Trying to make a long story short, two of my sisters work at the same place, and their main boss has been good to me, giving me a lot of business, personally and for the store, since I've been here the past 3 months. She wanted me to make her daughter's wedding cake for Dec 28th, but I didn't think I would still be here at that time. When I found out I was, I went to the store and told her I would be able to make it after all. She told me she would talk to her daughter and give me a call. Well, that was several weeks ago, and I have not received any phone call. However, every time she sees my sister she tells her she is still planning on getting me to make the cake. My sister gave her our home phone number, but still no call. I am just so frustrated 'cause there are only a few days left before Christmas, the stores are crazy, I have all my Christmas baking to do and I don't know when I'll ever have time to make 10 tiers along with all my other stuff I have to do, not to mention fighting the crazy before-Christmas crowds to get all the ingredients.

If it were anyone else, I would say to heck with it, but I don't want to cause trouble for my sister at work. I'm just worried that she'll call the day before the wedding or something and ask where her cake is. I can never get in touch with her when I try to send a message with my sister to work. I don't feel like I should have to be the one to chase her down, when I've already gone down to the store to tell her I could do it.

I guess I will try calling her at work tomorrow, and tell her if I don't get a 50% deposit by the evening I will not be able to do the cake. I am just so aggravated that she's just left it to the last minute and now I'm going to be stressed over Christmas trying to get this stupid cake done when I have all my baking to do and would rather be spending time relaxing with my family. GRRR!!! Thanks for letting me vent!

Melissa

Yoikes! Craziness! You'd think the woman would want confirmation about something as important as the cake...especially if it's a big one! Hope it all works quickly!

Angela

Breath! its ok i know how u feel but a diffrent situation.and always remember everything will turn out as it should!

Deep, deep breath! I know better than most that you don't need any added stress-I lived in Lakeview (about 2 miles from the 17 st. breach). This is still a difficult time and the last thing you need is a crazed bride calling you at the last minute for a monster cake!!! I would try to get a message to her that if she still needs a cake you need to get with her by x day because you've had someone else inquire about that date and you want to give her first choice. That way it's on "someone" else and not you giving her pressure, especially since she is the boss' daughter.

Hope it all turns out well and you and your family are doing ok too!!

I think you have the right idea in mind by calling her at work and telling her you need 50%. She can't expect that you will have her cake done when she hasn't confirmed with you or even given you a deposit. For her daughter's sake I hope the rest of the wedding was planned out much better.

susanrcp has a point!! Who gets married in what, 10 days, and doesn't have a cake lined up???

Warning: Tough talk ahead.

Girl, how in the world does HER not getting back to you and confirming she wants a cake turn into YOU causing problems for your sisters??!?

She's a store manager, she is not unfamiliar with deadlines and confirmations. Call her personally, don't have your sisters do it, but talk to her and tell her you MUST have a confirmation by AT LEAST 7 days before the wedding. No ifs ands or buts here. This is still a business deal, and there are reasons for these requirements, such as giving you enough time to get your ingredients and make the dang thing.

It's NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to "feel bad" about this. Stop being "nice" and get your business head in gear. Friend or not, you still need to get the cake stuff together, make any flowers and bake the thing. "Nice" doesn't make any of that go away. Set a "DUE DATE" for the confirmation (and don't tack on extra days!!) and if she doesn't get back to you by then, that's HER RESPONSIBILITY.

STOP BEING "NICE"! Don't absorb her problems and then turn around and worry about offending her. You get the order on time, you make the cake and get it to her on the required date. That's ALL you are responsible for.

Friends or not, there are needs to be met and one is to give confirmation ON TIME. She's seen this before, you won't surprise her with this concept. But MAKE IT KNOWN TO HER this is required, personally. There will be no "But I wasn't aware" problems later on. Set the rules out and stick to them.

Besides, getting this step off her plate will actually be a relief for her, it's no longer an issue she needs to worry about.

Bottom line: Don't let their indecision get the better of you, stand your ground, pleasantly but firmly require that confirmations and decisions on style and size be finalized in time for you to make a cake that isn't "last second" and you should be just fine.

Aw, Melissa. Do you have an address you can swing by and ask?
Hope things turn out okay.
Barbara