Ok I got my first signed contract yesterday. I charged her a $250 deposit fee/non refundable. I told her that up front before I started the contract. I was going to charge that for all of my wedding cakes. Is that too much?
Also, how do you charge for fondant or satin bows on cakes? Everything seems to cost extra, so I am just confused on how to charge for everything. Should I just charge a flat fee and include it in the price or charge extra for this?
How many of you charge a rental fee on all of your equipment. I have seen some people that don't charge rental fees on their cake stands and some that do. How do you pay for them if you don't charge?
Ok one last question. I make all of my gumpaste flowers, letters(cake toppers), sugar bubble, and people. How do you all charge for them being "extras"? I would really appreciate any help on this subject.
Thank you soooooo much in advance!!!
I dont sell cakes but from reading quite of few posts on these subjects I think there are a lot of variables to look at. Such as the difficulty, the cost to you for materials, the cost of living in yr area etc. I've also seen where most people charge a deposit for the cake stands refunded upon return. I've also seen some people charge a percentage of the total costs for a deposit. However having said all that lol I'll give you a bump so someone with some experience can help you out.
I charge a non-refundable $50 deposit on all weddings to hold the date. The balance needs to be paid in full at least one week before the wedding or they don't get a cake. You are wise to get the signed contract too.
I include pillar and seperator plate construction in the price of my cakes, but if they want my fancy stands, water fountains, etc, they rent them. I charge 1/4 of purchase price for the rental fee. For example, if you paid $80 to purchase your fanci-fountain, the rental fee is $20 per event.
For really over the top decorations or extras, such as gum paste, fondant bows, etc, I charge extra. I usually figure out the cost of ingreds plus a little bit for my time and that's what they get charged. If it costs you extra money and time, you should be compensated for it.
You should also charge for delivery and set up. I include basic set up in the price of my deliveries, but if they want a cake on each guest table or something like that, then it's $20 per hour for the additional set up. I also have a minimum charge of $15 on my delivery to ensure someone doesn't make me waste my time to drive 2 miles or something.
You mentioned putting satin bows on cakes. Any time a wedding cake requires ribbons, I make the bride provide it. I tell them if they provide it, they can get it right from the flower or dress shop and have a guarantee that it matches the rest of their decorations. Then you don't have a Bridezilla come after you later becuase your idea of cranberry red was different than hers! 
The biggest thing to remember is that your time is valuable. You will get better at putting a price on your time as you get some more experience. Good luck!
My deposit is 25% of the total cake fee and is non-refundable for any reason.
I also charge a $20 equipment fee for the English style drum and SPS. Then all that is disposable and it covers my costs.
Flowers, some I make and some I buy, range from $0.50 to $6 each. I quoted a cake yesterday that had $300 worth of flower work on it. The cake was $320.
The balance on the invoice must be paid no later than two weeks prior. It takes two weeks for a check to clear their bank and yours, so that is the absolute minimum time.
Gumpaste bows are $40. A dressmaker style bow I make. A package style bow I buy the loops. Sometimes I make them, but I try to keep those things on hand.
Delivery fees range from $20 to $50.
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