I was wondering if anyone can shar e with me the major questions I should ask the bride and groom during a wedding consultation?
Any tips on how to professionally conduct one
Also I let them taste cake for free, 2 flavors.
But some of them get upset if i dont let them taste more.
What can I do if they want to taste more than the 2 free samples? Charge?
But some of them get upset if i dont let them taste more.
Part of my intro speech includes:
"Today we are sampling white, choc, and carrot cake. These are not theonly flavors we make but it's what we have today to sample, to see ifyou like my baking. My lemon cake tastes just as good as my white except it tastes like lemon."
I've never had anyone complain about not enough free cake. 
I view a sampling appt as a time when they see if they like my style of baking. I do NOT view it as a time when they get to sample everything on the menu so they can pick which one they want. (Try that a pizza hut ... yeah, THAT'LL work!)
When I first started doing appts, I'd have a white cake with white icing for them to sample. Period. That was it. No one complained. Got plenty of bookings from it.
Why don't you put something like this on your website.
At your tasting, you can expect to sample two flavors of cake. If you would like to sample more flavors, please let us know in advance as we charge an additional $5 ($10 whatever you want it to be) for each flavor.
This is why I do tasting events. I'm not in the biz to crank out cakes to the masses, so I don't have to worry about "having" to have them every week.
Once every two months or so. Usually takes half the morning, 30 mins to 45 for 3 couples at a time. 5 or 6 cake flavors, and every filling/ frosting under the sun. No freezing necessary, no leftovers, no fielding requests to stop by every single Saturday. Pretty nice. And then I am relived of appointments and consultations for an entire month or more. Whew! All on line after that.
And if they have the nerve to suggest they need to taste MORE.....they can order a 6" round at regular price. 
I like Jamie's idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Once every two months or so. Usually takes half the morning, 30 mins to 45 for 3 couples at a time.
How do you discuss each couples design, quantity, color, style, flavor, location, time, date, etc., in a group like that?
But some of them get upset if i dont let them taste more.
Part of my intro speech includes:
"Today we are sampling white, choc, and carrot cake. These are not theonly flavors we make but it's what we have today to sample, to see ifyou like my baking. My lemon cake tastes just as good as my white except it tastes like lemon."
I've never had anyone complain about not enough free cake.
I view a sampling appt as a time when they see if they like my style of baking. I do NOT view it as a time when they get to sample everything on the menu so they can pick which one they want. (Try that a pizza hut ... yeah, THAT'LL work!)When I first started doing appts, I'd have a white cake with white icing for them to sample. Period. That was it. No one complained. Got plenty of bookings from it.
lol indydebi, pizza hut, that is funny, I think they would give me the look lol
I personally don't think I could do a "group" tasting / consulation. Do they all gather to taste and then get in line to place a specific order? I prefer one on one.
I ask about their dream cake and what makes it stand out. I ask them about their favorite flavors and if they are interested in "stepping outside of the box". Many, surprisingly are. Some of my best sellers, were flavors I never offered, but were requested by a bride. I am always willing to try something new. However, when scheduling a tasting I ask them to choose 2 or 3 flavors combos. No complaints, ever. Addition "sample" cakes can be purchased. 2 weeks notice is requested. Hope this helps.
Once every two months or so. Usually takes half the morning, 30 mins to 45 for 3 couples at a time.
How do you discuss each couples design, quantity, color, style, flavor, location, time, date, etc., in a group like that?
I don't. This isn't the time for that. This is for them to decide if they like my cake and baking style. After the tasting, it's all e-mail from there! Sometimes a couple will hang out after the tasting and we'll talk general stuff, but 90% of the time, it's all email. Works pretty good!
And, without fail, at least 2 of the couples love that they don't ever have to meet up again. One more thing they can do from their office, at home, even on the road from their Blackberries. Now, I never turn down a request for a consult, ever. But I rarely even meet with them anymore. I think a great portfolio, references, kudos and endorsements from past clients all proudly and neatly displayed on your website does a lot to instill confidence that they don't have to hem and haw and "hope" their cake designer knows what they're doing, and can handle it all from the computer.
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