Check your cake maker’s contract before you pay the deposit.

What to find in the contract

6 things to look for, what each one means, and what to ask the cake maker before you sign.

1. 1

   Is the design written down?

   The order should describe the cake clearly: tiers, flavours, fillings, size, number of portions, and decoration. A sketch or reference picture attached to the order avoids surprises. Check whether fresh flowers are supplied by the cake maker or your florist.

   Ask how many portions the cake gives, and whether that's finger portions or dessert portions.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Can you attach the agreed design to the order?
   • How many portions, and what size?
   • Who supplies any fresh flowers?
2. 2

   Is a tasting included?

   Check whether a tasting or sample box is included, charged for, or taken off the order if you book. Look for how late you can change flavours.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Is a tasting included, or does it come off the price?
   • Until when can we change flavours?
3. 3

   How are allergens handled?

   Food businesses in the UK must give information on 14 allergens, including nuts, gluten, milk and eggs. If any guest has an allergy, tell the cake maker in writing and check how they label the cake and prevent cross-contamination.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Which allergens does the cake contain?
   • Can you make a tier free from a particular allergen?
   • How do you label the cake for the venue?
4. 4

   Who delivers and sets up the cake?

   Check whether delivery and set-up are included, the delivery time, and whether the venue has a cool place to keep the cake. Ask what happens once the cake is handed over, since responsibility for it usually passes to you or the venue.

   Some venues charge a cake-cutting fee. That's in the venue contract, not the cake order, but worth checking alongside.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Are delivery and set-up included?
   • What time will you deliver, and who signs for it?
5. 5

   Is the stand or knife hired?

   Cake stands, knives and display boards are often hired with a deposit. Check what's included, when it must be returned and by whom, and what happens if something is damaged.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Is the stand hired, and is there a deposit?
   • Who returns it, and by when?
6. 6

   What does it cost to change or cancel the order?

   Check when the balance is due, how late you can change the design or size, and what you'd owe if you cancelled at each stage.

   What to ask before you sign

   • When is the balance due?
   • What would we owe if we cancelled or changed the order?

This page is general information, not legal advice. Every cake maker’s contract is different, and none of the above replaces reading yours. If a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.