This page is created to answer some of the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact me so I may be of more help.

Q. How many wedding cakes do you book per weekend?

I create 1 to 3 wedding cakes on an average weekend. Quantity of bookings is factored on the number of guests at your event, difficulty of the cake design and location of the reception site.

Q. How soon do I need to reserve Shelly's Country Cakes for my wedding?

Since I accept a limited number of wedding cakes each weekend, I book fairly quickly - especially during the wedding season (May through November). I recommend reserving your date six months to one year in advance. A $100 non-refundable deposit will save your date.

Please inquire about availability.

Q. Since you're located in Baxter, do I meet you at your bakeshop or another place?

I am happy to meet you for a bridal consultation at a Des Moines and Ames area coffee house.

Q. Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?

You can bring pictures of cake designs from bridal magazines, photographs from other weddings, and color swatches. You should also have a general idea of your style so your cake complements the flowers, table decorations, etc.

However, some brides prefer to seek my guidance and advice. I would be happy to help you plan your wedding cake.

Q. Do you offer tastings?

Yes, I do. At the time of your bridal consultation, I will provide 6 complimentary cake samples of your liking. The actual tasting, unfortunately, cannot be held at the meeting location.

Q. Do you deliver my wedding cake?

Yes, I deliver and set up your wedding cake to your central Iowa location. There will be a mileage charge from my bakeshop to the reception site.

Q. Do you have a pamphlet or brochure you can send me?

Yes, I do. However, my web site is the best source for information about Shelly's Country Cakes.

Q. Do you make "dummy cakes."

No, I do not. Dummy (fake) cakes are not cost effective for the bride. The labor to construct and decorate a dummy cake is comparable to a real cake. Plus, additional cake(s) need to be purchased to serve your guests.

Q. Do you make birthday cakes?

Due to time constraints, I do not make occasional cakes such as birthday, graduation, baby shower cakes, etc.

However, if you use my services for your wedding cake, I would be glad to make a groom and/or bridal cake if desired. My specialty is custom-designed wedding cakes.

Q. Do you offer a referral list?

References will be happily provided.