Sitting...waiting...for A Pita B2B
Decorating By amberhoney Updated 8 Sep 2007 , 8:31pm by amberhoney
What was I thinking agreeing to make a wedding cake for my DH's friend...well his friend's fiancee to be precise, I don't think hubby's friend is getting a say in the cake other than paying for it.
I say PITA because this is the fifth time we have arranged a meeting to decide on what she wants. So far, four times, she has plain forgotten! It began with her attempting to do the whole thing by text. I politely said I couldn't do that. To cut to the chase, today she was supposed to be coming around sometime tonight, then she texts me to say she will be here in 15 minutes, an hour later I get a text saying 'so can I just come around whenever?' I replied 'yes, anytime soon...' That was an hour ago and I haven't heard back. its now 7.45pm. Not that late I know but come on...I think she thinks no-one else has a life. I work full time, have 3 kids, maybe, just maybe, I am scheduling my life around this. It's so annoying when I can't just go 'ok no cake for you...' as she is supposed to be a friend. She is only 19 so I could forgive her for a little teenaged selfishness, but this is getting ridiculous!
The funniest thing is that we got our wedding invitation 2 weeks ago, which says RSVP by 9 October, I got a text from her the same night the invitation arrived saying 'I really need to know if you're coming or not, I have to book the meals!' I replied that I thought we still had 6 weeks to let her know, and I hadn't even asked anyone to look after the kids yet! So I guess she doesn't even panic consistently!
I hope I can handle this professionally and not ruin any hope of a continuing friendship but at this point I'm not sure I can! It's just so rude.
Maybe I should just sit back and open a nice bottle of red. I might need it 
Dealing with strangers is always so much easier! Thanks for letting me have bit of a rant, wish me luck!
I wish you the absolute best of luck!!!
Would it be rude to have your husband say something to his friend about it? I mean, you are doing them a favor, after all.
Just an option. 
Holly
*sigh* She has just left (9.45pm). She texted me at 8, saying 'leaving now'. Its a 15 minute drive. I finally sent her a text at 9pm saying'if you haven't left yet I think we'd better reschedule...long day...very tired' and wouldn't you guess she replied that she was just around the corner. She got here at 9.15. And when her hubby-to-be texted her at 9.30 asking where she was she said 'oh he's probably wondering where I am. I have been gone since 7 but at least I got to catch up with some friends'. The cheek of it! Here was I waiting for her and she was off visiting! Grrrrr!
I just hope she's not going to be one of those fickle brides that keeps changing her mind. I was about ready to throw cakeballs at her when she finally walked in at it was.
I guess I should say 'watch this space'!!
Oh and I should add that we've decided on a really nice design that I am looking forward to making. but I am proud to say that I was not in the 'undercharging' mood after all the mucking around she has done. If she's kept the first appointment its likely I would have done it for free.
Anyway I am finally off to bed! Its waaaay past my bedtime...10pm here now. Yawn! Goodnight!
Good luck with this cake. Just make sure that everything is stated in black and white and that the person who is paying for the cake is aware of the cost. Who is going to sign the contract, the bride or the groom.
Also,
- make sure that you get a non-refundable payment of at least 50 percent of the cost of the cake no later than 2 weeks before the cake is due.
- make sure that you state in your contract that any changes to the design/flavour/style of the cake can only be made up to 2 weeks prior to when the cake is due.
I'm sure that there are lots of other things and other CC members will advise you.
You have been letting HER dictate YOUR time. Bad idea.
Don't forget to add that PITA (Pain In The Ass) charge on that cake since she has wasted 4-8 hours of your precious time.
Teenagers have no business getting married, anyway. Why doesn't she wait until she'a a grown-up?
oo alarm bells are ringing here.
i think you should lay down the law RIGHT NOW with her, if you dont she will think its okay to treat everyone like this. She most likely doesnt even realise she is doing it, kids are like that, and really, she is a child.
AND MAKE SURE SHE SIGNS A CONTRACT!!! You may be doing this because shes a friend of the family but you are still a business woman.
All that said... hope it all goes well!
The only reason she is treating you like this is because you are letting her....PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN! After the second missed appointment there would be no cake from me for this bride...friend or not. 
The pessimist in me thinks she's playing on her fiance. "Meeting with the cake lady" sounds like a great excuse to me. Who knows, maybe I just read too much or like to make things up to entertain myself. In either case, I would sit back and relax on this cake as it sounds to me as if it won't happen...DRAMA. LOVE IT!
Fully agree about the contract and deposit, but one other thing you could do, even though it will be uncomfortable...TELL her how and why her behavior is inconsiderate. She may not have had the benefit of being taught how to respect others time, and she probably won't like you for it, But as she gets older, she may remember...
*sigh* you all are sooo right. I have a real problem saying no when I know I should. Since I posted this I took two orders for cakes needs in two days. Although they were both for very good customers I do stipulate 3 weeks notice - but I don't know why I bother!
And wouldn't you know it I have another wedding cake order for the same day as my Bridezilla's. I hardly ever do weddings and now I have two! And this second one is the cake I would have been really happy to do, it's for my DH's cousin. So any excuse to be rid of the first one! I have mentioned to her that I need a deposit and will reiterate that next time we text. She barely needs to give me a reason to have 'had' to book her day. But I haven't told this other couple I can definietly do it yet, we are having a consulation tomorrow. And I would put money on it that these people turn up!
Cheers guys ... I will no doubt be updating this!
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