Thank you for considering Avenue 42 Bakehouse to be part of your celebration. Every custom cake is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted specifically for your event. This policy outlines our ordering process and helps ensure a seamless experience from your initial inquiry to the day you celebrate.

Our Signature Style

Avenue 42 Bakehouse specializes in elegant, floral-inspired cakes designed with timeless sophistication. Every custom cake is created in our signature artistic style and will feature a floral element using handcrafted sugar flowers, fresh flowers, buttercream florals, or high-quality faux florals selected to complement the overall design.

We welcome inspiration photos to help us understand your vision. While they are an excellent starting point, we do not duplicate another artist's work or reproduce copyrighted or trademarked designs.

Please note that Avenue 42 Bakehouse does not create:

• Character cakes
• Licensed or trademarked designs
• Novelty or sculpted cakes
• Heavily themed children's cakes
• Exact replicas of another cake artist's work

Each cake is an original design inspired by your vision and interpreted through the artistic style of Avenue 42 Bakehouse.

Our Custom Cake Process

Every custom cake begins with a conversation.

To help us create a cake that reflects your vision, all custom cake requests begin by completing our Cake Design Inquiry Form. This allows us to review your event details, determine availability, and prepare an accurate proposal.

Step 1 – Submit Your Cake Design Inquiry

Please provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Event date
• Occasion
• Number of servings
• Budget
• Flavor preferences
• Inspiration photos
• Color palette
• Venue (if applicable)
• Pickup or delivery preference
• Any additional design details

Step 2 – Design Review

We'll carefully review your request and determine whether additional information is needed.

Many custom cakes can be finalized through email. For larger celebrations, intricate designs, or projects requiring more detailed planning, we may recommend a complimentary Virtual Design Consultation to discuss your vision, finalize design details, answer questions, and prepare your custom proposal.

Step 3 – Proposal & Approval

Once your design has been finalized, you will receive a proposal outlining:

• Your custom cake design
• Final pricing
• Pickup or delivery arrangements
• Payment schedule
• Production timeline

Final pricing is based on:

• Cake size and number of servings
• Flavor and filling selections
• Design complexity
• Decorative elements, including handcrafted sugar work, florals, specialty finishes, and other custom details

Submitting a Cake Design Inquiry does not reserve your event date.

Your order is considered confirmed only after:

• Your proposal has been approved
• The required payment has been received
• Avenue 42 Bakehouse has confirmed your event date

Production will not begin until all order details have been finalized and approved.

Ordering Timeline

Custom cake inquiries must be submitted at least 14 days before your requested event date.

Due to our production schedule, rush orders are not accepted.

We encourage placing your order as early as possible, particularly for weddings, milestone celebrations, and peak holiday seasons, as availability is limited.

Retainer & Payment

A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to reserve your event date and secure your place on our calendar.

The remaining balance is due 7 calendar days prior to your scheduled pickup or delivery date.

Clients who choose to pay their order in full at the time of booking will receive a 5% courtesy discount.

Orders placed with less than 14 days' notice (if accepted under exceptional circumstances) require full payment at the time of booking.

Failure to submit the remaining balance by the due date may result in cancellation of your order without refund of the retainer.

Design Changes

Because many cakes require advance planning, specialty ingredients, handcrafted decorations, or custom floral elements, design changes are subject to the following deadlines.

Up to 30 Days Before Your Event

The following may be changed:

• Cake size
• Overall design
• Color palette
• Decorative elements
• Floral selections
• Overall style

After 30 days prior to your event, your design is considered approved and cannot be modified.

Up to 14 Days Before Your Event

The following may still be adjusted:

• Cake flavor(s)
• Filling selections

Flavor changes requested after this deadline cannot be guaranteed.

Cancellations

Orders may be canceled up to 14 days before the scheduled event date.

The initial retainer is non-refundable and secures your production date, consultation time, and planning process.

Cancellations made within 14 days of the event are non-refundable, as production scheduling, ordering, and preparation have already begun.

Pick-Up & Delivery

Pickup Orders

Many custom cakes may be picked up directly from Avenue 42 Bakehouse.

Detailed pickup instructions and transportation recommendations will be provided before your scheduled pickup.

Once your cake has been picked up, responsibility for the cake transfers to the customer. Avenue 42 Bakehouse is not responsible for damage resulting from improper transportation, handling, or storage after pickup.

Delivery

Certain cakes require professional delivery to ensure they arrive safely.

Delivery is required for:

• Cakes with three or more tiers
• Cakes featuring extensive structural or intricate decorative elements
• Any cake that Avenue 42 Bakehouse determines requires professional transportation

Delivery fees are calculated based on distance, setup requirements, and venue accessibility and will be included in your proposal.

Once delivery has been completed and the cake has been accepted by the client or venue, responsibility transfers to the client.

Cake Care & Storage

Your cake will include storage and serving instructions designed to ensure the best flavor, texture, and presentation.

Failure to properly transport, store, or serve the cake according to these instructions may affect its quality and appearance.

Avenue 42 Bakehouse cannot be responsible for damage or quality issues resulting from improper handling after pickup or delivery.

Allergies

Our kitchen regularly handles common allergens, including:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Soy
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts

While we take reasonable precautions to minimize cross-contact, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Customers with food allergies or dietary concerns should contact us before placing an order.

Artistic Variations

Every Avenue 42 Bakehouse cake is handcrafted.

Slight variations in color, floral placement, texture, decorative details, and overall appearance are part of the artistic process and make each cake uniquely yours.

Fresh flowers, seasonal ingredients, and specialty materials may occasionally require substitutions while maintaining the overall design aesthetic.

These variations are not considered defects.

Cake Tastings

Cake tasting boxes are available for purchase through our website.

Tasting boxes allow you to sample our signature cake flavors before placing your custom order.

The purchase price of a tasting box is separate from your custom cake order and is not credited toward your final balance.

Photography & Portfolio

Avenue 42 Bakehouse reserves the right to photograph completed cakes for use in our portfolio, website, social media, advertising, competitions, publications, and other marketing materials.

Privacy & Confidentiality

We understand that certain celebrations require an elevated level of privacy.

Avenue 42 Bakehouse maintains the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality for every client and event.

Upon request, we are happy to review reasonable Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) before accepting an order. Any requested NDA must be reviewed and approved prior to the commencement of work.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing through an executed confidentiality agreement, Avenue 42 Bakehouse reserves the right to photograph completed work for portfolio and marketing purposes.

Acceptance of This Policy

Submitting a Cake Design Inquiry or placing a custom cake order indicates that you have read, understood, and agree to this Custom Cake Order Policy.

If you have any questions before submitting your inquiry, please contact us at hello@avenue42bakehouse.com.

We look forward to creating a beautiful centerpiece for your celebration.