This page includes the Frequently Asked Question's regarding the Cakes, Gifts, Events, Flowers and Stationery sections of the Sweet Art website.

As the majority of individuals do not come into contact with one, if not all of these different types of products on a regular basis there are often many questions regarding how to move forward. These depend upon what scenario the individual is buying for and if there are a range of products that are being bought at the same time.

We are aware that there are likely to be questions that haven't been covered in this section so please, if we have not addressed the topic that you would like to discuss please contact us at info@sweetart.com.au.

Alternatively drop into our store at 96 Oxford Street, Paddington, Sydney or give us a call on (02) 9361 6617.

The Sweet Art Team.

1) What flavours do you offer?
Sweet Art's recipes have been tried and tasted for and the flavours include dark or white chocolate, hazelnut, carrot, banana, orange-poppy seed or traditional fruit cake. Each is layered and covered in a delicious blanket of either dark or white chocolate ganache (French truffle filling). They taste as good as they look!

2) How do I choose the design of my cake?
The number of guests you intend to cater for will determine the size. If you are using the cake as a dessert you will need to double or triple the coffee portion size to have enough servings. With this as a starting point Sweet Art artists can then help you design your cake.

Helpful things to consider when designing your cake; the individual for whom it is intended, their hobbies and traits for example, the theme of the occasion and the statement you are trying to create. It can also be useful to show our stylists any references that may be appropriate, such as invitations or photographs.

When designing wedding cakes, it is well worth showing the stylist the colours of the bride and bridesmaid's fabric and any flowers that you intend to use. We will then incorporate those elements into the design to create your own masterpiece. We understand that the cake is one of the focal point of the wedding reception and it can be used to bring together your theme colours and flowers.

3) How much will I expect to pay for a Sweet Art cake?
Sweet Art cakes vary considerably in price, however as a general rule our cakes range from AU$200-$2000. Our biggest cost drivers are size, or number of guests catered for, and the specialist labour required to create your chosen design. Please speak to one of our consultants regarding your cake and we will provide you with suggested designs and cost estimates. (Please note that quoting by telephone is difficult and can be misleading.)

4) Does Sweet Art deliver cakes?
As our cakes are fragile and expensive works of art, we encourage our clients to collect their cakes from the store so their safety can be assured. However, Sweet Art will gladly deliver locally, interstate and overseas. Delivery charges will apply.

5) How do I care for my cake?
Sweet Art cakes do not like being refrigerated as they sweat and the colours can run. Keep the cake in the coolest room available (air conditioning is best) before the event. Refrigerate after cutting or freeze to preserve. If you wish to keep figurines or flowers these must be removed from the cake and stored with anti- moisture crystals in an airtight container.

6) I am not sure what cake I want. Can you design something completely unique for me?
Sweet Art has designed almost everything, however we are sure that there are still some design mountains that remain unconquered! If you are unable to find what you want in our online gallery please make an appointment with one of our consultants who would be happy to show you further designs or create something especially for you.

7) Coffee versus dessert portions, how do I know?
If you are having a three-course meal or cocktail function your guests will generally require only a small taste or coffee portion. Each piece is about the size of a petit four. If you would like to offer a more substantial portion or serve it as course on it's own, we would recommend considering a dessert- sized portion.

Note: A dessert portion is roughly 2.5 x 5 x 9 cm high, while a coffee portion is half the size of a dessert portion.

8) Can Sweet Art make gluten or dairy-free cakes?
Although we attempt to accommodate all needs, Sweet Art would prefer to recommend specialty suppliers to meet the stringent standards required by allergy sufferers. However, we can accommodate lactose intolerances with fruitcake or orange poppy where the white chocolate ganache filling is replaced with royal icing (egg white only). Alternatively, Sweet Art will gladly decorate a cake you supply.

9) Should I use fresh or icing flowers?
The choice comes down to personal taste, both can be accommodated and we are happy to use icing or fresh flowers in our designs. It is not feasible to mix them together on the same cake since flower moisture can melt the sugar icing. There is a price difference between the two and icing flowers are generally more expensive as they are hand made. Fresh flowers create a beautiful natural look and maintain a consistent theme throughout your event. However It is important to remember the seasonality and availability of the flowers when selecting the variety.

10) When should I book my cake?
For wedding cakes we prefer 4-6 weeks notice. For corporate, birthday or other occasions we prefer 2-4 weeks notice during early Australian summer (October-December). At other times 1-2 weeks notice is adequate. Often we can accommodate late requests, and in exceptional circumstances same day delivery is possible depending on production levels (surcharges apply).

