Bummed, First Disgruntled Bride.

Decorating By dolcesunshine20 Updated 2 Sep 2006 , 6:40pm by DBrooke

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dolcesunshine20 Posted 24 Aug 2006 , 2:41am
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I did a wedding this past weekend. When we first talked, the bride asked for a cake to serve 200 people. When I gave her the quote she said that the price was a little out of her budget, so we worked it to where the bride's cake would serve 130 and the extra 70 servings would be made up in a sheet cake. She asked that I make a small groom's cake, just to be shared by her and her husband. When I got to the hall to set up the cake, she was supposed to have some fresh flowers there waiting on me. She knew I was going to arrive at 4:30 to set up. I didn't leave until 5:15 and there were no flowers to be found.

I received an email from her today saying that the cake was too small, and not the same size in her picture. She said they had to end up serving the groom's cake because there wasn't enough brides cake. I did just what she asked on the contract and I did email her back explaining that. We'll see what she says. She's not demanding any money back yet, but she wanted me to call her when I got back in town. (I"m getting ready to go on vacation.) So I hope that it doesn't mean that she's going to start asking for money. I just had to get this off my chest. Thanks guys, for listening.

29 replies
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cindy6250 Posted 24 Aug 2006 , 3:07am
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I'm so sorry this happened. Some people are never satisfied!!! I would certainly not worry about it. She got what she contracted for and it is not your fault that the flowers were not there.

Have a nice vacation!!

Cindy

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emmascakes Posted 24 Aug 2006 , 7:48am
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If you told her the dimensions of the cake beforehand then you have nothing to worry about. I always make sure clients know exactly what the sizes are and ask them to check, with a ruler, that they're happy. You simply need to apologise that it wasn't what they expected, point out that it was what they asked for and agreed to and that's it. Good luck with the phone call and let us know how it goes!

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MustloveDogs Posted 24 Aug 2006 , 8:12am
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It could be that the reception staff cut the servings way too big and that caused the problem. Either way you have done the right thing and the contract is proof of that. I hope it all works out when your holiday is over!

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dolcesunshine20 Posted 24 Aug 2006 , 12:04pm
post #5 of 30

Thanks so much for your kind words!!! It makes me feel better already. I am shocked because ALL of my weddings ever in the 8 years I've been doing them, have all had tons of cake leftoever! I've never had this complaint from a bride or anyone else for that matter. I'm thinking she shorted herself on servings. The reception hall looked like it was set to serve more like 300 people rather than 200, and I think keira could be right about the staff cutting the cake slices too large. Anyway, I guess I'll just have to live until I hear back from her.

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LNW Posted 25 Aug 2006 , 2:48pm
post #6 of 30

I wouldnt worry either. You did just what she asked, what is written in your contract. Im assuming someone cut the pieces way to big.

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dolcesunshine20 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 3:16pm
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You all are not going to believe this!!!! This girl is acting like a spoiled brat! I got two emails from her yesterday. The first said that her attendant cutting the cake cut the groom's cake instead of the sheet cake!!!! She said that her main upset is that she didn't get to keep the groom's cake for her and her husband like she'd planned. THEN....she sends a second email....and I quote, "Sherilyn could you please make me a red velvet cake? That would make me happy." WHAT?? WHAT?? She wants me to be responsible for a mistake that the personnel the hall made? She really should take her complaint to them, not me. I have been too busy to email her back yet, not to mention that I needed some time to cool off a little after worrying that I might have been at fault for something. Well, I'm relieved that it's definitely not my problem she ran short on cake. Boy, you meet all kinds in this business, don't you?

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jennifer293 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 3:29pm
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At least once in our lives we will encounter someone who wants something for nothing.. A red velvet cake would make me really happy right now too..you wanna make me one?? LOL I would just tell her that yes, I will make you a red velvet cake and give her a price. Tell her as far as not having enough cake that she needs to take that up with someone else. You made exactly what she asked for and you have the contract to prove it...

SO sorry CHARLIE!!!! icon_cool.gif

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cindy6250 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 3:32pm
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That really "Takes The Cake'!!!! I think when you respond that you should remind her that she admitted that it was not your fault that the cake was served and you do not feel compelled or responsible to bake her a "FREE" cake!!! Good Grief!!!

Cindy

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dydemus Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 3:33pm
post #10 of 30

It sounds like she was trying to skimp on the budget from the beginning and was not happy with what her budget could buy her. It also sounds like from the reception set up that she can not operate within her budget and is looking for a scapegoat!!! Thank goodness for contracts to back you up - you can't be held at fault for that one!

