After a lot of research and reading...a lot of it here on CC...I decided that I absolutely would NOT work with a bridezilla. This is what I tell every bride when we first meet (and believe me, I need the business...I just don't think it's worth the hassle):
"I am committed to providing you with the cake that you request. We will agree on the style, colors, decorations, flowers, etc. and there will be photos attached to your order. We will both sign this and if there are any changes, the change order will also need to be signed by both of us...along with pictures, sketches, photos, etc. of the changes that you desire. Once I deliver the cake to the reception area, I will require that you have someone inspect and OK the cake before I leave. After that, what happens to the cake will be your responsibility. Also, I will not work with a "Bridezilla". If at any time our business relationship is stressed, I will refund your deposit and you will need to find someone else to provide your wedding cake. I'm in this business because I love it and I won't have it ruined by a "princess bride". I've been a bride myself and I know that it doesn't have to be that way. I don't mean to be insulting or rude, but I do want to be clear about my expectations of both your behavior and mine. If you are willing to work with me under these conditions, then I look forward to providing you a high quality product."
So far, I've never had one walk away and I've never had to refund a deposit...yet. I'm sure the time will come.
The sad thing is most Bridzillas' don't think they are being one. Just like parents of rude children don't think their children are rude. Your statement does come straight to the point - good thing you came up with it. I am amazed at the behavior of people.
I think you hit it right on the nail...lol... you should call it the bridezilla clause!
Fortunate for me that I've not encountered Bridezilla yet, although my cake quest is still in it's young stage. Wow! That's setting your foot down alright. I will think of your clause when I find myself with such a person, hopefully never or not anytime soon.
Oh THAT is funny. I think it's very commendable to add something like that in there, since they're not dealing with a corporation--it's just you and them. And you should definitely enjoy working with each other!
I'm the same way--I'd rather give them their money back and let them go somewhere else than work with someone who doesn't like me or my work.
DH and I run a business that depends on delivering a product and customer service with it, and occasionally we run into customers like this. If they seriously complain about ANYthing, our first response is to offer to immediately refund their money, pull their product, and be done with them. We don't need their money, and we certainly don't want them as unhappy customers. So far, very few have gone that way, of about 900 customers.
I think that takes alot of guts and I also think that it puts the bride in their place....if they complain and cause trouble or make a bunch of last minute changes, etc. they know that you will refund their money and they will have no cake at all for their wedding...or at least a huge hassle and added expense of coming up with someone to do it at the last minute.
No one should feel like they are so much more important or their time is so much more valuable then anyone elses.... we should all be on the same footing.
Hooray for you, Jeking! I haven't encountered a Bridezilla yet, but I did have the pleasure of working with Princess Bride on a beer budget. After trying to work with her budget and her expensive taste, I finally had to refer her business elsewhere. I love what I do and refuse to be put through the ringer by anyone.
I like the idea of the "Bridezilla Clause".
The bakery in town has a sign that says 'All unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy'.
ROFLMAO! I really wish I hadn't just taken a sip of Pepsi before I read that.....
(( off to get a towel to wipe down monitor....I'm not kidding 
))
I haven't done any wedding cakes yet, so no bridezillas here, but I do think I will use something like this in a contract when I start doing them.
It's not to be mean or picky or controlling, or any of that as far as I see it. It's SETTING BOUNDARIES, knowing where each other stands, giving good service and expecting to be treated honorably. It's all good stuff. I think people respect others who command respect, as long as it's done in a caring way.
Good job.
"All unattended children will be given an expresso and a puppy." Love the comment. LMAO
You may need to add to that "Or Motherzillas of the bride." Because some of them are worse than the bride.
Dont you mean "Mothras of the Bride?"
You may need to add to that "Or Motherzillas of the bride." Because some of them are worse than the bride.
Dont you mean "Mothras of the Bride?"
Oh goodness..I just about fell off my chair! lol
Now you all know WHY I just do Naughty cakes...I don't have to deal with any of this!
Aside from the crazy people filming the Publix commercial and that crazy one doing business via email! lol
I'm going to put up a big sign in my store that says:
" You are now entering MY world and in MY world I AM the CAKE DICTATOR...I and I alone dictate WHO gets one of my cakes!!! Your parents may have to put up with rude behaviour, but I do not!"
lol
I'm glad you are in a position where you can set those rules. It must feel great. I know that because after years of working with bitchy customers and having to take it I have realized that it all comes down to respect. The dreaded "Bridezilla's" dont have any respect for the people that are trying to give them a wonderful wedding. There is no excuse for treating people that way and nothing is worth putting up with them. 
It's really smart for you to set clear boundaries at the outset, but I'm sure you'll have to deal with bridezillas. After 5.5 years of running a wedding industry business, I DESPISE brides. All of them. Even the (few) nice ones. I'm so burnt out. They never know when they've crossed the line, unfortunately. But perhaps you'll get lucky and chase some of the most egregious ones away.
I sound a tad pessimistic, I know. The person who can deal with brides for decades has my ultimate respect and admiration. 
The person who can deal with brides for decades has my ultimate respect and admiration.
Can I get an AMEN?
It's really smart for you to set clear boundaries at the outset, but I'm sure you'll have to deal with bridezillas. After 5.5 years of running a wedding industry business, I DESPISE brides. All of them. Even the (few) nice ones. I'm so burnt out. They never know when they've crossed the line, unfortunately. But perhaps you'll get lucky and chase some of the most egregious ones away.
I sound a tad pessimistic, I know. The person who can deal with brides for decades has my ultimate respect and admiration.
I'm sad that you're burnt out. You see, I just don't want to get that way and I'm so afraid that it will/can happen. I understand your being pessimistic. It's not that I am "in a position that I can" set boundaries. I'm still having to work full-time to support this "part-time business" until I can swing it the other way around, but I guess I'd rather it take longer if necessary. I'm sure part of it is just getting older and less tolerant of bad behavior!!
that's why I decided not to work to hard to break into the wedding market down here in Miami. Let those that have it "cornered" deal with Bridezillas and Mothera's of the Bride!! ( gotta LOVE that one!!!...if the show starts to use it...we know it originated right here from one of our clever members!)
""Applause"" I commend you on putting your foot down. For years I did wedding dresses and there are some horrible brides out there. I honestly do no think that the wedding makes them that way either. I believe they are born that way. I use to take credit cards as well and this is something I will NEVER do in this business again. Last credit card customer I had wore her gown and then disputed the charges 2 months after her wedding. I lost $3000!
After dealing with a few of the bridezillas I started feeling out the customer prior to taking their orders and if I felt they were going to be a problem I refused their orders. If I turn this into a business I will definitly do it again as well. Most Bridezillas won't tell people that they were turned down by a business because it is too embarrasing to them as well.
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