Custom cake orders involve more coordination than a standard bakery purchase, and understanding what to discuss in advance helps ensure the final result matches expectations both visually and in taste. Ask to see a portfolio of previous custom work specifically similar in style to what you are envisioning, since a bakery skilled at elaborate sculpted cakes may take a different approach to a simpler, more elegant design, and matching style expertise matters considerably. Tasting appointments, offered by most reputable custom bakeries, are worth insisting on before finalising a significant order, since flavour and texture preferences are highly personal and a cake that looks stunning but tastes disappointing undermines much of the celebration value. Discuss serving size requirements clearly and accurately, since cakes are typically priced and sized based on expected guest count, and an inaccurate initial estimate can result in an insufficient cake on the day itself. For any custom design involving specific dietary requirements — gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free — confirm the bakery has genuine experience and appropriate kitchen protocols for that requirement, since cross-contamination risk matters significantly for guests with real allergies rather than simple preference. Delivery and setup logistics, particularly for larger or more structurally complex cakes, should be arranged directly with the bakery rather than assumed to be included, since transport of an elaborate cake carries genuine risk if handled without appropriate care.