Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to say that I am new to this board and after several days of pondering around, find it to be very informative.

I have been toying with the idea of trying to make cakes. No so much character/birthday cakes, but wedding cakes. I have always had a facination with them and would really like to try my hand at it.

I have recently signed up for a cake decorating class that will be held next month. The instructor advised me that the class is to learn the basics of cake decorating and will not delve into the more advanced techniques needed to handle such a thing.

My niece is getting married this coming December. A Christmas wedding no less. I have been asked to make the cake since someone overheard me say I would like to try it. I feel bound by this wish they have and really don't want to dissapoint my niece.

So, tell me, am I completely nuts for wanting to learn such a thing? They say it's never too late to learn something new (I'm really not that old). Any advise would be greatly appreciated as would any books or articles that would help me learn more about this little adventure.

Thanks guys,


Wandootie

I would say go for it. I started because I loved to bake and my hubby bought me a wilton kit for chirstmas. Classes followed and the obession started. I am now preparing to start a business after i go back to school to get my pastry arts certificate. I think you will love it.

GO FOR IT ! I am no expert. I taught myself everything I know. I have always wanted to take classes, but just don't have the time. (sigh) Although I am about to attempt a big event myself.. My niece is haveing a sweet sixteen in April. I have no idea what I am doing. I will just go with the flow. The theme for her sweet sixteen is a princess theme. Tiara's and castles things in that matter. So I know where to start, but the ending will be a surprise to me and everyone else.. LOL I wish you all the best of luck.
Is there a theme for the wedding? Besides Christmas. I guess what I am asking is, will it be a snowman theme (blue and white colors) christmas tree theme (red, blue and gold colors) Presents maybe? Let us know and we can help you with ideas on a design for the cake. I for one am going for a tier cake with a castle top bought at www.cakesbysam.com and will make some sort of walkway coming from the castle.. (sigh) sounds amazing now we will see if I can make it look as good as it sounds..

Go for it!!!!! I never decorated a cake in my life!! Not until Oct of last year!!! I took Wilton classes in Oct, Nov & Dec. In Jan I was asked to do my first official wedding cake & groom's cake. The wedding is in April. I might have another wedding to do in Aug. I've done plenty of cakes now. I think I'm on about 28th cake. I just started making money on it too. I use the money to buy more pans, tips & other supplies. One day I might actually make a profit on this decorating thing!! I love it!!! So if your interested in it Go for it!!!!!!!! We'll help you w/ any questions! This is where I learn so much stuff!!!!!

Well I guess the consensus is for you to "DO IT!" Wandootie, I am not a very skilled cake decorator and I would like to try something different other then bday and celebration cakes, wedding cakes definately scare me , unless it was for a civil wedding for a friend, then the pressure wouldnt be as bad i dont think. But NO I dont think its crazy of you to undertake such a undertaking on making your neices cake... you will make it B-E-A-utiful! I am sure, you have plenty of time to learn, and taking the basic class right now is great, then take class 2 and so on, you will pick up the cake thing..... DO IT, you will love it!

i say go for it!...but before you do, practice, invest in all the supplies you'll need and just have fun with it. every time you do a cake, you learn something from it. i started a while back and now i'm doing about 3 to 5 cakes a week. i don't do wedding cakes that often. as a matter of fact my third wedding cake will be done this week. i don't like all the hassle that comes with doing wedding cakes...to time consuming. maybe, next year i might attempt one or two, but for now i enjoy doing birthdays, baby showers and such.

Found this really cool topper- but it's a bit pricey in my book: http://www.sculpturedglass.com/gallery/wctwinter.htm
Or since it's Christmas- do a cake of stacked presents: http://www.earlenescakes.com/bowsnpkgcks.htm -her cakes are just gorgeous

Thanks, guys, for the wonderful words of encouragement. I guess that I will jump in with both feet and run with it. Nothing ventured...nothing gained, right?

Besides, I have been collecting bad debs for 18 years now and I really don't enjoy it anymore...not that I ever did. I don't like threatening people for money. Also, my son will graduate this year, so maybe this will be a nice change. Although, I will still have to do the day job for a while longer.

An answer to your question, Briansbaker, no, there is no particular theme to this Christmas wedding. It will be held at a place called the Gassaway Mansion. It is absolutely beautiful...elegant winding stair cases and such. There, they have different packages that enclude the wedding, reception and flowers. All that will be left for the couple will be expense for the photography and cake. It will already be decorated for Christmas with trees and Poinsettas, so I'm sure it will be beautiful. I thought about getting with the florist whene the time comes and have them supply me with arrangements for my cake toppers so that they will match the other flowers used in the wedding.

To me, there is nothing more beautiful than a plain white cake with the little pearls scattered about the cake. Simple elegance.

Good luck on your cake, Briansbaker, as well as the rest of you guys. And thanks again for the encouragement.

I say go for it too! You'll will have a ball. Do a dummy cake first, that way you can make your mistakes on that and then you know what to expect and what to avoid. Also, this is a great confidence booster. Good Luck!

BTW, ask lots and lots of questions.