I require 50% deposit on their total cake order before I will reserve a date. The final payment of the cake is due 2 weeks before the wedding.
We have them pay $50 to hold the date, which is deducted from the final cost. The deposit however will not be returned in the event of a cancellation 2 weeks prior to the wedding; that way it will cover any cost of parts made or supplies purchased.
oops, I wanted to add after reading the other post, that of course if something major happens that calls the wedding off, the money would be refunded. And we also let Military Brides know that they would get a full refund if the wedding is cancelledand have had that happen twice on a Bride whose Groom was to get leave and then couldnt come home.
I definitely require 1/2 asap to reserve the date. After a determined amount of time I notify them that since I have not received the deposit nor heard back from them I have taken other orders for that day. I draw up a contract with all of the specifics and have them sign it, fax it or mail it back to me at which time I sign it and return a copy to them. You can choose to make this deposit refundable or non-refundable. If they cancel at the last minute with no explanation I would suggest non because you could have filled that day with another comparable order. If there is a legitimate reason and you haven't spent anything on supplies yet I would suggest refundable. If they go through with the order it is deducted from the total. The remainder is due at least 2 weeks before the wedding.
Hope this helps.
I get 10% or $200, whichever is SMALLER. 50% of the balance due 3 weeks prior and the balance due day of event. Lots of times I will waive the initial 10% down payment, depending on circumstances.
I've never been burned in not getting paid and I have almost a zero cancellation rate. The only cancellations I've had is due to the wedding itself being canc'd. (It's hard to talk to a crying bride when that happens).
I have a 50% deposit of their estimated cake. Once they have paid that, they "have" the date. You can cancel up until 8weeks before the date, to receive a full refund. After the 8 weeks I keep it, because I have already lost business. Full payment is due 2 weeks before, or they forfiet their deposit and me doing their cake. I take the deposit off the balance, and only the remainder is due.
HTH...
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