FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All of your questions on booking, ordering, delivery and dietary options all in one place.
Consultations & Booking
Why is there a fee for a cake consultation?
Every custom cake starts with a consultation, regardless of size. It reserves dedicated time just for you — to talk design, flavours, budget and everything in between — and results in a personalised quote. The fee is separate from the cost of your cake and secures your booking.
How much does a cake consultation cost?
There are three tiers, priced by consultation length: Simply Elegant is $20 for 10 minutes (cakes from $250), Celebration is $50 for 20 minutes (cakes from $500), and Extravagant is $100 for 40 minutes (cakes from $800, suited to larger weddings of 60+ guests). Every tier includes a personalised quote.
Is the cake consultation online or in person?
Consultations are held online via video call, so you can chat with Nadine from wherever suits you. Once you've booked, Nadine will be in touch to arrange a time and send through the video link.
How far in advance should we book?
Wedding dates can book well ahead, particularly during popular seasons. Early enquiries give you the best chance of securing your preferred date. Bookings are taken up to 12 months in advance, with planning usually starting around 6 months out and finalised roughly 3 months before the big day.
How quickly will I hear back after I book a consultation?
Nadine aims to be in touch within 24–48 hours of your booking to arrange a suitable video consultation time, based on the preferences you've shared.
What if I want a flavour or design that's not on the menu?
A $250 non-refundable Custom Recipe Development fee applies. It covers an initial trial of your chosen flavour and Nadine liaising directly with your venue. Please check with your venue first that they're able to work with an externally designed dessert concept before booking — some venues require all catering, including dessert, to come from their own kitchen.
How much deposit do I need to pay, and is it refundable?
Once your cake's size and design are finalised, a 50% non-refundable retainer is required (or a $250 non-refundable retainer for cakes booked outside the current financial year). This confirms your booking, with the remaining balance due at least 7 days before your cake is needed, or 4 weeks before for weddings. Full cancellation and refund terms are outlined at booking.
Wedding & Celebration Cakes
Is Nadine the Cake Queen award-winning?
Yes — Nadine is a Wedding Industry Awards winner (Mid North Coast) and a 2026 ABIA Wedding Cake Designer of the Year nominee.
How much notice do I need to give before ordering a cake?
Four weeks is ideal for an extravagant cake, and the shorter the notice, the simpler the cake needs to be.
Can we have different flavours on different tiers?
Absolutely. Different tiers can be created in different flavours where the design and structure allow — a great way to give your guests a choice.
Can I book a dessert table instead of, or as well as, a cake?
Yes — dessert tables are available across three levels of service: packaged desserts ready for you to collect and set up, delivery with venue setup using the venue's own pieces, or full on-site service where Nadine supplies everything, briefs the venue, and is on hand to serve and pack up.
Ready to Order
How does Ready to Order work?
Fill out the order form with your preferred products, quantities and pickup or delivery date. Nadine confirms availability and sends payment details within 24–48 hours.
Is there a minimum order?
Most cakes, cheesecakes and pies are single-item orders. Cupcakes, cookies and lamingtons have minimum order quantities, shown on each product.
Can I order a Celebration Cake without a consultation?
Yes — Celebration Cakes are part of the Ready to Order menu. Choose your size, shape and decoration style directly, no consultation required.
Delivery & Pickup
Where does Nadine the Cake Queen deliver to?
Nadine bakes from Smiths Lake and regularly delivers from Smiths Lake to Bulahdelah and Tuncurry, with delivery further afield across the Barrington Coast, Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle available on request.
Do you deliver to Sydney or Newcastle?
Yes — Nadine regularly creates custom wedding and celebration cakes for Sydney and Newcastle celebrations, with delivery priced at $100 per hour return journey from Smiths Lake.
Can I pick up my order?
Yes — free pickup is available from Nadine's Smiths Lake kitchen on every order.
How much does delivery cost?
Standard delivery is $100 per hour, return journey from Smiths Lake — for example, around $600 return to Sydney. Selected local venues have set fees: Pacific Palms Surf Lifesaving Club $25, Palms Pavilion $50, and The Moorings Lakehouse $100.
What's delivery like on the day?
Every delivery allows extra time for traffic, with careful, deliberate driving the whole way, and a constant lookout for hazards — the goal is always a cake that arrives looking exactly as it did when it left the kitchen.
Dietary & Flavours
Do you make gluten free, dairy free or vegan cakes?
Yes — Nadine bakes this way at home too, and has developed a full range for special diets and lifestyle choices. Just flag any ingredients to avoid when booking your consultation or placing a Ready to Order request.
What flavours are available?
The Ready to Order menu covers 24+ cake flavours plus cheesecakes, pies, cookies and more. For a custom Wedding & Celebration Cake, flavour and filling options are explored in full as part of your consultation.
Still have a question?
If you can't find what you're after here, get in touch directly and Nadine will get back to you personally.
Contact Nadine