I am coming up on the date of 1 month prior to my first wedding cake. That is the date for the remainder of the payment. Is it expected that I email or mail a balance due statement (long distance bride)? I don't want to be a pain, but I don't want her to forget, either.

How do you handle this?

Thanks,
Kathi

Try e-mailing at first. If you get no response then send a bill. You could also let them know that if it's not paid in full that there will be no cake.

You are running a business, and like any business you should expect to be paid. The utility companies and every company out there don't mind reminding anyone that money is owed.

The bride might simply have let time slip away and not realize what obligations she has. She might actually be glad that you reminded her.

HTH

Michele

I agree - brides have a lot on their minds with their wedding coming up and she may forget. I think a quick reminder email is a great idea!

HTH

Jen

PS - not that I've done a wedding cake before, but I do think its a good idea and a "bump" for you nonetheless.....

1 month before the wedding I send a statement/invoice reminding them of the balance due and due date. I figure they have a lot on their mind and appreciate the reminder. I haven't had any problem with brides not paying yet *crosses fingers*

with all of my orders I also send a self addressed and stamped envelope. I find that I get my payments a lot quicker!

I sent the following email this afternoon:

Hi xxxxx,

I hope all is going well as you prepare for your wedding. Knowing how many details there are during the final weeks, I thought I would send a reminder that we are approaching your final payment date of July 12, 2007. I am looking forward to creating your wedding cake and will let you know when the payment has been received.

I am unsure how far in advance of the wedding you will be traveling to North Carolina, but since you will be picking up your cake on Saturday night, I will need a contact number for the week prior to the wedding. This will insure that we have our schedules coordinated.

If you have any questions, please be sure to contact me.

Thank you,
Kathi Kreider
Parve Pleasures and More
919-872-2511

How does that sound? I was trying to sound friendly, but professional.

Thanks,
Kathi

Kathi- I think it sounds fine. You were professional, but also friendly. I'm sure the bride will appreciate the friendly reminder.

Kathi,

Your letter sounds very nice and professional. I agree about the utility companies, etc. They expect their payment on a certain date and if it is not there they will disconnect you.

So don't feel bad for expecting your payment. She doesn't know whether or not you have other clients so it is good that you reminded her. She also has her hands full right now and it is very easy to forget things when under that much stress. Many blessings on your first wedding cake!

Veronica

Thanks Veronica and JRAE33. I haven't heard back yet, but it is was a holiday this week and she might have been traveling.

Thanks,
Kathi

Hi Kathi,

Your letter looks great! At the one month mark, I send something similar, a "just checking in" email to remind brides of what their order is. I go over what I have on file for their order (flavours, sizes of tiers, total amount of servings, etc.) and ask them to confirm everything. I also let them know at the same time the final payment amount and when it is due (2 weeks before the wedding for me), and how they can pay it.

I find brides love this service, because most of them have forgotten about the cake's final payment (it was usually booked months in advance), so they find the reminder very helpful. I keep a draft email on file and just fill in the blanks for each one that I need to send, so it doesn't take me much time to do either.

Nicole

i think it's perfect...well said

and yes, i remind my clients too...just a friendly e-mail like that is usually good...

Absolutely! I remember that day, that week even, being so hectic and you tend to forget stuff. So a friendly reminder is nice.