I had a bride inquire about a date and I gave her a quote. She said yep I want to book so I sent her the contract and the ways she could send me her deposit. A week went by so I contacted her to make sure she got the contract and to re-iterate that until i got her deposit the date was still open. She said yep I'm bringing it to you next week. Okay good.

Now tonight I got an email from another bride asking about the same date I work by myself so there's no way I can do both orders since they're 150+ cupcakes each.

How should I respond to bride #2 about my availability? Should I contact bride #1 again and tell her I've had an inquiry about her date?

tell B#2 that the date is open at this time - but it could close if anyone else get's a deposit in before she does.

you've already told B#1 enough.

the first to put $$ in your hand gets it.

Yeah, what Doug said

Thanks everyone. I've read a lot of posts here about the business aspect of this and thought "well of course that's how you should do it"funny that when it comes time for me to put it into practice I find it a lot harder

I went with Doug's advice for the most part

I block out Thurs. , Fri., and Saturday for wedding orders......as soon as I have a bride book, those 3 days are OFF my calendar and I won't accept ANY other orders. I'm capable of doing other orders, but I really believe it's such an important occasion that it deserves 100% of my time and focus..so that's what I do.

Now, with that said........when I get an inquiry for a date, I mark down the brides name and let them know (just like you did) that the date is not "booked" until I receive 30% of her total order as a deposit.

When Bride #2 calls about the same date, I tell her (like Doug said)...the date is still open, but someone else HAS shown an interest in reserving it as well, but has not paid a deposit, whoever pays their deposit first will have the date.

I then, in addition, call/email Bride#1 and tell her...."Just to let you know, I currently have another bride who is interested in (insert date here) for her wedding, and wanted to give you the courtesy of knowing, as I will accept the bookings on a first paid first serve basis. Thank you for your time"