So I'm flapping my big mouth the other day and I mention I decorate cakes. A guy in the group I was hanging out with perked up, said he's getting married in March and they haven't found anyone to do the cake. I gave him my number, but immediately afterward, I started getting a bad feeling. Every other cake I've baked for people has been for family or friends. What if the couple isn't satisfied? I'm also a little worried that wedding is in three months and they haven't secured a cake yet.
I'm not licensed because a) I only take like one cake job every 2 months or so. And b), I only charge the cost of ingredients in most cases because I get the fun of cake decorating and I don't want to get into health department/tax issues.
I've done one wedding cake, which I considered my gift to the bride. She paid for the materials. That was it. Everyone was happy.
I told the guy I'm not licensed and not a professional and it didn't seem to bother him. I've already decided that if they want something that I'm not confident in doing, I will decline the job. Why am I so nervous? Maybe I'm not confident enough in my skills? I don't know, any advice?
Goodcake...I think you are just nervous and you should take on this challenge. Yes its a little nerve wrecking cause it'll be your "first" but be confident...keep the cake simple and i'm sure everything will turn out great. Good Luck!!!!!!
P.S. Keep us posted 
Well, you've got to start somewhere! Just go with it--you won't know if this is something you really want to do unless you try it. If it's not a satisfying experience for you, you can always just continue baking for friends and family. Something tells me you're going to like it though.
I completely understand where you're coming from. The first wedding cake I did was for a family member and it was my gift. I still wanted it to be perfect, but there wasn't as much pressure because it was a freebee.
The first "real" wedding I did, I also had thoughts of regret over accepting the job, but I was honest with the bride about what I'm comfortable doing and fortunately she wanted something very simple.
Don't worry, just like you said, you can always turn down the job if you feel it's beyond your comfort level.
I'm like you, in that I don't really make any money on my cakes, I mainly do them for family and friends, and quite often that is my gift.
Gosh! The first time I got a call from someone I didn't know I turned her down, saying that I just couldn't work anyone else in on that week. I don't know why, but I was a nervous wreck to bake for someone I didn't know! And this was just a cookie order. But I had taken down her name and number "just in case someone called and cancelled". After stressing for about a day, I called her back and said that I had a time open up and I could take her order. And then I started getting all kinds of calls from people I don't know. But after just that first one, I have not had any problem accepting orders. Funny how you lose that horrible nervousness! I am sure that these people will be so happy with the cake. Just don't way under charge, even if you plan on giving them a big break. And don't tell people that you are not licensed or professional. After all, once you accept money from just one cake, that makes you a "professional". You will gain the confidence. And if they are asking something that you can't do, don't hesitate to tell them that you don't offer that type of cake or technique at this time.
I was just looking through your pictures and you have nothing to be nervous about. Your cakes are really beautiful, especially that 5 tiered wedding cake. If he asks for something you know that you can't or are not comfortable doing, you can politely decline.
It helps to have a taste testing to determine flavors/frostings. That way you know they are going to like it.
If you are nervous because of taxes/health department issues then you have to decide if its worth it or not. Just make sure that if you decide to do it, that you charge for your time also. Good Luck in whatever you decide. HTH
Being nervous is a good thing. It keeps us realistic with customers and honest with ourselves. That first time is always a doozy though, but things will get easier, I promise! 
I'm curious about this comment:
I'm also a little worried that wedding is in three months and they haven't secured a cake yet.
Are you worried because you feel this is a sign that they're difficult? If so, I wouldn't worry about that. Most wedding advice books and websites recommend waiting until the three month mark to start looking into ordering the cake. I've taken several wedding cake orders with only 1 month to go, and this past summer I took two different orders where they only had 1 week to go.
Just continue to be honest with yourself and your customers; the groom already said it doesn't bother him that you're not licensed. I would suggest going ahead and drawing up a simple contract for this order since they're not family or close friends. Doesn't have to be elaborate--just their names and addresses, what flavors they want and how many servings they expect and a simple sketch of the cake design.
Most of all...have fun!!! We're all here if you need us!
Man, do I understand! I have only done one wedding cake and it was for my daughters wedding. At her wedding, all her friends wanted me to do their weddings when the time comes, so I don't feel too nervous about it now (will see when I actually get a wedding cake order! haha) I was a wreck before the wedding though! haha
I do mainly birthday cakes, but I have to tell you, there is something I have discovered about people, and I hope this helps. People love homemade cakes. Not only do they look better and taste better, but they love the care and affection that went into making that cake. People don't want walmart (at least the kind of people that come to us for cakes) or cold bakeries. And brides especailly fall into that catagory. They want to feel special and we, the little guy, makes them feel special!
So go forth and make your cake! And post a photo! I am sure you will do wonderfully!!!
I'm curious about this comment:
I'm also a little worried that wedding is in three months and they haven't secured a cake yet.
Are you worried because you feel this is a sign that they're difficult?!
