Kind of exciting news. I set up a dummy cake at a new bridal shop that just opened here in our town--first one here in a long time, and I really like the owner very much. I stopped by there today to drop of an album and some cards, and we got chatting. She mentioned wanting to do a grand opening later in the winter (for spring weddings etc), and I could be there to display/serve some of my cake as samples, etc...
Then, sort of in passing, I mentioned that I've always dreamed of doing a dessert party, an elegant evening soiree with decadent desserts, champagne, music, etc. Her shop is based around Cinderella theme, so of course it would be perfect. She really liked the idea, and we sort of tossed ideas around about "how do-able" it would be. As in, I'd make lots of desserts, she'd open the shop to prospective brides, charge maybe $2 at the door with proceeds to a local nonprofit group, and she wants to have her in-house massage/facial and nail techs there, me, the caterer and DJ she usually uses, etc...so sort of a "full service" one stop open house night for brides.
How do-able does it sound? And what on earth, if anything, should I charge to do it? Should I just do it for free, because I'd get a ton of business exposure from it? I'd love to do it, but I'm not sure how it should/would/could work. She'd be giving me a ton of exposure by letting me use her shop as an "outlet" for the night, and I'd be providing food (and more advertising for myself) for her brides. So it seems like I could do it without charging. Or am I crazy? My idea would be not only cake (that night), though there would be a centerpiece cake, but also creme caramel, cheesecake, fruit tarts, chocolate/caramel/pecan tart, chocolate dipped strawberries, pies, palmiers, chocolate torte, and anything else I feel like whipping up.
Any ideas? Have any of you done something like this? I get excited about parties, and this is a party I've wanted to do for several years now--just never thought of it as a business thing; it was just going to be family/friends.
Opine away, by all means....
I would hope she would at least help you pay your expenses for this. Since it will benefit non-profit, I would expect your part to be donated. It would be great exposure and raise money for a worthy cause. I would talk to her about covering your costs. Will the massage therapists, etc charge or will they donate their time? Sounds like you need to get a bit more information before diving in. It does sound like fun and great exposure!!
I think you should do it for free. It's "bartering" and business do it all the time. She is paying you with exposure and advertising. One point to be aware of: regarding the serving of champagne, you might want to check into licensing rules serving alcohol since it's in a shop.
It sounds like a wonderful evening! Good luck!
Carolyn
You could serve sparkling champagne..the kind they sell in the grocery store in the pop aisle.You don't have a to have a liquor licence to serve that!! I also would have her give idea of what she is willing to pay to have all the desserts there.If you both decide it will be a trade-off..I think that will work also!!Good Luck!! Maybe her shop could send out invitations to prospective brides...
At first blush I would say that you are donating your time and the food in an effort to score some major wedding jobs, but I would definitely consider what the other vendors are doing. If she is willing to 'share their expenses' so to speak, she should be willing to do the same for you. However, if she tells you that they are all doing it at their own expense to drum up more business, I would not be the least bit shy about jumping in with both feet! You will get some awesome exposure through this, and people will feel that you are the 'official cake company' of this dress shop. She is in a way 'sponsoring' you. I am SOOOOOOO jealous!! 
I think that you should do it for free. Most expos charge for booths and she is letting you display for free anyway. Personally, I would want to keep that relationship going. I would just write it off as an advertisment cost! Especially since you are helping to "conceive" the idea.
Stephanie
I'm leaning that way, too, you guys.
I'm so grateful for the exposure and the possibility of being "the cake company" at the chamber ribbon-cutting grand opening AND a bride open house, that I'd say, free is fine with me...I couldn't buy that kind of advertising!
We'll see how it shapes up, because $ hasn't come up, but if she doesn't mention paying me, I won't ask...it's just one of those mutually beneficial relationships. I doubt she can afford to pay all of us to be there, caterer, DJ, florist, masseuse, me, etc., anyway.
I'm really excited about it. I also called her this morning and got permission to mention her store on my website too (of course she said yes! 
) The busier she gets, the busier I'll get... 
what a fantastic opportunity! And it sounds like it could be a great evening. The other vendors may not be charging as it would give them great advertising as well.
With all your desserts maybe she could give you a little towards it.
what ever it will be a great night!!
cheers Jan
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity.
Now for some accounting advice --
Keep a record of your receipts for ingredients. Submit this to the Charity yourself, not through the store, unless you submit it in the form of an invoice. As long as you are not selling products there, your costs are considered a tax deductible contribution, and the charity must give you a receipt for the amount stated.
Theresa
This sounds almost like a food fest. The Chamber of Commerse has an annual festival with nothing but food vendors. Each business that is a member prepares enough food for the event. It usually costs us about 150, plus the cost of the food . This attraction usually brings in 1000's of folks. They do pay a fee to go around and taste the food. They also vote on the best. There are catagorys. As a business you can promote your store, set up displays and it usually will bring you in a ton of new customers. It is however, grueling to prepare enough samples. I just write it off. It is worth the exposure. I would check to see what everyone is doing. You will incur more expenses then say a photographer who may just have a photo album, or slide show presentation and business cards. A D>J> may have some photos and business cards, or he may set up some small sample of his music and style. Sounds like it might be a good opportunity as long as you don't get abused.
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