11) Does Sweet Art make kosher cakes?
Sweet Art is able to decorate kosher cakes. The cake must be provided by an authorized Kosher baker/caterer and be delivered in a sealed box. Sweet Art will arrange the Kashrut Authority to pass the decorating and seal off the packaging on completion.

12) I'm interested in mini-cakes, can you give me an idea of what you have?
Mini cakes can be shaped as anything, a mini version of your product for example, or regular square/round with your logo on top, sitting in a clear cello box and tied with a themed ribbon. Price range from AU$12 - 40, depending on the size and decorative complexity. Often mini-cakes can be made of fudge giving them a longer shelf life making them ideal for media invites or other options. Cup cakes are another option to consider and are often more cost effective. They look fabulous arranged on a tiered stand if looking for an alternative to the traditional wedding cake.

1) What are some of the benefits of an event Stylist?
Sweet Art believes that the major benefit of using a stylist is experience, for example knowledge of the difference lighting and colour can make in creating atmosphere. Also stylists attend to details that often get overlooked and understand the amount of time and energy that goes into the planning and creation of an event. Sweet Art is currently coordinating events for Sydney locals but is also coordinating weddings for a number of interstate and overseas brides. By allowing our team to assist you will save some precious time and invaluable effort, giving yourself the gift of a well-designed stress-free event.

2) Should I book my venue before my first appointment?
It's always a good idea to consult with us beforehand as we may be able to advise you of alternative venues that are unique, suited your needs and perhaps even better value. We will also be able to work with you to ensure that your event plans and logistics will be properly served by the venue.

3) Can you style events outside of Sydney? What about outside Australia?
With enough time and planning, anything is possible. We've styled events across the globe, from Kuala Lumpur to New York City and Brunei.

4) What do I need to know about my event prior to my first appointment with Sweet Art?
The most important criteria is your budget and desired number of guests - we'll use this as a starting point and then plan within your constraints. After that, we can work together on all the other details to make your dream event a reality.

5) I've seen an idea in a magazine that I love. Can you work from this?
Why not? We love a good challenge! We can work wonders for you. Still, there are some constraints that are dictated by season, venue and logistics. We'll do our utmost to work around them to best meet your expectations.

6) How much lead time do I need to give you when styling and organizing my event?
It depends on the season, type of event and the number of guests. Venue availability usually dictates how much advance notice is required. The more popular venues are booked far in advance, maybe up to 12 to 16 months. On the other hand simpler venues may only need to be booked weeks in advance.

7) I have a friend doing my flowers, and my catering is being provided by the venue. Would you still be able to style my event?
Absolutely. We're happy to work in a team environment with other people and services to create a special day for you.

8) I'm struggling to pick and maintain a theme for my wedding?
We'd suggest discussing your ideas with our stylists who will then design a concept for your event combining theme, colors and so on to suit your personal style. Bring along some favourite colors and pictures you have collected as they prove to be a very helpful reference tool!

9) I would like soft lighting at my event but am not sure how to approach it?
Tea-lights are a great way of dispersing a soft feel-good light both indoors and outdoors, while also adding a special feature to tables. Candles are ideal when looking for a way of combining both decoration and place settings, plus they make a wonderful gift for your guests to take home with them.

1) How can Sweet Art help with flowers for our event?
One of our Sweet Art consultants can design and theme your flower needs, however big or small your requirements. From buttonholes to dressing an entire venue, we can provide you with as much themeing and colour coordination and input as you require.

2) Can Sweet Art work within a limited budget?
Absolutely! It is best to consider your priorities for the day and then decide upon the details such as your venue, theme, catering and colors early in the decision making process. Sweet Art can then work with you to meet all requirements and make sure the budget is being allocated to maximum effect.

3) How much notice do you require?
As the flowers are an integral part of the day it is best to plan well ahead. An important note to remember is to take the season into consideration. Having said that, Sweet Art can theme, select and deliver flowers for your event within a week, although availability could be limited and surcharges may apply.

4) We are planning an event outside Sydney - can Sweet Art help?
Yes, Sweet Art has delivered events all over the Eastern Coast of Australia from Victoria to Northern Queensland as well as internationally.

