Let’s talk about CAKE! Wedding cake is delicious and one of the best parts of the wedding day. When I knew I was moving to England, I started to research the wedding industry, wedding vendors, wedding venues and everything that had to do with weddings in the UK and England. One of the vendors I fell in love with was Malarkey Cakes based in London. Her cakes are more than a delicious end to a wedding meal; they are works of art! I literally haven’t seen anything like them, anywhere.
Since I was so inspired by her cakes, I reached out to Katie for an interview. I wanted to know how she came to bake, what inspires her, and her take on the wedding industry here in England. Well, she said yes and was so easy to chat with (over social), friendly and just great to connect with in general. After a few interactions, I can easily see why people love to choose Malarkey Cakes for their wedding. Keep reading to learn a bit about Katie and Malarkey Cakes - and to find out her favorite cake flavor!
Katie, Owner of Malarkey Cakes
“Anything can be applied to an edible medium and made into a cake!”
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I started making cakes when I got engaged as I decided I wanted to make our wedding cake. Very quickly, I started making celebration cakes for friends and family but really wanted to do wedding cakes. I booked myself into a small wedding fair and went in at the deep end. I made a selection of display cakes and they went down really well and I got lots of orders.
What are some things you do that keep you interested, inspired and current on the year’s trends?
I follow a lot of interior designers, architects and artists online and I usually get completely overwhelmed with inspiration whenever I look through a design or fashion magazine or find a really inspiring account online! Anything can be applied to an edible medium and made into a cake!
Who do you admire?
Anyone who has set up their own business, realized how hard it is and stuck with it and made a success of it.
Why do you love the wedding industry?
I love working with couples on a part of their big day. The wedding cake is one aspect of a wedding that I think most couples find the fun part. Cake makes people happy, plus, when else in your life will you do a cake tasting session?!
What is trending for the upcoming wedding season?
I don’t necessarily follow trends in my cake design, but I think Australia is always leaps and bounds ahead of us here in the UK in terms of wedding styling and design, so I do keep an eye on Australian wedding blogs and stylists.
What would you tell a bride to avoid having as part of her wedding?
A nasty, tacky cake topper and chair covers!
Is there something you would like to see go away from the 2020 wedding season?
Multiple dessert towers along-side a wedding cake. Don’t get me wrong! I would be the first to dig in to a donut tower, but I always advise couples on ways to make sure their cake all gets served and eaten. A lot of couples go overboard and want a massive cake, a brownie tower, a donut wall, a sweetie table and they have a three course meal. The thought of wasted food makes me so sad and I don’t think there is any need for so much of it. It’s horrifying how much of it goes in the bin! Rant over!
Can you describe one of your most memorable weddings you have worked on and explain why you love it?
This year I worked with my absolute dream couple. They found me on a wedding blog; they loved the style of my cakes; gave me free reign to design their cake for them; and working with them was an absolute dream. They invited me to their wedding too and it was incredible!
What do you feel has made you successful?
I think finding my niche and making my cake design stand out has really been the key to the success I have had so far.
How do you spend your time off?
I love spending time with friends and family and this is usually alongside great food. I love shopping for a bargain and I travel as much as I can.
When should couples contact you to guarantee you are available for their wedding day?
As soon as possible, especially if they’re getting married between March and November. Those months book up fast and so many people leave their cake until the last minute!
Where do you hold client meetings? Do you meet every couple prior to booking them?
I hold my client meetings at a hotel in Liverpool Street, London where I am also the preferred cake supplier. I meet every wedding cake couple before they book in as I think meeting face to face is so important.
Do you send a gift when a client books you? Do you send a thank you gift? Do you send anniversary or holiday cards/gifts?
I’m starting to roll out thank you gift ideas, but I can’t say what they are yet, as I don’t want to give away the surprise!
How do you make your clients feel special?
I hope my clients feel special knowing that they are getting a cake that’s completely unique to them and their event. I also make sure they know I will take care of every single detail for their wedding cake, so that they don’t have to worry about it.
What makes you want to work with someone else in the industry?
If someone has similar values to me and their style fits, they’re definitely someone I want to work with.
What turns you off from working with someone?
When people want a freebie and to offer nothing in return. That word ‘collaboration’ is one to watch out for.
What is your favorite cake flavor?
Ooooh! That’s hard! But it has to be chocolate….or sticky toffee pudding. Can I have two????