Client Wants To Inspect Cake

Decorating By pattycakes55d Updated 17 Aug 2010 , 3:58pm by Apti

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artscallion Posted 9 Aug 2010 , 4:52pm
post #121 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by step0nmi

if you guys go back a page or two...someone posted that the OP is not really wanting to talk about the outcome icon_razz.gif




Where do you see that, Step? I went back and don't see anything like that. Maybe I missed it?

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Irish245 Posted 9 Aug 2010 , 5:00pm
post #122 of 148

I think people said that she MAY not want to talk about it.....nobody has heard from her as far as I know.

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Saluna Posted 9 Aug 2010 , 5:53pm
post #123 of 148

I didn't see that she didn't want to talk about it either. I read thru some of her other complaints she has had and she always posted the outcome, even when bad. So I dont see why she hasn't posted on this one, especially with so many people curious.

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j-pal Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 1:18am
post #124 of 148

Oh for Pete's sake... I went through 9 pages of posts and there still isn't a result!? Bummer!

BTW - I was curious about the comment the OP made about artistic license... I'm not sure about ya'll's thoughts on this - but I think artistic license comes into play with things like, "should I put 3 or 5 flowers here?" "Should I use gold luster or super gold luster?" "Which font should I use for the monogram?" Not with shapes of the tiers, colors of the ribbon and/or flowers, etc... My brides get a sketch of what their cake is going to look like. And their cake looks just like the sketch. I take very little license with my artistic license!

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step0nmi Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 1:26am
post #125 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by nana_marta

I pm'd her and asked her to at least let one of us know if she didn't feel like telling all of CC herself for some reason. I think maybe she just doesn't realize how much we wanted everything to go well for her and want to support her. Maybe one of us will hear back from her soon. Fingers crossed!




^^^ opps icon_redface.gif i thought this was it...thought Marta said "she didn't feel like telling all of CC"

maybe this is why she hasn't responded though icon_confused.gif

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artscallion Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 1:53am
post #126 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by j-pal

Oh for Pete's sake... I went through 9 pages of posts and there still isn't a result!? Bummer!

BTW - I was curious about the comment the OP made about artistic license... I'm not sure about ya'll's thoughts on this - but I think artistic license comes into play with things like, "should I put 3 or 5 flowers here?" "Should I use gold luster or super gold luster?" "Which font should I use for the monogram?" Not with shapes of the tiers, colors of the ribbon and/or flowers, etc... My brides get a sketch of what their cake is going to look like. And their cake looks just like the sketch. I take very little license with my artistic license!




I think it depends on the baker and how they sell their service.

When I discuss a wedding cake with a bride, for instance, I generally don't discuss shapes of tiers and specific details much at all. I sell myself as a cake designer more than a cake decorator. So I don't have brides coming in with pictures they want me to duplicate, or specific designs in mind. They are there to give me what I need so that I can go away and design the cake myself.

At the point I meet with them, it's just to get an idea of the wedding style, colors, theme, flowers,etc. learn a little about what she and the groom like, who they are. Sometimes they'll bring a swatch or an invitation or their favorite painting or bracelet or something to inspire me.

I don't design anything right there. I may just clarify to make sure we're on the same page by saying something general like, "So I'm thinking funky retro, bold but elegant, maybe contrasted with some soft, old fashioned peonies and lots of shimmer."

If they agree, they leave and I design it later. They're surprised by what it ends up being when they walk into the reception hall. This is the only way I'll work. If my inspiration leads me one way in the creative process while I'm in the middle of actually building the cake, the last thing I want is to be constrained by some preconceived, predesigned plan that I'm bound to follow.

I use brides as the example, but I work this way with all my cakes. They never know what they'll be getting until they get it. I'm sure there are a whole range between me and what you mentioned. Artistic license is whatever you and your client agree it is.

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j-pal Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 2:22am
post #127 of 148

"I think it depends on the baker and how they sell their service."

I can agree with that. If the bride understands that she's leaving the design up to me and is just giving me direction that's one thing. If she gives me a photograph and says, "I want THIS", then it leaves very little, if any, room for artistic license. In the case of the OP - I would be curious to hear from her what the bride's desires were. She apparently provided a photograph, but we're not clear what the exact agreement was.

Anyway - curious how it turned out!

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dguerrant Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 3:02am
post #128 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bskinne

I agree with the fact that "no news is good news" is probably not the case...icon_sad.gif
I get so hopeful every time I see there is an update on this forum that there is some good news....




me too, i check several times a day

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MamaKarrie Posted 10 Aug 2010 , 3:11am
post #129 of 148

Gosh I just read another post of hers where she said her daughter just had a little baby boy 4 weeks early. Maybe she is away helping with that. I pray all is well and she is just busy.

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MamaKarrie Posted 13 Aug 2010 , 1:33pm
post #130 of 148

No one has heard anything? I'm guessing not or there would be a post. At this point I'd just like to know everything is ok with her.

