Supplier Q&A featuring Cakes by Krishanthi

Can you give me some more information about your business (where you are based, exactly what you do and how long you have been doing it?)

Cakes by Krishanthi, based in Surbiton, Surrey. I retrained six years ago and been baking and designing cakes for family and friends; business was founded since just over a year ago.

What do you enjoy about working in the wedding industry and why?

I love using my artistic skills and my creative mind to design wedding cakes. It is such a happy occasion that the couples are usually on such high spirits when planning their wedding. I enjoy the buzz of the wedding industry; it gives suppliers the opportunity to be creative, artistic and be innovative. There are so many talented people out there.

What do you think makes a wedding stand out?

A wedding that is truly unique and personal which will reflect the couples’ true personalities.

What do you feel a bride should be asking a supplier when booking?

Talk specifically about their requirements, e.g. taste/ theme/ colours/ design/look/style/budget. Ask whether the supplier offers (free) consultation and take advantage of it. Do your research and prepare questions prior to the consultation. Questions can also incl. delivery and set up on the day of your wedding, ask to look at their portfolios, any testimonials, etc.

When you have a wedding booking, how do you get yourself ready and prepare for it?

After the consultation, start working on design ideas and liaise with the couple. Liaise with the venue. Prepare anything that can be made in advance, e.g. sugar flowers, buy ribbons,etc. Bake cakes 5-4 days in advance, ice and decorate 1-2 days before the wedding.

Do you have any pre-wedding, on the day or post-wedding tips that you would like to share?

Things can go wrong; don’t panic and remain calm. Let others help you as much as possible.

Try to relax and enjoy everything prior to the wedding, on the day and after the wedding.

Don’t concentrate on what has gone wrong but concentrate on the positives.

Can you tell us one of your best wedding moments?

One couple gave me the opportunity to design their wedding cake. I was only told about the colours of the wedding and that the cake should be quite unusual in look. The day after the wedding, I got a call from a very excited bride who has since then recommended me to her friends.

Have you noticed any innovative or unique ideas at a wedding recently?

I love Martha Stewarts wedding ideas, very innovative and unique. There are lots of vintage designs out there at the moment which I also like. I love anything alternative.

What piece of advice would you give a bride (or groom) prior to their day?

STAY CALM AND TRY TO ENJOY AND HAVE FUN.

What do you think the next wedding trend will be?

Vintage will be around for a while. The following colours will be in trend for alternative weddings: teal and coral, mint and vintage purple. However, The traditional white and ivory will never die out.

I think some young couples are moving away from the traditional weddings and looking for something different. When it comes to cakes, people prefer to have sponges rather than the traditional fruit cake. A lot of trend coming over from the US and definitely, internet helps couples to do their research well. Wedding fairs also help couples to give ideas about what’s available out there.