By Rebecca Pyper for Family Living

Paula Ames of Cake Creations knows custom cakes are pricier than making your own boxed variety at home, but besides saving parents time, a special-order cake can save the party.

“There’s always the ‘wow’ factor. When you bring in a birthday cake that’s professionally done, and it’s a sculpture of something that’s meaningful, not only is your child the center of attention, but everybody is really impressed by the cake,” Ames said. “It really adds that extra something to a party.”

Customers tend to order cakes representing the personality and interests of the birthday girl or boy. The current trend for girls’ cakes is a hot pink and lime color scheme, and boys tend to choose a sports theme. Three-dimensional sculptures are popular and can even be done with moving parts and lights — though the cost increases with orders for those. “Almost anything can be achieved in sugar. If you can dream it, it can be done,” Ames said.

Ames, who recently competed on TLC’s series Ultimate Cake Off, makes her cakes from scratch, so flavor isn’t sacrificed for artistry. But maybe the biggest perk of a custom cake is the memory; everyone will remember the year Junior had the cake with the waving Elmo, she said.

“Everybody wants things that are more personal. They want things that are a direct reflection of themselves. They’re no longer satisfied with a sheet cake that says ‘Happy birthday,’” Ames said.

Want to order your own custom cake? Call Cake Creations at 709-3033.