I was wondering, how does everyone work their payment for a wedding cake? how much deposit? when is final payment required?
I am doing a wedding show in a couple of days and I want to be prepared with answers,
THanks
Dina

Most of us require 50% down. I require the final payment 30 days before the wedding date.
Hope that helps.

I require a 25% deposit and final payment is due 2 weeks prior to the event.

For large orders, a 50% deposit is required to hold the date, with the other 50% payable two weeks before the event. Smaller orders are payable upon pickup/delivery.

I do a $100 deposit to hold the date and balance due 2 weeks before the event.

I require a 50% non-refundable deposit to book, with the balance paid in full 3 weeks prior to the event. Occasion cakes are the same for me. Cupcakes (other than for weddings), cake pops, cookies, etc. are paid in full at the time of booking. All orders placed less than 1 month in advance require full payment at the time of booking.

50% non-refundable to book and the balance due 30 days before wedding

I require a $75.00 non-refundable deposit to book the date and the remaining balance 30 days before the date.

Thanks everyone. I have been doing payment on delivery for regular cakes and have had no problems. But for wedding cakes I think full payment prior to wedding is a necessity.
Dina

I charge $150 non-fefundable RETAINER (Not deposit. A deposit is returned and a retainer is not.).

The remainder due 4-5 weeks ahead of the date.

Non-wedding cake orders I charge 50% and the remainder due upon collection.

50% retainer & balance due 3 weeks prior. Used to have smaller party cakes due at pickup but changed to all cakes at 3 weeks to streamline my processes and not have to worry about no-shows, change, trying to pay by check day of, etc.