I have a client who just can't make up her mind about the cake design. We're approximately 30 days away from the wedding date, and she still cannot decide on a design. We finally pinned down three of the four cake flavor combinations this weekend, but the fourth is still up in the air. She has to think about it. She is having four separate cakes on cascading stands along with the 6" anniversary cake. The bride has to consult her entire family (groom, mother, 4 sisters, etc.) in regard to every decision or detail. She knew what she wanted in the beginning, but it wasn't what the family wanted. In essence, she's relying on her family to come to a consensus rather than pleasing herself. I've provided tons of design recommendations and pictures, but they are either too fancy or doesn't please the entire family. We did a cake testing and showed her some different designs on the test cakes. Still no luck--they just weren't her. It's like pulling teeth finding out what she does like because it's about the family and not her. I'm out of ideas and have no idea how to please the bride, or should I say her family. She possibly wants a different design on each cake, but she can't even decide on one. Has anyone run into this or have any recommendations? I'm about to pull my hair out with this one. I'm about to tell her to keep the sides of the cake smooth and just go with the fresh flowers. However, she can't even decide on the flowers for the cake...UGH! Any help would be appreciated.
I think I would be inclined to remind her that time is drawing nigh and she has one week to make a decision. I have a feeling that if you don't set a deadline, this will go on until the day before the wedding.
Also, is there anyway you can convince (sp?) her that this day is all about HER and what SHE wants, not about her family.
I have a young friend who had a nice church wedding. She married when she was 19. Her mother paid all expenses - but there was a catch - the mother made ALL of the decisions - bridesmaids dresses, invitations, cake, etc. The bride had no say so. Now, she regrets that and says that she wishes they had either eloped or waited until they earned the $$ themselves.
I would tell her she has until August 13th to make any final decisions or you will make a cake in a design you feel will compliment her theme and other items she will be decorating with.
Then she will either make the decision her self or she will be happy to not have to deal with her family anymore =)
I agree you have to give her a deadline or she could drag this out until the week of her wedding try suggesting the orginal idea again and remind her like yh said that this is her day
Sound like my wedding. We didn't pay for anything (my family insisted) but we also didn't have a choice for most of the decisions. When we felt strongly about something we were labelled ungrateful.
Sorry, I know this doesn't help, but its been 11 years now and I still don't look at my wedding pictures. Don't even know where the video is!! I guess I am not over it yet!!
I do stipulate a deadline in my contract; no changes two weeks prior to the wedding or after. I may alter the timeframe. However, I want to be flexible to a degree so that the bride gets exactly what she wants. Thank you to those who also recommended baker's choice as a final alternative. That should encourage the bride and her family to make a decision. Thanks for the advice!!
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