I had a lady contact me directly via theknot.com. It said she "wanted to set an appointment to order a wedding cake from my company". I responded that I normally do my consults on Sundays, and would 1pm work for her?

She said that was fine, she'd see me then.

I'm concerned that she is expecting food. I don't do tastings for less than 100 serving weddings. How should I phrase the response so that she is aware there will be no cake but without seeming bitchy?

I called it a consult instead of a tasting on purpose...but I'm worried she won't make the distinction.

You can send her another email with an "Outline of what to expect at your consultation". You can also advise her of things she might want to bring with her; ie. copies of her invitations, flowers, colors, etc. And you can then add in that cake tastings are limited to weddings of over 100. Or you can say that a cake tasting can be scheduled during this same consultation at a rate of $20, or whatever figure you choose. That way you get paid for a tasting no matter the size of the wedding.

You could make like a reminder email like this:

"You have scheduled a non-tasting consult with xxx bakery at xxpm on January xx, 2011. We are so excited to meet you! Please be sure to bring the following items to your consult so that we can best plan your perfect cake: ...."

Then, like the above poster said, if she asks for a tasting you can give her a price...

Wow, I can see that being awkward! It looks like you got some really great advice though! I pray it goes well, and all her brides maids and their sisters need you for cake too

Yeah, she wanted a tasting, and she wanted it free, and she cancelled.

Thank you for the advice, though! I will hold on to that one!

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but do you ever combine a consult with a tasting if the bride tells you how many people in advance and it meets with your minimum?

Just another thought to add in (even though she already cancelled), you could tell people there is a charge for the tasting, but that it will be deducted from the price if they book with you. (Providing that would work for a little smaller cake)

Stupid brides......

I want free cake too! Call myself a "bride" and call every baker in town. Good to be rid of her, as it was just an excuse to party with her gal pals.

Wow, I bet you saved yourself a huge headache! I bet the tasting wouldn't have been all she wanted for free!

What if she wanted a thousand dollar cake, nevermind that it only served a hundred.

Oh, it was less for 100 servings. Well, anyways, I usually don't consider serving amounts, I consider price.