Couple's fake wedding cake shock

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/south_west/8344070.stm

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A newlywed couple have been awarded £310 compensation after finding their wedding cake was made of polystyrene.

Bride Aimee West bought the three-tier sponge cake decorated with white and dark chocolate icing and flowers for their reception near Llanelli.

But just before she and new husband Tony cut through a layer of chocolate white polystyrene was found underneath.

Creative Cakes, which said there had been a mix-up, was told to compensate the couple by a small claims court.

Mrs West, 27, said: "It was a terrible shock - I felt so embarrassed in front of all our family and friends.

"It was a lovely occasion and the ceremony was going to be the icing on the cake - only there was no cake."

The couple were wed in Cyprus a week earlier then flew home for their reception at a hotel in Pembrey.

We could have asked for compensation for cutting the cake in front of all our guests but we wouldn't be able to put a figure on that Aimee West

They said when they ordered the cake they paid £270 up front to confectioners Creative Cakes.

But just four hours before the evening reception was due to start Mrs West said she discovered the cake company had forgotten to bake it.

She said: "They admitted their mistake and said 'Don't worry, we'll get you a cake'."

"They turned up that evening and the cake was put on a table for all to see.

"We were just about to cut it when someone discovered the cake people had left four layers of sponge cake in the hotel reception.

"That set alarm bells ringing and when my mother checked the cake she found it was made of polystyrene."

District Judge Marjorie Taylor gave Creative Cakes three months to repay the couple plus their costs.

Refund offered

Mrs West said after the case: "We are delighted to have been given our money back.

"We could have asked for compensation for cutting the cake in front of all our guests but we wouldn't be able to put a figure on that."

Karen Williams, who runs Creative Cakes from her home in Llanelli, blamed it all on a mix-up.

She said: "By the time Aimee contacted me it was too late to make the proper cake.

"I would never have the time to bake a cake and ice it in that time.

"I explained I would be delivering an artificial cake - they are quite common at weddings these days.

"I offered them a refund so there was no reason to take me to the small claims court."