything is possible, and we love to be challenged and to work with our couples to find the perfect custom flavor for them! :D Please reach out via our Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)with any flavors you are interested in exploring!

Question 7

What are your prices?

Accepted Answer

With the high level of care and customization we do for each couple, accurate pricing is impossible to offer without finalizing the full details of your order. But to get a starting place of your investment, please use the following as a rough guide for our starting prices:* 
 
Cakes:
	Classic: $11.00/serving
	Gluten-Friendly Cakes: $12.00/serving
	Dairy-Friendly Cakes: $11.50/serving
	Vegan Friendly Cakes: $12.50/serving
	Refined Sugar Free Cakes: $13.50/serving
	Organic Cakes: $17.50/serving
	
Popular Sweets:
	Heart Shaped Whoopie Pies: $70/dozen
	Macarons: $55/dozen
	Tarts: $75/dozen
	Profiteroles: $55/dozen
	Baked Doughnuts: $50/dozen
	Cupcakes: $70/dozen

Other Custom Sweets: priced individually, please inquire (hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)
 
*Starting prices are calculated on a classic Vanilla Bean Cake with Vanilla Bean Swiss Meringue Buttercream, and do not include decoration, tax, delivery, etc. 
 
Please note that these are merely starting prices and do not reflect custom flavors, fillings, or include decoration. On average, our couples invest around $3,500 for their unique wedding cake and/or sweets. Please also note that we have a $1,500 order minimum for smaller orders.

Prices are accurate as of 2025 and subject to change due to market changes, inflation, etc.

For best pricing for your specific needs, please fill out our Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)with as much detail as you can provide and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible to start the process! Thank you! :)

Question 8

Do you have a minimum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a $1,500 minimum, which accommodates more intimate wedding celebrations such as minimonies or elopements with guests under 30 people. If you are looking for something smaller, consider one of our Mini Cakes,(https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/mini-cakes) which were designed to meet the needs of smaller gatherings! :)
 
We do occasionally offer small selections of treats pop-up style, available for pick up in Biddeford, ME. These are announced last minute via social media so follow us on Instagram (http://instagram.com/hanamicakedesign/)to find out more!

Question 9

Do you just do weddings?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in weddings and other grand events, and during the peak wedding season (April through November), our availability to take on other smaller orders is limited due to how fast our weeks fill up. 
 
We do offer our Mini Cakes year round for small celebrations and other #TreatYoSelf moments! You can find more information about those here!(https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/mini-cakes)
 
But with enough notice we might be able to make it work! :D Please fill out our Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)or reach out to hanamicakedesign@gmail.com to inquire!

Question 10

Can you do rush orders?

Accepted Answer

While rush orders might be possible, our ability to complete rush orders entirely depends on the size of your order and what other orders we are already committed to the week of your event.

Please contact us at via our Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)or at hanamicakedesign@gmail.com as soon as possible to inquire and we will do our best to try and accommodate your order if possible!

Please also note that rush order fees may apply depending on how soon your event is, and the size of your order. Orders placed or finalized within one month of your event will have a minimum 25% rush fee.

Question 11

What is your payment policy?

Accepted Answer

All wedding orders require a $500 non-refundable Retainer and a signed Contract to finalize your booking and save your date, with the remainder due no later than two weeks prior to your event. Orders that have not been paid in full by that point will not be completed.
 
Smaller orders, such as for our Mini Cakes, require full payment at the time your order is placed.

Question 12

What are your payment options?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards (via Square).

Question 13

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

While we understand that situations change, we start work on your order the moment you finalize your booking with us. Our policy of a mandatory non-refundable Retainer is to cover what time and materials have already gone into your order before cancelling.

Question 14

Do you offer delivery? What are your delivery fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are happy to deliver! :) Please contact us via our Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)for a specific quote.

Depending on the size and design of your cake, we may be required to deliver and set up your cake for you onsite. Smaller cakes and/or just dessert tables can safely be picked up from us in Biddeford by one of your party or your planner, if desired.

Please note that our delivery availability fills up the fastest. If you live out of state or a significant distance from our cake studio in Biddeford, booking us far in advance is highly recommended to ensure we retain the availability to deliver for you if required.

Question 15

Can you also set up our cake/dessert table for us?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Depending on the size of your cake and the complexity of your design, we might be required to do your set up on-site for you.
 
Dessert table set up is an optional service that we're happy to provide if desired! :) Please make sure to include this when you fill out your Inquiry Form (https://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)so we can ensure we can accommodate accordingly!

Question 16

Do you offer display rentals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Properly displaying your cake and/or sweets to their best advantage is a crucial part of your reception design, and we always chat about this with our couples during our consultations! :) 
 
We offer a variety of cake platters, cake stands, and other display items for rent to our couples for a fee. Our rental policy stipulates that all items must be returned to us wiped clean of grease and food residue, undamaged, and within 3 days of your wedding in order to receive your deposit back. 
 
You are not required to rent items from us, and are more than welcome to discuss options with your rental company, venue, friends or family members, or source items yourself!
 
If you opt to provide the display items for us, we will give you all of the information necessary regarding dimensions and weight requirements you will need! (Cakes are heavy!!)

Question 17

What are your standard cakes like?

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise requested or required, all cakes come with four layers of cake, your choice of three possible fillings, crumb coated in white chocolate ganache for stability, and iced in Vanilla Swiss Meringue Buttercream. Undecorated tiers generally stand approximately 5" high.

Question 18

Do you use fresh flowers on your cakes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! However, for food safety reasons, we do have two very strict requirements for any fresh flowers or greenery that go on our cakes:
        1) They must be non-toxic varieties, and
        2) They must be organically grown so pesticides and other harmful chemicals do not come in contact with your cake.
 
If your contracted florist does not have access to these options, then no worries! We work with a number of local farms and florists to source safe flowers for our cakes, and will work closely with your florist to ensure that your cake flowers blend seamlessly with their arrangements! :)

We can also design your cake with beautiful hand piped buttercream flowers, hand painted floral details, delicate handmade wafer paper flowers, or we can discuss the multitude of design options that do not include flowers at all! :D These are all wonderful options, but especially so if you're getting married during the off-season!

Question 19

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer two discounts year-round:

10% off every order for veterans and service members!
15% off your 1st Anniversary: We will remake your wedding cake flavor(s) for your 1st Anniversary Celebration!

We also periodically offer discounts or other promotions seasonally or out of the blue! Feel free to follow us to never miss out on a sweet! :)

Question 20

Can you ship orders?

Accepted Answer

We do not ship any of our finished cakes or sweets.
 
However, we have a limited ability to ship tastings for couples during the off-season within the continental USA for an added fee. Please indicate on your Inquiry Form (http://www.hanamicakedesign.com/inquiries)if this will be required.

We also have been working hard to sort out other options for our out-of-state couples and are hoping to be able to offer bi-monthly tasting boxes that can be shipped nationwide for a flat rate soon!* Follow us (https://www.instagram.com/hanamicakedesign/)to stay up to date, and even have input on upcoming tasting box flavors! :D
 
*Residents of Alaska and Hawaii will still be able to order, but prices will unfortunately be higher--sorry!