I have linked the original post for those who need it. Here is an update for everyone asking. I did not expect such an overwhelming response so I will try to answer all questions. First of all thank you to those who were kind. This was for my first child's first birthday party, in my hometown where we had to fly into because we no longer live. So I have been stressed and trying to get the rest of the party together while also taking care of my baby.
Firstly, I have attached photos that are supposedly the bakers work. These are from her Facebook. Also to clarify, she is not someone I know. I had posted in a local group asking for people's favorite local bakeries and she had a few people recommended her which is how I found her. I know everyone wanted to see the AI photo and I unfortunately cannot share it BECAUSE after I messaged her politely declining the cake, she blocked me and deleted our entire conversation. I should have saved the photo but was not trying to spend all day on my phone as we are very busy seeing family, preparing for the party, etc. Because she blocked me I don't believe I can make a direct Facebook review, but especially since she blocked me I feel comfortable blasting her in local pages. I also attached a screenshot of me declining the cake and her response.
Some of the main questions:
What was the fan thing with the balls and did I ask for it? NO I did not ask for it. It was something she had suggested when we were first discussing ideas in September because she admitted she had not seen the movie Ferris Buellers Day Off and that via googling she felt including the leopard print of his vest was important. I told her I did not want that as part of the cake and she added it anyway. Not to mention it doesnt look like leopard print.
Why did I tell her it looks good? I was panicked y'all. I don't like to hurt people's feelings. I'm rhe type of person who has to stop at every booth of the farmers market because I cant stand the puppy dog eyes of the vendors. I cant stand telling a hairdresser they messed up my hair. I also was literally on a connecting flight with my baby so I just sent her a quick response without getting a super close look at the cake.
Why would you spend so much? Well firstly I have seen custom cakes go for more, which when they are really elaborate and well done and more "premium" flavors that seems reasonable. This is my first child's first birthday and I was excited, we went a little more all out on the cake because we didnt with the rest of the party. This is also somewhat of a family reunion since we don't live in town and never get to see a lot of the family attending. I wanted it to be special and didnt care about spending some money to do so, especially if it was a supporting a small local business. Obviously after seeing the cake I would never have spent that amount.
Why did you continue after the AI? I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she was using AI to convey her idea in a better way than a badly done drawing. Also to clarify, the original AI design she sent I actually liked! The original design that I approved of, though done with AI, was good and what I wanted. The finished product was nothing like the design we agreed upon. I agree that I should have taken the AI as a bigger red flag but you live and you learn.
What was the end result? I politely declined the cake and did not pay the other half. I did let her keep the deposit because I'm a nice person and I also truly didnt want to argue for the deposit back, I have too much else going on right now. Given her response I wish I had asked for a full refund but I'm sure it would have been a whole fight and I didnt want to do all that.
We placed an order for a cake at a local grocery store and it is a really pretty cake and will serve its purpose.
I think thats everything, thanks for reading. I'm going to go enjoy my baby's birthday now! Thank you!
by Peony907
Dining and Cooking