I need a good "Bride-zilla" Clause to add to my contract. I haven't yet dealt with a bride who is hostile but I've had two in the past two weeks so I'm going to have to amend something.
I need a short and simple way to say three things:
1. If it isn't in writing in the contract, it is not my resposibility (even if you TELL me...you have to WRITE IT DOWN)
2. Some things are out of my control. If the reception hall miscommunicates with me about set up time, if the kitchen staff takes the cake out and the top tier is crooked, if it's an outdoor wedding and the icing melts off the cake, etc.
3. I'll do my best to give you the exact cake you want but sometimes things just don't work out as planned. Sometimes you have to improvise, layer sizes didn't fit the way they were intended, etc.
Thanks!
~C
I will do everything in my power to give you the cake of your dreams. I require all details to be put in writing, this includes any changes to the orignal plan. Any and all changes to design and size must be complet by __date___.
In a seperate paragraph:
Cake designing is like hand writing, it may say the same thing as your picture, but due to different decorators the will cake may not be exact.
I don't know if i like that last paragraph, but you get the idea of what i'm trying to say. I always tell my brides that bring me pictures that i will come as close to the picture as possible, but due to different decorators it maynot be exact. I just have never written it down.
Some of the problems that are discussed in the many of the forum threads are problems which you as decorators are aware of, but the brides seem to be totally clueless about. Melting frosting, wobbly tables, maurading relatives-young and old-animals and waitstaff. The average persons experience with decorated cakes is someone's 1/4 sheet or 9 inch round birthday cake. And those problems don't occur except perhaps the mauraders and generally keeping the cake in th box takes care of that problem.
I wonder if it might not be a good idea to explain that some frostings are heat sensitive up front, or that a cake that large will weigh however much and must have a particularly stable surface to rest on out the way of curious guests and harried staff. That will not stop every bridezilla, but it might help a bit.
3. I'll do my best to give you the exact cake you want but sometimes things just don't work out as planned. Sometimes you have to improvise, layer sizes didn't fit the way they were intended, etc.
You're agreeing to provide the cake that you're signing this contract for. Not to try and "whoopsie! the cake fell! oh, well, I tried". There's a topic going right now from a bride who was on the receiving end of this.
3. I'll do my best to give you the exact cake you want but sometimes things just don't work out as planned. Sometimes you have to improvise, layer sizes didn't fit the way they were intended, etc.
You're agreeing to provide the cake that you're signing this contract for. Not to try and "whoopsie! the cake fell! oh, well, I tried". There's a topic going right now from a bride who was on the receiving end of this.
I agree Maisie,
I took it to mean that rarely does anyone make a cake that looks identical to one that is in a magazine. And thats what i ment by the difference in decorators, they will look alike, but the chances of having an exact copy is slim
What I would say for issue #1
"_ insert name of business/baker_ requires a detailed description of the requested cake (product) to be submitted in writing, at time of consultation. Photo's are recommended. Changes are permitted up to __ days in advance of your reserved date with no additional fee, but must be submitted in writing. In the event a change is not within the allotted time frame, _ insert name of business/baker _ will attempt to fulfill the request, a service fee of $__ will be added for any changes that are made outside the allotted time frame."
Okay for point #2 this is my suggestion on wording:
" _ insert name of business/baker _ is not liable for any damage that may result once cake has been delivered and assembled. Please note that extremely high temperatures due to weather conditions and lack of a cool environment at the appointed location may adversely affect the condition of the cake. _insert name of business/baker_ will take every step possible to ensure a quality product, but is not liable for cake spoilage.
I would also suggest that you may want to provide space so the bride/groom can put in writing where the cake is to be set up. Ie "Due to the fragile nature of wedding cakes, and to prevent any damage from occurring please provide a detailed description of where cake is to be set up"
Okay for your last issue, here's what I would say:
_name of business/baker_ values your business, and will follow your request as closely as possible. Please be advised that cakes made by _name of business/baker_ are individually designed and pattern design, style or replication may not be possible.
**Can you tell I wanted to be a lawyer!
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