As I stumble out of the heavy rain and through the door, I’m immediately transported to a world of pink, icing, and sprinkles. People are at the counter getting their Saturday morning sugar fix, and lined up behind the glass are the most scrumptious looking cupcakes. As I’m tempted to purchase one myself, Chelsea, the chef of Gobble Cakes in Blacksburg, VA steps out to greet me. We sit down in the stools in front of a huge bay window that looks out on the campus of Virginia Tech and we start to chat about weddings.

Q: So, Chelsea what are some of the benefits for a Bride choosing cupcakes instead of a cake for her wedding?

A: I think the variety in flavors and options is one of the biggest benefits. You can make sure there are flavors everyone likes. Cupcakes are also beneficial for the guests, they are easy to grab and eat and it eliminates having to cut and serve the cake.

Q: What if the Bride and Groom still want a traditional cake cutting?

A: Well, here at Gobble Cakes we also provide the option of adding on either a 6 in or 8 in cake that you can cut and also save for your one year anniversary if you like. We can also stack the cakes so that you have a small wedding cake, and then cupcakes for your guests. The other way we can set it up is we have cake stands that we provide and your cake can be set on top with the cupcakes on the different tiers, so it resembles a wedding cake, but instead of cutting the guest can just come grab a cupcake.

Q: How does the process work for Brides who are interested in working with you?

A: We schedule three tastings. The couple can choose up to 6 flavors and that’s what we focus on in the first tasting. Normally, brides settle on 3-4 flavors for their wedding but they can choose all 6 if they like. The second tasting we focus on look, design, etc. So they can decide how they want each flavor to be decorated. Then the third tasting is the final check that everything looks and tastes they way the bride envisioned. Some brides choose to opt out of the 3rd tasting, while some want one more look, so we leave that one optional for them.

Q: Do you prefer if brides give you images and ideas of things they like?

A: Yes, when they first contact us and during the email consultations before the tastings happen I love when the brides send me pictures, suggestions, or examples of cupcakes they would like. It makes the process a little smoother and we can replicate anything they want.

Q: What size cupcakes do you have?

A: We have the large and mini’s that we sell in the store, and then offer a medium size for weddings since it’s more reasonable after all the delicious food, and a little easier to eat. But we’ve had brides use the mini’s for weddings as well.

Q: How many cupcakes would you recommend ordering?

A: For the medium size we recommend ordering extra so that there is more that one for the guest who would like, but you don’t need to plan double your guest count. For the mini’s we recommend to plan for 3 or 4 a guest.

Q: When is the best time to start planning with you all?

A: About 3-4 months before your wedding would be good, but the earlier you do the less likely there will be conflicts with another wedding.

Q: Are you able to cater to more than one wedding a weekend?

A: As of right now we won’t book more than one wedding on a Saturday, but if your wedding was a Friday or Sunday we would. Though we may have more help come wedding season so we may start to. Still the earlier you contact us, the better it will be to hold your date.

Q: What do you all need at the venue to set up?

A: We bring everything we need with us and actually ice your cupcakes on location so there is no chance they could be damaged in transport. We normally come to the reception venue three hours before the reception will start, unless there is an extra intricate design then we come a little earlier. We normally don’t even see brides on the wedding day, just sneak in and out and then we will pick up our stands from the venue the next day. The only thing you will need to provide are your own cake cutting tools if you opt to have a cake as well.

Q: Tell me a little more about the cupcakes themselves.

A: All our cupcakes and icing are make completely from scratch with the highest quality ingredients. We make sure and purchase high quality items so that our cupcakes will taste the best they can. Also we grow some of our own fruit for our summer seasonal flavors. We also provide a gluten free option if your guests require that.

Q: Sounds amazing, speaking of are there any flavors that you love or are more popular for weddings?

A: The crème brulee is one we’ve done at almost every wedding and is very popular. Also the salted caramel has been a favorite. We are coming out with some new flavors for February as well that I think would make great wedding cupcakes. They are: Strawberry and Champagne, Pistachio and Rose, Lavender and Honey, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Chocolate Covered Pretzel, and Almond and Raspberry.

Q: Well that sounds delicious. Anything else you think would be helpful for brides to know?

A: We are really flexible and will work with you and customize to what you want so your vision will come to life. And so far everyone who has done a tasting with us has used us for their wedding!

Thank you Chelsea for sitting down with me! It was so fun to learn more about having cupcakes for a wedding in this second installation of Wedding Wednesdays. Brides, what are you planning? Cake, cupcakes, or a combination? Leave your comments and questions below! And if you haven’t yet, stop by Gobble Cakes at 145 College Ave. in Blacksburg, VA I can’t wait to try the Chocolate Covered Pretzel next month!