I'm typing up a wedding policies sheet for the brides to sign...an informal contract (although I don't know if it would hold up in court). I live in Houston, so we have hurricanes and it floods ALOT, so I need a "natural disaster" clause.

What do you guys do if a brides orders, pays on time, but it floods on the day of her wedding--full refund? If I made the cake, I hate to give a full refund, but it's not fair to make her pay (she didn't know it would flood). What seems fair?

But you have no control over flooding either so why should you eat the cost of having a cake made that can't be used?

Yeah you do have flooding down there! My brother is there and showed my houses on stilts!
I guess it would be fair to recieve at leat materials cost for somthing such as this. Neither can be controlled but why schedule your wedding during hurricane season!

Ironically, the prime wedding months are the same as hurricane season--summer. I don't do any outdoor weddings, though. It's just too hot in Texas (over 100 in the summer), so I can't create a cake durable enough for that...and they always cancel when it rains.

I think a partial refund for labor would be appropriate. As long as the clause states that cost of materials will not be refunded in the event of a natural disaster. Or a 50/50 split...As it is neither your fault or hers. If it is explained and they sign on the dotted line, I would think you both are covered. Here's another question...Hope to never be in this situation, BUT...what happens, heaven forbid, if on the way to set up a cake, you are involved in a traffic accident. Do you guys have something in your contracts for that?

O.k. what you do is "Cover thy Buns"...

Here are the two clauses I have written into my stage contract... They can easily be adjusted to cakes... Both clauses cover you. In other words, if YOU are flooded out, the bride isn't out, but if SHE cancels, then you're covered.

2.This agreement for services of artist is subject to proven detention by accidents, illness, epidemics, acts of God, or any event beyond the control of the artist. In the event that the engagement of Artist must be cancelled for any of the above-cited circumstances, both parties shall be relieved of all responsibilities pursuant to the agreement and agreement shall be deemed rescinded. Should the cancellation become necessary, the artist shall document in writing the circumstances resulting in the cancellation and provide this information to the purchaser within forty-eight (4 hours of the initial notice of cancellation.

3.In the event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances at the venue, artist will be reimbursed the full amount of detailed transportation and related non-refundable expenses (phone charges, airfare, lodging, rental car, etc) incurred due to the cancellation which are above and beyond deposited amount. A detailed invoice will be provided within fourteen (14) days of cancellation notification.

Do you know what any of the other bakers do? I would think the refund if any would not be that much. Sorry, but they know what the weather is like during those months before they set the date for their wedding.