I have a lady who wants a tasting for her June 11, 2011 wedding.

We are currently planning a cruise for May somethingorother through the 8th of June.

Is it sheer stupidity to accept this tasting? If she books and anything goes wrong with our flight back, then both of us are screwed.

The cruise is in the Mediterranean, so after getting back late Wed night, I'd have to be up and functioning the next day to make this work. Not sure if I should tell her I'm booked?

What would you more experienced folks do?

It is up to you.... if you feel you need to take the order for one reason or other.... then you can make it work... maybe you can freeze the layers before you leave so all you have to do is thaw and decorate.

On the other hand, if you don't really feel you need to accept the order...then I would just clear your schedule so you aren't worried about cake when you're supposed to be relaxing.

I would tell her you're booked.

Even if you bake and freeze the layers ahead of time let's face it, the whole time you are on the cruise all you're going to be thinking about is the cake and worrying that something might go wrong and you won't make it back in time to do the cake.

Don't take the booking.
You're spending a lot of money on this vacation, so don't spoil it by having to worry about getting home on time and all the work you need to do on the cake. Designs & stuff will be fluttering through your head the entire trip - if your anything like me.
Enjoy your vacation. AND incase something spontaneous comes up that causes you to want to stay in the Med for a few extra days, you can.

I always feel like I need a vacation after my vacation! I wouldn't want to have to do a birthday cake, let alone a wedding cake right after coming home. No need to subject yourself to that stress...

For the amount of money you will make its not worth the stress. I have done this myself and regreted it everytime.
Not worth the hassle cause it is you that will be up till all hours.

enjoy the vacation .... pass on the cake.

Thanks, everyone!! I had a feeling that would be the right thing....but didn't want to be a bad businesswoman.

DH is wondering if we should cancel since I'll miss 2 weekends in June. But that would defeat the whole point of going this year (one last hurrah with our teens while they still want to be around us...and they've not been to Europe)

Thanks again!

I am just a hobby baker but don't understand why you would say you are booked, why not say the truth that you will be out on vacation and won't be back in time to prepare for a wedding cake that weekend?

And remember- many things can arise that prevent you from getting back when you think you will, especially when traveling that far. As you said, it's one last hurrah with your kids- give them all your attention and have a real blast!

After arriving home at 4 am from my cruise last week, I can tell you I was in no condition to decorate a cake. Even if you made it back in time that's no guarantee you will physically feel up to making a cake even days later. Especially if you have to change time zones.

Booked means you have accepted all of the orders you can accept for that day. That number can be from 0 to whatever. I agree that clients do not need too know our personal life. If I am taking off one day, then that day is booked.

Excellent point about not advertising that you will be away from home for security sake.