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mbelgard Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 3:34pm
post #11 of 30

I'd tell her that you can make her a red velvet cake and it will cost $___.
It's not your fault that she didn't make sure her instructions were followed or that she didn't order enough cake.

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dolcesunshine20 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 5:40pm
post #12 of 30

Here's what I've thought about doing, what do you all think? I charge a deposit on equipment rented, plates, pillars, etc. and I offer a 50% refund when they're returned. I'm thinking about saying that I'll give her a 6 in. red velvet cake instead of her refund if she wants to do that. Your thoughts?

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MariaLovesCakes Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:06pm
post #13 of 30

I don't know.... because this wasn't your fault... and by doing this it may seem like you are admitting to it...

I will just stick to what was agreed on the contract and leave it at that...

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frulund2600 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:11pm
post #14 of 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbelgard

I'd tell her that you can make her a red velvet cake and it will cost $___.
It's not your fault that she didn't make sure her instructions were followed or that she didn't order enough cake.




I am with mbelgard - do not offer her a refund as it was not your fault!

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donnajf Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:28pm
post #15 of 30

Ditto twice!
I'm with the other ladies!

If you do this you would be admitting fault- you didn't cut the cake! now she wants another cake! icon_confused.gificon_confused.gif is she PAYING? I wouldn't bother- once bitten twice-----???????


Fa get about it icon_mad.gificon_mad.gif

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indydebi Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:31pm
post #16 of 30

Agree with frulund2600..... you're not at fault....no refund. especially since you have it in writing from her what really happened.

dydemus also makes a good point in that in sounds like she was trying to save money and skimp. She'll never tell the story with the chapter about how she tried to save money and order less cake than what she really needed ..... her version will only have the chapter on how YOU didn't make enough cake!

I sell my cakes in a package that includes the mints, punch, plates, cups, etc. I've had brides want to order the package for 100 and want to get an extra cake for 50 "just in case". I ask her, "So you want 100 of your guests to have cake and punch and plates and forks, and 50 of your guests will have just cake eaten from a napkin?" It's at that point that I really start working wiht them to get control of an actual headcount, so they have better control over what they are spending.

If you refund anything, she will take that as an admission of guilt and THAT word of mouth travels faster than anything.

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dolcesunshine20 Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:35pm
post #17 of 30

Very good points, thanks for your advice!

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karateka Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 6:37pm
post #18 of 30

People never cease to amaze me. If you can, get the name of the person in charge of who cut the cake. Give it to her and have her call THEM to complain.

If she wants a red velvet cake, quote her a price and get your money UP FRONT.

Otherwise, stick to your guns. You will be setting yourself up for more problems if you cave. She'll tell everyone she managed to get a refund out of you, and then everyone you deal with will at least consider acting that way if they think they can get away with it.

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Gingoodies Posted 26 Aug 2006 , 8:56pm
post #19 of 30

This was absolutely NOT your fault. The attendant at the reception was to blame for not cutting the sheet cake to provide the extra servings. I would NOT GIVE her a red velvet cake nor would I wave her deposit for the plates pillars etc... I had a similar situation a year or so back. I did a wedding cake and also provided a sheet cake for extra service. At the time the cake was being served.. the bride was told there was not enough cake. The staff forgot the sheetcake in the kitchen. She was upset to say the least. The restaurant called her the next day saying "Guess what?" we found your sheetcake. Wasnt much good then though.

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emi Posted 29 Aug 2006 , 8:02pm
post #20 of 30

In my opinion, you did nothing wrong but did everything as agreed.
If she wants another cake, concider it as being another order, therefore give her a price. Also no need for you to return any money to her.

Emi

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CakeRN Posted 30 Aug 2006 , 5:39am
post #21 of 30

Nope...don't give her a cake in place of the refund. Tell her you will do a Red Velvet cake, size such and such for this amount. Stick to your guns...do not even try to make it seem like it was minutely your fault.

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oceanspitfire Posted 30 Aug 2006 , 8:20am
post #22 of 30

I wholeheartedly agree about not giving her any sort of refund-

however after dealing with this incident- where she tries to get compensation from YO:U for a mistake the reception people made, I would put this person's name down on my 'never do business with again' list. I've looked at your website- you have an ENORMOUS amount of talent and no doubt busy, as you mentioned with many wedding cakes that went well. Even if she did end up agreeing to pay for the red velvet cake, your wedding cakes probably cost upward of 500 dollars, no? One tiny red velvet cake. Do you need the money that badly that you'd do business with someone who tried to shaft you the first time? Don't do it. Stick to your guns.
As was mentioned, offering any sort of deal is an admission of guilt and you have done nothing wrong thumbs_up.gif
Be strong! icon_wink.gif

(On a website maintenance note, I noticed on some of your pages, the text and gorgeous pictures get cut off at the bottom of that beautiful border, and the feedback submit form on the accolades page is placed right over top of some of your text-no need to cover up that positive feedback. Just thought you might want to give your web designer that feedback icon_smile.gif

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playingwithsugar Posted 30 Aug 2006 , 9:30am
post #23 of 30

Is the bride kidding? She agreed to a smaller cake so it fits her budget, so how can she complain that the cake was smaller than the one in her picture?

