On our vendor spotlight this week, we catch up with Helen Lindopp from Gift Cakes. Helen’s love for baking and design led her to turn her passion into a business.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Helen, I am originally from the UK, but have been living in Ireland since 1998. I’m married to Paul and have two children.
What inspires you?
All sorts of things! I’m always looking for ideas for cakes and am inspired by interior design, fabrics, style blogs, and I especially love the new trend for all things vintage.
What is the best part about making wedding cakes?
The fact that my cake will be a part of a couple’s special day. The cake cutting ceremony is a lovely tradition and gives a great informal photo opportunity for the guests. Although it is seems a shame to cut a cake that has taken days to prepare, the photos will be in the wedding album forever!
What makes you stand out from other wedding cake designers out there?
I offer great customer service and deliver a top-quality product. Couples can book a design consultation with me to ensure they get the wedding cake they are looking for. Brides often have very clear ideas of what they want while others need some help with the design. Meeting with couples allows me to get a feel for the style of the wedding and gives me a little insight into their personalities which all contributes to creating a stunning centrepiece that suits the occasion perfectly.
What’s your favourite moment from your job?
I love seeing people’s reaction to a cake. I also make all sorts of celebration cakes and it’s lovely to contribute to happy occasions. Every party needs a great cake!
Have you had any unusual requests for wedding cake designs?
I haven’t had a really unusual request (yet!) the most difficult ones are where the couple have let most of the design up to me, it’s a real challenge to come up with something they both will love.
What’s your working day or week like?
It can get incredibly busy and I need to be very organized to meet the deadlines. It can often involve long hours and late nights spent icing cakes and making sugar flowers, but I love doing it!
What made you want to work in the wedding industry?
I’m a big romantic at heart and I love the whole buzz around a wedding. Making wedding cakes allows me to indulge in my passion for cake decorating.
Have you seen many changes since you started your business?
I think couples are being more cautious about what they are spending their wedding budget on. It is up to suppliers to continue to offer great products that are value for money.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to couples planning their wedding?
It’s your big day, so go with things that will make you both happy. In the case of wedding cakes, you don’t have to have fruit cake just because it’s traditional and some of your guests will expect it. There are lots of flavour options and you can have a different cake for each tier so you can have something that will please everyone.
Where can we find you?
Website: www.Giftcakes.org
Email: hlindopp@gmail.com
Telephone: 086 8562212
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GiftCakes
Helen did my wedding cake and OMG she did it FAB!!!
Delicious – guests are still going on about it being “the most gorgeous cake I have ever tasted” from a baker!! “an incredible mix of flavours and wonderful textures”
The icing was more perfect than even I had dreamed!
And as for Helen herself!! Well, she is an absolute sweetheart!!
I have been back already for my husbands birthday cake!! (I gave her a picture of what I wanted and she did them perfectly! I will return for any occasions!
i love these cakes. they are so precious. they look perfect for a inside beach moment where they brides wears a beautiful colored gown, centerpieces in glass jars, and a little jazz music in the background.