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Custom desserts at THE FIFTH TIER are created through a thoughtful, collaborative process. Because each order is handcrafted and custom-designed, availability is limited and advance planning is essential.
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The steps below outline what to expect when requesting a custom order, from your initial inquiry to event day.
01. Inquiry
Submit a custom order request through our inquiry form.
You'll be asked to provide your event date, estimated guest count, design inspiration, and budget range, as well as contact information so I can reach you to discuss your order at length.
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This information allows me to determine my availability and being conceptualizing a design that aligns with your vision.
02. Design & Proposal
If availability allows, I'll create a tailored dessert concept based on your event details.
You'll receive a custom proposal outlining the design direction and investment.
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Because each order is custom, pricing reflects the design complexity, quantity, and overall scope rather than a preset menu.
03. Secure Your Date
Once the proposal is approved, your date is officially reserved with the acknowledged agreement and payment in full (or by deposit-orders above $500 only).
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Dates are not held without payment, and availability is limited to ensure the highest level of quality and attention to detail.
04. Order Creation
This stage is dedicated to production, finishing, details, and final presentation.
Your desserts are handcrafted fresh during the week of your event. Due to the individualized nature of each order, materials are purchased even further in advance. ​​
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To maintain consistency and quality, design changes are typically not accepted during creation weeks (up to 4 weeks prior to the event date).
05. Pick Up or Delivery
Orders are scheduled for coordinated pick up or local delivery at the time they are booked.
Pick up/delivery details can be located on your order invoice.
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Clear communication and scheduling ensure a smooth, stress-free handoff ahead of your event.
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*If you have an unexpected change of plans and cannot be available for your scheduled pick up/delivery, please designate someone else to pick up for you and notify me of the change as soon as possible.
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**To preserve a stress-free experience for all of my customers, I am often not able to accommodate last-minute changes. If you need to make a change, and cannot designate someone to pick up for you, please notify me immediately. Rescheduling will be based upon my availability, is not guaranteed, and cannot impede other client pick ups/deliveries.
Expectations & Policies
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Custom orders require advance notice and are accepted in limited quantities each week.
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As with any art form, exact design replicas cannot be guaranteed, although overall style and color palettes will be honored.
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Non customized desserts (i.e. drop cookies) are only offered as an add-on for custom dessert tables.
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Availability is not guaranteed until your order is confirmed and paid in full (or via deposit on orders exceeding $500).
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions. If you do not see your question listed, please feel free to reach out to ashleigh@thefifthtier.com after reviewing this page.
Q: Can you copy this exact inspiration photo?
A: No, I never agree to identically recreate someone else's art. While inspiration photos are encouraged, they will be used as a reference only. The final design will be a custom creation that accommodates the style, color palette, and quantities required for your event.
Q: Can you pencil me in?
A: I do not hold dates on my calendar without payment. Inquiring about an order does not guarantee availability. You order is not considered "booked" and space is not reserved on my calendar until payment is received.
Q: When do I have to pay?
A: Payment is due at the time of booking to secure space on my calendar. Dates will not be held without payment.
Q: Do I have to pay in full?
A: Orders totaling $500+ must secure their booking with a non-refundable, 20% retainer fee. This fee secures your booking and reserves space on my calendar. The remaining balance will be due no later than 4 weeks prior to the order due date.
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Orders totaling less than $500 will be due in full at the time of booking.
Q: I need to cancel my order. Can I get a refund?
A: Orders cancelled no later than 2 weeks prior to the order due date will be granted a full refund (minus the 20% retainer fee, if applicable). Materials are purchased and prep work begins weeks before your event date. Therefore, orders cancelled later than 2 weeks prior will not be eligible for a refund.
Q: Can I make changes to my order once booked.
A: Most changes (including increased/decreased quantities, flavor/design changes, ect..) can be accommodated IF made at least 4 weeks prior to the event date when the final balance is due. Changes made after this time are NOT guaranteed and are subject to my ability to accommodate them.
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If you need to reschedule your event due to illness, inclement weather, family emergency, ect...
I will do my best to accommodate you. However, your payment/retainer fee reserves a specific date/time on my calendar. If your newly requested event date/time are no available due to other bookings, I may not be able to accommodate the change. In this case I can:
1. Provide a refund (minus the retainer fee and only if the change is made at least 2 weeks prior to the original event date).
2. If not eligible for a refund, I will move forward with the order as planned and your pick up/delivery will remain as originally scheduled. I can provide you with information on possibly storing/freezing some of your items for later use.
Q: Do you offer gluten-free options (dairy free, nut free, ect..)?
A: No. Most of our products contain wheat, milk, soy and/or food dyes. Some of our products contain peanuts/tree nuts. As a licensed cottage food business, we bake out of a residential kitchen that houses and processes many common allergens including but not limited to: wheat, milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. As such, we do not consent to accommodate anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies. We provide an allergy warning on all of our products and can provide a full ingredient list for custom orders upon request.
-If dietary restrictions are a concern for you, I'm happy to put you in contact with other local bakeries that do specialize in those types of products.
