Key Elements Of A Wedding Cake Contract

A wedding cake contract is a legally binding agreement between the couple getting married and the baker or cake decorator. It outlines the terms and conditions of the cake order, including details such as the design, size, flavours, delivery, setup, payment terms, cancellation policy, and any other relevant information. The contract protects both parties and ensures that the couple's expectations and the bakery's obligations are clear and agreed upon. It also helps to prevent misunderstandings or disputes and gives peace of mind to both the couple and the baker.

Contact information

This section should include the contact details for both parties: the couple and the wedding cake baker. It is important to ensure that full names, titles, phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses are included.

The date, location, and time of the wedding should also be specified in this section. This is crucial to ensure that the baker arrives at the correct location at the scheduled time.

Additionally, it is recommended to include the names and contact information of the venue coordinator, event planner, or any other relevant emergency contacts. This ensures smooth communication and coordination on the day of the wedding.

For the baker's contact information, it is advisable to provide not only the primary phone number but also alternative numbers in case of emergencies. This could include the phone number of an assistant or another representative from the bakery.

The couple's contact information should also be detailed, including their names, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant details. It is beneficial to have multiple points of contact to ensure efficient communication leading up to and on the day of the wedding.

By providing comprehensive contact information, both parties can feel confident that they can easily reach each other if needed, contributing to a well-organized and stress-free experience.

Cake design

The wedding cake contract should include a detailed description of the cake design. This should cover the selected flavours, the size and/or shape of the cake, and any additional design elements discussed between the baker and the client. If there are any sketches, drawings or images that the baker intends to incorporate, these should be listed here.

The contract should also specify any sugar flowers, fresh flowers or other ornamentation that might be used on the cake, such as a topper. It should be made clear whether these decorations are edible or non-edible. If the client is providing their own cake topper or other ornaments, the contract should specify when these must be delivered to the baker. The baker should not be held responsible for any damage to ornaments or toppers during the setup or removal process.

The contract should also include a clause that gives the baker creative freedom to make changes to the final design for the sake of stability, structural integrity or other emergencies.

Finally, the contract should specify the number of tiers and the number of guests the cake will serve.

Pricing and payment

Total Cost

The contract should specify the total cost of the wedding cake, encompassing all expenses related to the cake itself, as well as any additional services provided by the baker, such as delivery and setup. It is important to itemise these costs to ensure transparency.

Payment Schedule

The payment schedule should be outlined in detail, including the amount of the initial deposit, the timing and amount of any subsequent payments, and the deadline for the final payment. It should be clear that failure to make payments on time may result in the cancellation of the order.

Deposit and Refund Policy

The contract should state that the client is required to pay a deposit to secure the order. This deposit is typically non-refundable, protecting the baker in case of last-minute cancellations. The contract should also specify whether any other payments, such as progress payments, are refundable under certain circumstances.

Changes to the Order

It is common for clients to request changes to the cake design, flavours, or size. The contract should include a clause stating that any changes must be communicated in writing by a specified deadline before the delivery or pickup date. Changes requested after this deadline may incur additional charges or may not be possible to accommodate.

Payment Methods

The contract should outline the accepted payment methods, such as cash, cheque, credit card, or bank transfer. If there are any additional fees associated with specific payment methods, such as a processing fee for credit card payments, this should be clearly stated.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy should be detailed, outlining the timeframe for cancellations and the associated fees. This section should also clarify whether the deposit is refundable in the event of a cancellation and under what circumstances.

Cancellation policy

The deposit is non-refundable. If the event is cancelled within [insert number of days] of the delivery or pickup date, the client is responsible for the full payment. If the event is cancelled before this time, the client is still responsible for the deposit and any expenses incurred by the baker during the preparation process. This includes any expenses on ingredients, equipment, or time spent on the cake design.

In the event of a cancellation, the client must provide written notice to the baker. If the baker needs to cancel the order, they will refund the client the full amount paid, including the deposit. The baker is not responsible for any further damages or losses incurred by the client due to the cancellation.

If the client cancels within [insert number of days] of the delivery date due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, the baker will refund the client the full amount paid, minus the deposit. If the baker has already incurred expenses that exceed the amount of the deposit, the client is responsible for covering these expenses.

In the event of a cancellation, the baker will make reasonable efforts to find an alternative baker who can provide a similar cake for the wedding. The baker will not be liable for any differences in the cake provided by the alternative baker.

If the baker cancels the order due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, they will make reasonable efforts to find an alternative baker who can provide a similar cake. If the baker is unable to find an alternative, they will refund the client the full amount paid, including the deposit. The baker will not be liable for any further damages or losses incurred by the client due to the cancellation.

Photography release

The wedding cake is a work of art, and the baker wants to showcase their creation. This clause grants the baker permission to use photographs of the wedding cake for promotional services and advertising purposes. The baker can also use these images for editorial and commercial use without restriction.

The couple agrees that the baker may use photographs of the wedding cake without limitation. This includes the right to alter the photographs as they see fit. The couple releases the baker from all liability and claims connected with the photographs.

The baker may use the photographs in any manner, including social media and their website, and the couple waives their right to approve the final product. The baker will not be held responsible for any claims arising from the use of these images.

The baker may also use photographs of the couple cutting the cake, and the couple's guests, to showcase the cake in a real-world setting. The couple agrees to notify their guests that the baker will be taking photographs of the cake and may include guests in these images.

The couple understands that the baker may use these photographs for self-promotion and marketing purposes and that the baker retains the right to use these images without time limitation.

Frequently asked questions