I'v had my cake business for a while and am just starting to accept wedding cake orders. What do you require as a non-refundable retainer to hold the date? I was thinking 30% of the order or possibly $150. Curious what others do for a retainer.
Thanks!

I need 50% to book the date, and the balance is due 4 weeks before the date.

50% puts it on my calendar. The final payment, 2 weeks prior, is what actually turns on my oven. My contract stated that all payments were non-refundable. I'm not a saving bank where someone can make a deposit and get it back anytime they want. I dont' pretend to be a savings account .... Chase bank doesn't pretend to make cakes!

50% non-refundable and the remainder 30 days before the wedding.

50% required for booking...NON REFUNDABLE. Balance due 4 weeks prior to wedding date...NON REFUNDABLE.



Minette

50% required at booking time, and the balance due 3 weeks prior to event. Contract states that all are NON-REFUNDABLE.

25% non-refundable (for any reason) deposit, remainder due 3 weeks prior. It takes 3 weeks for a check to clear, but I pretty much require final payments to be by PayPal.

50% ($300 minimum) non refundable. Balance due 2 weeks prior to delivery. If cake is under $300 they pay in full at time of order. Have never had a problem with this practice. I am not a walkin bakery with items ready for sale, custom only so it makes sense to do it this way.