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jadak Posted 13 Aug 2010 , 6:00pm
post #131 of 148

Just found this thread and read the whole thing and now I need closure too. LOL I hope it went well for the OP.

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LadyKinster Posted 13 Aug 2010 , 7:43pm
post #132 of 148

Good or bad, I really hope she posts the outcome. This is a good situation to learn from.

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tokazodo Posted 13 Aug 2010 , 8:04pm
post #133 of 148

OH Great Gobs of Butter cream! I can't believe it's almost 2 weeks later and we are still here, and there are still unanswered questions! And here I am back again, like some voyeur/cake stalker, trying to see how it all turned out.
Oh Pish Posh!

Well, I hope it all turned out okay! I hope all is well with Pattycakes!

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Ivy383 Posted 13 Aug 2010 , 8:12pm
post #134 of 148

I am really starting to think thay maybe the OP does not want to share the outcome. Maybe it did not go so well and she wants to put it behind her. I hope all is well with her and her grandchild.

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pattycakes55d Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 2:31am
post #135 of 148

sorry for going AWOL. After many phone calls from the planner I finally convinced her that the cake would be great. I got so many phone calls from her the day of asking when I'm delivering the cake. Told her at the scheduled time. She kept on phoning. guess she was nervous. So instead of calming the bridal party I got a call from one of the bridesmaids I knew asking about the cake. The planner should be a calming factor and not sending the bridal party into panic mode. I calmed her down and actually decided to get the cake there as soon as I could. The Chef and all involved said the cake was so pretty. BUT nothing from the planner. That made me feel a little better. I will post pics as soon as I figure out how to upload from my camera.

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Karen421 Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 2:46am
post #136 of 148

So glad it went well!! thumbs_up.gif Needless to say, we were worried!

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pattycakes55d Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 2:56am
post #137 of 148

I couldn't believe how many posts there were. Haven't read every post but I'll list what I see and if there's any other questions, I'll answer those. The bride brought a picture from one of the bridal magazines and said "I want this exactly how it is" and I want those flowers." Told her about copyright and said I'd have to change a few things about the cake. The cake was to be 5 tiers, some double tiers, pink ribbon on a couple of the tiers and had cascading 5 petal flowers with pearls in the middle. So really a basic cake design as far as I'm concerned. Can't change much - said I'd change the location of the ribbons and make a different flower although something similar. Bride said ok. I put that into the contract. I agree with artscallion and if I continue making cakes, will never make a cake from a photo again. The customer now has that picture in mind and anything from that seems to bother them. That's where I've run into problems before. they'll say "there's only 3 horses and the pic had four", this cake isn't as nice as the pic not realizing that the cake has been prepared for a photo shoot, etc." I guess I've been naive and didn't see potential problems if I didn't have a confirm form for each kind of cake I do. Absolutely everything has to be in writing, no exception otherwise "no I didn't mean that" occurs.

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pattycakes55d Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 3:13am
post #138 of 148

I agree that I should have gotten the ok from the bride about the mini cupcake issue. I had 230 minis, didn't have enough silver liners, so some were regular white ones. Didn't realize until after first batch that there was also a size difference. Couldn't find any more liners so had to use those. I did do one thing right which is to take a cash deposit up front. I've been making cakes for almost two years and until a few months ago, only received two complaints out of 90. I guess I was just lucky not having all those things in place beforehand. I didn't have any formal training or had made a decision to make cakes - it all happened when my daughter's friend wanted a cake. The friend liked it, told her friend, and so on. I was overwhelmed and just concentrated on making the cakes. That has created a nightmare of problems which you will see if you check out some of my recent posts. Just as quick as I started, everything has come to a halt with the help of a lunatic customer. Thank you for all your support and guidance and you will never know how much it has meant to me. I'm so upset and re-evaluating.

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cs_confections Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 4:00am
post #139 of 148

Thanks for the update! I think a lot of us were worried about how it went for you. There will be a lot of happy bakers when they see you updates! I'm glad it worked out in the end and look forward to seeing pictures. Have a great weekend!

edited to add- just re-read and caught the last part of your previous post. I guess I misunderstood. I'm sorry you've hit a rough patch and it's a shame it seems to be from some misunderstandings. I hope you and your business recover quickly and wish you much success in your future.

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srkmilklady Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 4:01am
post #140 of 148

So sorry to hear that you have been through such a hard time lately. Its too bad that after 2 years and 90 cakes later that one bridezilla has upset you so terribly. I feel so bad for you. I do hope though, that you can "pick up the pieces", put this behind you and carry on making your lovely cakes.
Take care....

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LadypinkertonB Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 9:26am
post #141 of 148
Quote:
Quote:

The Chef and all involved said the cake was so pretty. BUT nothing from the planner.




Uk shores breathing a sigh of relief!! The chef complimented your cake - in my book thats a proffessional opinion which is worth more than the wedding planners!! icon_biggrin.gif Did "all involved" include the bridal party?