Do you use a purchase contract with your clients? And is there a disclosure agreement that says that the client understands exactly what they are purchasing?

I swear, wedding cakes are turning into more of a litigation than they are worth.

You just let that bride know that she agreed to the smaller cake, because She was the one who said she could not afford the larger one she originally chose, and that she is therefore responsible for it's appearance.

Theresa icon_smile.gif

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heavenscent Posted 31 Aug 2006 , 6:25pm
post #24 of 30

I agree with everyone else. You have it in writting what she wanted. Had more people than what she paid for.
NO cake for you & no refund if she wants the other cake she can pay for it. Or better yet have the establishment pay for the cake if she does not want to. Some people are so cluless. I hate stupid people icon_evil.gif

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nanascakes Posted 1 Sep 2006 , 4:20pm
post #25 of 30

This woman sounds like trouble to me. She was dishonest at first about what actually happened. I am surprised that she actually admitted it was a serving error. I think you would be wise to conclude your transaction with her about equipment return/deposits and then have nothing further to do with her. The red velvet thing just keeps you in the situation longer. I think it is interesting that she was able to afford such a large reception, with per-person costs being what they are now days. It seems like some brides claim that the cake is such an important part of their wedding, yet that is what they often try to skimp on. I wonder if it is because they are dealing with an independent baker that they think they should be able to "get a deal". Anyway, in my opinion, the sooner you conclude your business with her, the better.

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debsuewoo Posted 1 Sep 2006 , 4:36pm
post #26 of 30

Heck no! Do NOT offer her anything outside of what your contract requires! And print all of you e-mails to and from her and attach them to your copy of her contract. Did you know that e-mails can be presented in small claims court? It's time for the princess to matriculate into the adult world!

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newlywedws Posted 2 Sep 2006 , 5:09am
post #27 of 30

I can't believe the nerve and audacity of some brides - I NEVER behaved this way, the lady that baked my wedding cake did a fabulous job...everyone "ooohed and aaahed" over it!
You need to kindly direct her to the writing in the contract "_x_ is what was requested, _x_ is what was provided" -and in the future, perhaps have an added paragraph that says "_Name of Company_ and/or it's employee's are not liable for the serving size/portion that are served to the guests, please plan accordingly so you will have enough cake"

BTW -if she wants a red velvet cake, do as others suggest, call her up and say I would be more than willing to do a red velvet cake for you, _x_ is the price, let me know when you want it"

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cakeladywalker Posted 2 Sep 2006 , 3:45pm
post #28 of 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by donnajf

Ditto twice!
I'm with the other ladies!

If you do this you would be admitting fault- you didn't cut the cake! now she wants another cake! icon_confused.gificon_confused.gif is she PAYING? I wouldn't bother- once bitten twice-----???????


Fa get about it icon_mad.gificon_mad.gif



AMEN to that*!**!!*
LISTEN TO THESE LADIES!!!!!!!!icon_wink.gif NO PAY, NO CAKE!!!!!!

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cakefairy18 Posted 2 Sep 2006 , 4:38pm
post #29 of 30

i had someone come over for a consulation...i have a whole bunch of dummies around so i physically showed her what it would look like...shape, size and actual dimension...i told her the only difference would be that my cake are about 1 1/2 inches taller than the dummies, other than that, she saw for herself exactly that the dimensions were...

if ppl are skimpy with price, they really shouldnt complain after...jeezeeeeee

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DBrooke Posted 2 Sep 2006 , 6:40pm
post #30 of 30

I'm new to this site, I came here to relearn cake decorating after my 15 year old announced she wants me to make her a huge cake for her sweet 16. I just wanted to add that I agree with the majority here. You fulfilled your contract and you should do nothing more. I would even be reluctant to bake her that red velvet cake even if she's willing to pay. Who knows what she'll complain about with that one.

My husband and I are in the wedding industry in another aspect. Photography. It can be a real pain. We have had so many problems. I swear that after the wedding, some brides find out how much they've really spent and then try to recoup their expenses by going back to the vendor and make up phony complaints to try and get some money back. Right now we're sitting on a $1200 hot check, seems the bride and groom have skipped town. Oh well. Nice to meet you all and read all your inputs.!!!!!

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