Legal things to discuss with your wedding cake maker
The pièce de résistance of any wedding is undoubtedly the cake. It’s usually a centre piece, artfully decorated and lovingly made. Cake cutting pomp and ceremony aside, it’s all about the actual eating of the cake for me. As a confectionary enthusiast, I’ve sadly been to too many a wedding where the cake was not great. Dry as a bone. The wrong flavours. Sickly sweet. It’s always left me wondering what options the bride has to take recourse? I mean, can you ask for a refund on a mostly eaten pile of crumbs?
To avoid a really uncomfortable and potentially infuriating conversation, it’s a good idea to chat through the following things with your cake maker beforehand. And, more importantly, get something in writing so that you’re both clear about what happens if the cake is… vanilla, not carrot.
TASTING
Is there a cake tasting offered?
What does it cost?
How many people can attend?
COST
What will the cake cost?
What exactly is included in the cost and are the items listed clearly on an invoice? i.e. cupcakes, cake pops, wedding cake topper
What are the payment terms?
Is there a deposit?
What is the cancellation policy?
What is the refund policy if you cancel?
Will there be an invoice issued by the cake maker?
What equipment is included in the quote? i.e. cake stand, cutting knife
CAKE DESIGN
What is the process followed to ensure that you and your cake maker are on the same page in terms of what the cake will look like?
What are your responsibilities in terms of communicating your vision for your wedding cake?
Is there something to sign off on - a Pinterest moodpboard or cake drawing, for example - to ensure you’re both on the same page?
What are the consequences if the cake maker does something different to what you’ve agreed on?
Who is responsible for sourcing the decorations for the cake? i.e. flowers
DELIVERY
When will the wedding cake be delivered?
How will it be delivered?
What measures are taken to ensure that the cake remains undamaged and refrigerated during transportation?
What happens if the cake arrives damaged?
SET UP
Who will be responsible for setting up the wedding cake and accessories?
Who will be responsible for collecting any equipment the next day?
What happens if the cake is damaged during set up?
Where does the liability end i.e. at what point does the responsibility stop being the cake maker’s?
What are your responsibilities in so far as keeping the cake fresh and hydrated go?
REFUNDS
What happens if the wrong order arrives i.e. the incorrect flavour?
What happens if the quality of the cake is different to what was tasted during the tasting?
What are the grounds for a refund?
What is the refund policy?
Who gets to keep the wedding topper?
If your wedding vendors don’t present you with a contract, then you should be asking for one. And if they don’t have one, send them our way.