Sorry to read you are upset and re-evaluating - I can imagine having the wedding planner constantly calling added extra stress you could have done without - I only do cakes as a hobby atm and I have to work thru the night so I don't get interupted by children, husband and phonecalls!!

Chin up pattycakes chalk this one down to experience and carry on!! Can't wait to see the pictures! Karenxx

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cownsj Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 2:38pm
post #142 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by pattycakes55d

That has created a nightmare of problems which you will see if you check out some of my recent posts. Just as quick as I started, everything has come to a halt with the help of a lunatic customer. Thank you for all your support and guidance and you will never know how much it has meant to me. I'm so upset and re-evaluating.



pattycakes, I understand you feeling defeated and down. That's part of what contributes to your talent, because you work so hard to make each and every cake the best you can. You have a wonderful talent in your cakes. And I will bet there isn't anyone here who hasn't felt that same way at one time or another, both professional and hobby baker. I know I've felt that way, my husband has felt that way. And if we were to ask for a show of hands, I bet there would alot of hands in the air. I think what you are feeling right now is normal, so know that it is, and that it's ok, and you'll soon feel back to your old self. Hang in there and keep on cakin'.
And I too cannot wait to see your cake

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tesso Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 4:00pm
post #143 of 148

I was so glad to hear from you. I am glad it went well. Sighing with relief and very happy for you right now.

but there is one thing I must get off my chest.

Dont you dare give up making your cakes because of one asinine bridezilla!! Your cakes are a work of art and you shouldnt let one person ruin the fun and beauty of them.

You have been knocked down dear, and I understand that. So here is a hand to help haul yourself up and believe in yourself again. so dust those knees off, dry those eyes and get your behind back in the kitchen and start producing more of your art !!

Please, dont let anyone have the power over you to make you stop doing what you must obiviously love doing. Your cakes speak for you and they say you are talented and love your work. dont let some bridezilla take that from you!!

I am sending you big hugs and a firm push back into the kitchen. thumbs_up.gif

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j-pal Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 7:10pm
post #144 of 148

Glad to hear that everyone (that you know of) had positive things to say!

I'm curious about something you posted... you said you couldn't duplicate the cake exactly because of copyright ... The only thing copyright covers is the photo itself. Which means you can't post a photo on your website as your own if you didn't create it. However, you absolutely CAN recreate a cake from a magazine or from the internet or even from HERE. The nice thing to do when posting pictures of YOUR creation would be to give credit to the original designer (if you know who it was), but there isn't anything wrong with duplicating cakes from pictures. With all the talk on here about copyrights, I can understand the confusion, but I just wanted you to know that it's ok to copy cakes that brides bring to you.

As previous posters have said - I hope you you don't let this stop you from moving ahead and continuing to do cakes. Best wishes!

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dawncr Posted 15 Aug 2010 , 7:58pm
post #145 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by tesso

Dont you dare give up making your cakes because of one asinine bridezilla!!





I agree, Tesso. But it almost sounds more like a wedding-planner-zilla rather than a bridezilla. Sounds like the planner was the one who was over-reactive and hyped up, and she may have passed that on to the bride.

Being a wedding planner requires a calm, professional demeanor, good problem-solving skills, and an ability to communicate with brides and vendors in a way that leaves them all feeling satisfied. Those may not be this planner's strengths.

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Irish245 Posted 16 Aug 2010 , 2:19am
post #146 of 148

So glad to hear you're ok and that you're back with us and all went well with the cake.....but now that that is cleared up.....

How is your new grandson? Here's hoping all is going well with him and congratulations Grandma!

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ksu2009 Posted 16 Aug 2010 , 2:49am
post #147 of 148

Being a wedding planner requires a calm, professional demeanor, good problem-solving skills, and an ability to communicate with brides and vendors in a way that leaves them all feeling satisfied.


I would send this to a wedding planer in e-mail( is it rude?), and next time you take wedding order first question -who is your wedding planer? And then you will know if you want to do this again. Just please !!!!!! don't give up!!!!!!!!

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Apti Posted 17 Aug 2010 , 3:58pm
post #148 of 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by tesso

I was so glad to hear from you. I am glad it went well. Sighing with relief and very happy for you right now.

but there is one thing I must get off my chest.

Dont you dare give up making your cakes because of one asinine bridezilla!! Your cakes are a work of art and you shouldnt let one person ruin the fun and beauty of them.

You have been knocked down dear, and I understand that. So here is a hand to help haul yourself up and believe in yourself again. so dust those knees off, dry those eyes and get your behind back in the kitchen and start producing more of your art !!

Please, dont let anyone have the power over you to make you stop doing what you must obiviously love doing. Your cakes speak for you and they say you are talented and love your work. dont let some bridezilla take that from you!!

I am sending you big hugs and a firm push back into the kitchen. thumbs_up.gif




DITTO!

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