5) In addition to my bouquet, what flowers should I consider for my wedding?
There is a broad range open to you when selecting the flowers and style of the event. If you want to go down a traditional route then bouquets are required for all bridesmaids and flower girls as well as, buttonholes for the groomsmen and fathers, corsages for mothers and grandmothers, ceremonial flowers, table centres, large floral arrangements and any additional room dressing to complete the day. The less traditional amongst us can select from this list depending upon personal taste and budget.

6) I don't know where to start with choosing flowers - help!
The best idea is to come in and discuss the options with a Sweet Art stylist. If possible bring a selection of colours and varieties you have in mind for the theme and the stylist will work with you to produce the perfect day!

1) How much notice do you require to produce invites?
At Sweet Art we'd prefer a minimum of 3 weeks notice, however we find most invites can be delivered in two weeks. If you have left things to the last minute we can complete jobs in 5 working days, however availability may be limited and short notice surcharges may apply.

2) How far in advance should I send out my invitations?
For a dinner party we recommend 2 - 4 weeks, for corporate events and parties 4 - 6 weeks and for a wedding 6 - 12 weeks (or more if you have overseas guests).

It would be ideal to book your invites with us a few months prior to your postage date. Upon making an appointment be sure to have finalized your guest list for correct numbers.

Order of Service inserts are organized after your meeting with your chosen religious or secular representative, as they will usually give you the wording layout of the service you have chosen.

3) I'm not sure how to do my wording, can you assist with suggestions?
Many people have never had to word a formal invite before so you are not alone! We are happy to assist with you with this task and have a range of appropriate wording for all occasions to choose from. Alternatively we can compose something personal just for you.

4) Are you able to produce ideas taken from magazines?
We are happy to produce ideas similar to those presented in magazines where ever possible, subject to copyright.

5) Does the range only come in the colours displayed in-store?
No, our colours can be adjusted in a number of ways, from the printed wording, the calligraphy, the ribbon, the envelope and envelope lining, to the actual card used for the invites and it's accessories. We offer a wide range of colours for the majority of our designs.

6) Do you offer calligraphy?
Yes, our calligraphers can work in a variety of styles, modern and traditional, plain and ornate. Colour can also be themed to that of your event.

7) Which is the best way to provide you with my guest list?
It would be ideal if all guest lists were provided in a digital format.

8) How do I work out how many invites I will need?
Count the number of couples, families and singles on your invite list. Add any overseas people you would like to send an invitation as a gift. Total and add 10% for unexpected additions. Often this will still only represent approximately two-thirds of your total number of guests.

9) What prices do your invites range from?
Our stationery ranges in price from circa AU$5 for a basic invitation to AU$15+ for our custom made range. All pricing will vary due to the type of printing required, the artwork involved, the complexity of the design itself, the number of accessories, the type of paper and the degree of assemblage involved.

10) Everything is really adding up, how do I keep my stationery within my budget?
There are many ways to keep the stationery within your budget including doing your own assemblage and postage or having an RSVP postcard instead of a card and envelope. To address your envelopes, if you do not have access to a computer for labels, seek out a willing friend or family member with gorgeous handwriting!

1) How do I find the perfect accessories for my event?
As the Sweet Art range changes frequently, it is impractical for us to stock a catalogue. To give you an idea we carry cake boxes, bomboniere/favor ideas and packaging, table decorations, overlays, chair covers, vases, place cards and more. Our Sweet Art consultants pride themselves on their ability to find the perfect accessories to accentuate the theme of your day.

2. I would like to have bomboniere at my wedding but am not sure how to use it?
Bomboniere or favors are a little something to give to each and every guest, however if budgets are tight it is commonplace to give a gift per family or to each couple.

3. Can you personalize my accessories?
Absolutely, Sweet Art prefers to produce bomboniere and other accessories that reflect the occasion and the people involved. Bomboniere are a great way to compliment your theme, say thank you and create a memorable treat for your guests.

4. What sort of price range will I be looking at for my accessories?
Our cake boxes, designed to fit a finger of cake cost AU$3 each. Venues will generally co-ordinate the packing of your cake. General bomboniere range in price from AU$7 for a small organza bag with 5 sugar almonds to over AU$15 for something more elaborate. Gifts will be specifically designed and researched according to your theme.

5. I would like something 'different' to replace place cards but am not sure what is available?
Other than the flat and A-frame variety of place cards, we offer candles with names, fruit with name tags, bomboniere as place cards, cookies as place cards featuring the name of each guest piped in icing - in fact, the possibilities are endless!