How to reserve
State the deposit amount and make clear that the event date is not held until the deposit is paid.
Set deposit terms before a cake order gets messy.
Use this template to explain how a client reserves a date, when the balance is due, and what happens with cancellations, reschedules, pickup, and late payments.
What a cake deposit policy should clarify
A good policy makes booking feel professional instead of awkward.
Balance due date
Tell clients when the remaining balance is due and what happens if it is late.
Changes and cancellations
Explain how design changes, reschedules, cancellations, refunds, and no-shows are handled.
Copy/paste cake deposit template
Adjust the amounts and dates to match your bakery. Use this with a quote, invoice, or order form.
Deposit and Booking Policy A deposit of [deposit amount or percentage] is required to reserve your event date. Your order is not booked until the deposit has been paid and the order details have been confirmed. The remaining balance of [balance amount] is due by [balance due date]. Orders may not be released until the balance is paid. Deposits are used to reserve calendar time, begin planning, and purchase supplies. If you cancel, the deposit may be non-refundable. If you need to reschedule, please contact me as soon as possible so I can review calendar availability. Design changes after booking may change the final price if they change the size, supplies, detail, delivery, or labor required. Pickup or delivery details: [pickup/delivery time, location, instructions, and handoff expectations]
Want to track deposits without another spreadsheet?
CakePricr lets you save quotes, mark deposits, watch balances, and organize upcoming cake orders.