I am doing a wedding cake in 3 weeks. The couple lost their son 2 weeks ago in a drowning and are struggling with finances after the funeral. I am charging them $300 for the cake and flowers. I feel really bad for them so I don't know what to do. Advise please. Thanks
Wow. That's so sad!
Honestly, I think you have to follow your heart here. If you can afford to give them a better deal that you are already, and feel moved to do so, then I would.
But it sounds to me like they're already getting the deal of a lifetime. As sad as their situation is, this is still a business transaction. If you really want to do something for them, maybe you could offer them a payment plan of some sort (assuming that they're trustworthy!)
All I can think about is OMG...they are still having the wedding? I guess if they are not postponing it, and they still want the cake, then do what you feel they need. You won't be known as the charity baker. You will be known as the baker with a heart who helped a friend in need.
I'm so sorry for them.
Oh my, I am so sorry to hear about their loss, I can't imagine what they are going through and this close to such a big event for them. My thoughts are with them and their family
To answer your question:
If you want to only have them pay you for supplies that is fine it is your call, your the baker and they didn't ask for it. Just because you are giving them a deal doesn't mean everyone else needs to know about it.
Type up an invoice with the actual amount that you agreed upon for the cake. Then do a line item under the subtotal of what you don't want them to pay (your labor/time) and then have the total equal enough to cover supplies. You can label it as a gift or anything else you wish. This way they know that it is your way of saying you care and are trying to help out. But if anyone else ask then they can say it was a $300 cake.
An alternative may be to accept full payment for the cake, then take whatever amount you decide is appropriate and give it directly to the funeral director, anonymously if you wish. That way you are not seen as the charity baker, and the amount you decide upon will be deducted from their bill.
Get a receipt from the funeral director for the amount donated to the expense, and have him send them notice that this amount has been deducted from their bill by anonymous donation.
Theresa 
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%