Mother’s Day is a very busy time for bakers, especially those crafting delightful floral cupcakes – a perfect gift for mums. As someone who has navigated through busy Mother’s Days, I'm eager to share some invaluable tips that have been my guiding light. Feel free to add your insights in the comments below.

1. Know Your Limits

Consider your time, capabilities, and experience when deciding on the number of orders you are willing to take on. Don't overcommit, especially if it's your first year. Start small and build your confidence.

2. Simplify Your Offerings

Streamline your options to avoid overwhelming yourself. Stick to one design offering. Offer a cupcake box of 6 and a bouquet of 7 for example. Opt for one cake flavour, vanilla is a safe bet. Keep it simple and manageable.

3. Choose Manageable Designs

Opt for flower designs that aren't overly intricate, saving your hands from excessive strain. Try to avoid flowers like mini chrysanthemums, Scabiosa, proteas etc. instead opt for flowers like Roses, 2D hydrangeas, swirl roses, and tulips using Russian nozzles are excellent choices. You can have one fancy statement flower in the centre of your bouquet with more basic designs for the rest. Remember, customers don't expect complex flowers; colours can elevate a simple design so it looks more complex.

4. Preparation Is Key

Ensure a smooth operation by preparing in advance:

Make all of your buttercream ahead of time.
Bake and freeze cupcakes, ready for piping.
Put together bouquet structures, cupcake boxes, cake boxes, bows, labels and allergen stickers in advance.
Pipe any mini flowers early and refrigerate.
Triple-check your orders as it’s so easy to miss one and confirm only with full payment. Remember if you don’t take full payment it’s highly likely you’ll have some no shows.

5. Pipe in Stages

Start piping your cupcakes the day before collection, beginning with lighter shades and progressing to darker ones. Utilise any leftover buttercream for foliage by adding all left over buttercream in a bowl with a good squirt of green. (This only works with pastel shades being mixed together. If you do this with dark shades it’s likely you’ll end up with brown buttercream)

6. Assemble Thoughtfully

Start assembling bouquets and cupcake boxes once you’ve finished piping. Count orders at least twice, ensuring nothing is missed. Remember it’s easier to rectify a mistake or missed order the day before collection.

7. Set Collection Slots

Assign collection slots during the booking process. Opt for collections a day before the event to manage the workload. I assign everyone with a 15 minute window to collect their orders.

8. Prioritise Self-Care

Start early on the event day, and take breaks if needed. If your hands ache, don't hesitate to stop and rest. Soak your hands and wrists in hot water to alleviate muscle aches and cramps.

Mother’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to boost sales and showcase your skills. Be honest about your capabilities, stay organised, and enjoy the rewarding process of creating beautiful cupcakes for mums. Happy piping and good luck xx

P.s I’ve added some pictures of some of my simple bouquets below. Feel free to copy any of these for your Mother’s Day bouquets. They are easy to pipe but still very pretty.