Frequently Asked Questions

CAKE is a curated matching platform for the wedding and event industry. We help professionals build trusted event teams through private, concierge-style introductions. You tell us what you need, we do the work, and you choose from a shortlist of aligned creatives who are available, interested, and ready to go.

CAKE currently supports photographers, videographers, and planners. If you are outside those categories and need team support, reach out at support@cakeunited.com and let us know.

CAKE is not a job board. There are no public posts, no open applications, and no sifting through unqualified responses. We do the outreach privately, confirm availability and rates, and send you a curated shortlist of creatives who are already aligned with your event. Built by industry professionals, for industry professionals.

No. CAKE does not have public or searchable profiles. Every member's profile is private and only shared when they are included in a curated shortlist. We believe alignment matters, and every match is intentional, built on trust and fit rather than open listings.

Log in to your CAKE dashboard and submit a request directly from there, or visit cakeunited.com to get started. Tell us what you need and we will take it from there. If you have questions before submitting, reach out at support@cakeunited.com.

Once you submit a request, we reach out to creatives in our network whose skills, style, and availability align with your event. We confirm their availability and rate before sending you anything. You will receive a shortlist of 2 to 5 curated matches to review. From there, you choose who feels like the right fit and we handle the introduction.

No. Payment flows directly between you and the creative you select. CAKE charges a flat fee at the time of your request and takes nothing from the creative's rate. What you see is what they get.

Payment is due at the time of submission and outreach begins promptly after. If CAKE is unable to present any matches within your delivery window, a 50% refund will be issued. If matches are presented and none are selected, the fee is non-refundable. Once outreach begins, fees are non-refundable regardless of whether a shortlist has been delivered. If you find coverage independently before receiving your shortlist, please notify us immediately at support@cakeunited.com.

Not at all. You are in full control. If an opportunity is not the right fit, you decline privately. No burned bridges, no awkward conversations.

Your rate helps us match you with opportunities that reflect your experience and value. We suggest setting a standard rate for a single day of work as a starting point. Every event is different, and scope, travel, and location all play a role. When an opportunity comes through, you will always have the option to accept the listed rate or submit your own for consideration. Your rate is only shared with the hiring partner once you confirm availability.

Yes. If you work across multiple markets, you can set a primary and secondary location in your Creative Profile to make sure you are showing up for the right opportunities. Make sure your primary city reflects where you live, not just where you work.

Yes. You have one profile with access to both sides. Whether you are building a team for your own events or looking to pick up work, it all lives in the same place.

Joining CAKE is always free for everyone. Creatives pay nothing to be part of the network and receive match opportunities. Hiring partners pay a flat fee per request. There are no subscriptions, no hidden fees, and no pay-to-play.