She called me several weeks ago about her wedding cake and I had an opening. We have spoken several times about doing a tasting and to try to schedule a time that we could get together. The last time we talked, she was going to call me back about a time for the meeting.

We never even got into a very detailed design and never even got far enough into planning for her to know my policy on deposits (2 weeks before the event, 20%). So, I e-mailed her 13 days before her wedding to let her know my concerns. I followed up the next day with a phone call and had to leave a message on her cell. Still nothing.

I have decided that I am no longer available but want to make sure she knows this and has it in writing. Here is the e-mail I have typed. What do you think?

Carrie,
I wanted to make sure that you knew that since I have not been able to get in touch with you about a cake design or the deposit for your wedding cake, that I am no longer available on your wedding date. I have left messages on your cell phone and sent an e-mail expressing my concerns, but still have not heard from you. I do hope you are able to find a baker and that you have a beautiful wedding day. Best of luck to you!

Sounds fine to me. Sorry that happened to you.

Here's how I would word it. Just a bit of editing. Yes, it sounds chastising, but my guesses would be that either the wedding is off (doubtful) or she has already found someone else to do her cake.

Theresa

Carrie,
Since I have not been able to get in touch with you about a cake design or the deposit for your wedding cake, I am no longer available on your wedding date. I have left messages on your cell phone and sent an e-mail expressing my concerns, but still have not heard from you. I do hope you are able to find a baker and that you have a beautiful wedding day. Best of luck to you!

Thanks! I took your advice and sent the e-mail. I doubt I will hear back from her, though. No sweat off my back. I will just have an extended vacation, instead!!!

After reading all the Bride-mare stories here on CC and elsewhere, I can only figure that even if she booked with you, she would have been more trouble than you were getting paid for.

Theresa

It does sound as if she found someone else and never let you know.

My thoughts exactly. She probably doesn't want to tell me someone else is doing the cake. And I don't want to get in a situation that I end up not getting paid for it anyway. I had no problem sending the e-mail. I just wanted to make sure it was worded professionally.

The only suggestion I can make is that if this happens again in the future, send the e-mail sooner. Why should you give them until the last minute, when they haven't responded in all this time?

Theresa

I am too nice. Next time a bride calls, I will be sure to let them know my 2 week deposit policy immediately.

Thanks, everyone!

I had a MOB call and ask to set up a tasting. She said she'd let me know when her daughter was going to be back in town. I called her back, can't remember why now and she said she still hadn't heard from her daughter and she'd get back to me. That was at the end of March. No word. Grrr!

So where in the Shenandoah Valley are you. That's where I live too!

I'm in Bryce Resort. I map quested Stanley. It looks like we are pretty close!

Hey girls- I'm in Winchester- Bryce Resort and Stanley are both pretty close to me too!! Nice to have some local gals on here!

WOW! I had no idea there were so many cakers out here!

Sweet Tooth Bakery I who I use for most of my supplies. However, with gas prices these days, I am trying to order online more.

Yep, I am learning! I usually mention it right away. This time, though, I didn't.

Didn't read all the posts, but when you don't hear something back, the client just isn't interested. Since you didn't hear anything back about the tasting, she definately found another baker. IMHO. HTH!

That's how I figured it, too. But I have heard so many stories about how brides assume that they were booked and then find out differently. I just didn't want there to be any misunderstanding; that she would expect me to show up the day of her wedding with a cake.

I really am glad she didn't call back. I get to stay on vacation longer!