Does everyone ask for a 50% deposit at the time a wedding cake order is placed? When do you ask the balance to be paid by? Just curious?

I have not done a lot of wedding cakes, but the ones I have done, the bride has paid them in full when she ordered them! (I guess I am lucky in that aspect!!)

I only ask for $75.00 deposit, which most are more than happy to provide at the time of the initial meeting. Some want to continue to look around, which is okay, but they know that to get into my book in ink, they have to pony up the dollars.

Final payment in full is due 3 weeks before the wedding. No payment, no cake. It's that simple. If they can't remember to pay the baker, she is not going to remember to bake for them. lol Should be a no-brainer for them, right? But it does get missed.

One of the reasons for 3 weeks ahead is that they are going to have to pay A LOT of vendors right at the last minute; I get my money before the rush. Also, if there is a problem (they forgot to send or something) it gives me time to call and make sure the wedding's still on and they still want my work. And if the check bounces, it gives me time to advise them that I now need the bad check to be "bought back" from me with cash for the amount of the check PLUS any processing fees my bank had to charge me.

I always explain my policy so that everyone is on the same page. I also tell them that this protects them and it protects me from any misunderstandings about what is going on and when.

If you want more info, PM me and I will provide more details.

Happy Baking,

Odessa

I've got it in my contract that approximately half of the estimate is due in order to hold the date with the balance due 28 days prior to the event. As Odessa mentioned, it's so that you have time for the bounced check to get back to you and you can contact them for the cash or no cake. DH deals with collections for his family's business, so we've learned that it can sometimes take 21 days for the bounced check to make its way back to us. I also have a cancellation policy that it's a $75 fee plus any materials I have purchased specifically for their cake. I also let them make changes to the cake and serving count up to two weeks before the event though, again, if I've purchased materials especially for their event they're still charged for them (i.e. they order a cake with gumpaste flowers, then 2-weeks out decide they don't want them anymore - this way I'm not out anything).. Any cost changes are required to be paid in cash at that time.

I get 50% of cake total when they sign the contract, then the rest is due 2 weeks prior to the wedding date....but I think after reading this, I may change it to 3 weeks. (thanks by the way)

melody

I ask for $100 non-refundable deposit. Full payment 2wks prior. And no refunds at all!!! no matter when they cancel. They are tying up my time. I will make the cake they ordered for the date they booked.
Tell them up front! all of your rules.
Less headache if something goes haywire.
Lora

I ask for $75 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Final payment is due 30 days in advance.

I normally get 50% at the time the order is placed, however I have been known to let the bride make payments with a small deposit up front just so her date is reserved. All money must be paid 2 weeks prior to the wedding, if not then I request cash only after that, no checks. No money, no cake, no refund.

$200 or 10%, whichever is smaller, is due as a downpayment to hold the date. 50% of the balance is due 3 weeks prior. Final balance due day of the wedding. I've never been burned on not getting paid.