Exactly. I guess I'm just worried that they don't realize how much planning goes into a wedding cake. My five-tier cake in my photos took about six months to plan. Plus, I don't know them, so I would have no clue what they'll be like under wedding pressure.
Again you are not alone. I make cakes on the side as well. I had the same feeling when having to do a cake for a friend of a friend. But thank God they thought they (weddings,b-days,showers) were the "cutest" or "best" thing they have seen. And I keep getting referrels. Just get the priorities set , make sure you ask if they need you to serve or will there be someone there to do it for them. And show them because some people will think you can just cut a wedding cake like any ordinary cake. I always tell them that in my price I include the set up and serving defintely the gas to deliver. Just so that I can make sure I get my items back like cake plates, fountain, etc.. Some people won't acknowledge that those type of things cost money. And also it rings a bell to them that they didn't even make arraingements for cake servers. Make it and charge for your time and effort, You'll do great once you start decorating your condfidence will build, don't be so hard on yourself and try to make it perfect. more than likely the flaws can be hidden with flowers or facing the back away from everyone. Actually my first wedding cake broke it was a "16 round, I glued it back faced it towards the wall, No one even knew. Even better the reception area will have the area dimmed. It will be okay take a deep breath and go with the flow
I guess I'm just worried that they don't realize how much planning goes into a wedding cake.
People who don't do this have no clue how much planning goes into it. Just be sure you meet with them pretty soon--before the wedding stress really starts to set in--try to get all the details you'll need in one meeting so you won't have to bother them the last month or so beforehand. They'll thank you for it, and it will save you the headache of having to meet with them when you feel they are super stressed. Even if they aren't stressed out, if you perceive them to be, it will make for a stressful situation for you.
There's no need to hire the choose the bakery for the wedding cake more than 3 months in advance. Not all brides spend 2yrs planning their weddings. Unless someone is wants the most popular designer to do her cake, there's no reason here in the MidWest to book your cake more than 3mos in advance.
If this cake is not going to be fun for you, then I'd politely decline.
Being nervous is a good thing. It keeps us realistic with customers and honest with ourselves. That first time is always a doozy though, but things will get easier, I promise!
I'm curious about this comment:
I'm also a little worried that wedding is in three months and they haven't secured a cake yet.
Are you worried because you feel this is a sign that they're difficult? If so, I wouldn't worry about that. Most wedding advice books and websites recommend waiting until the three month mark to start looking into ordering the cake. I've taken several wedding cake orders with only 1 month to go, and this past summer I took two different orders where they only had 1 week to go.
With that said, do you guys usually find that brides who wait until the last minute to order their cake are usually less picky about what they get - I mean aren't they usually easy to please with what you suggest or with what lines up with your skill? I have found this to be the case in the ones I've made but then again it could have also been because they were some relative of mine. Wouldn't most of the "Bridezillas" be driving you crazy about specifics a lot earlier than this?
If people are going to wait until the last minute, they better be very willing to bend and be more forgiving.
With that said, do you guys usually find that brides who wait until the last minute to order their cake are usually less picky about what they get - I mean aren't they usually easy to please with what you suggest or with what lines up with your skill?
I think it's toss up. Most of them really have no idea how long the process takes, and they sometimes expect you to just drop everything else and focus on them. Those are the brides I try to avoid, and I've only accepted one so far that has acted this way. She came to me one month before her wedding--all sweet and nice and like "I shouldn't have waited so long; I'll take whatever you can do." Well, we covered everything and she paid the full deposit; one week later she called wanting to make a small change. My mistake--I said Okay. I heard from her three more times that same week and at least twice the next two weeks. She called once the last week before her wedding, but I think she would've called more if I hadn't put a stop to it. She's the reason I now have a clause in my contract about making changes after a certain point.
As for the two I did this summer that waited until they had only 1 week left...yes, they were very flexible. They just wanted pretty cakes that tasted good. One of them even said "these are my colors; you decide on the cake design." So, like I said, I think it's a toss up as to how the bride is going to act.
Yeah, I guess I didn't think about the one's that think you only have them as a customer at that time. The clause regarding changes to the design sounds like a pretty good idea. I've got to keep that in mind for when I do have to deal with strangers and wedding cake orders.
[quote="fytar" Wouldn't most of the "Bridezillas" be driving you crazy about specifics a lot earlier than this?
If people are going to wait until the last minute, they better be very willing to bend and be more forgiving.[/quote]
Good point. I hadn't thought of that.
First-I think your cakes are great! Second-it's ok to be nervous about this new territory! Some suggestions I have are: 1. Like someone else said, do a tasting with them. That way they know what they want and so do you. 2. If you don't feel comfortable with what they want-you are under no obligation to do it, just don't sell yourself short-you got talent kid! 3. Check out the pricing matrix on here. That will be a big help along with your area prices in determining what you need to charge. 4. Get a deposit to atleast cover your costs and set a date for final payment. 5.Set a "no more changes after this date" date like someone else suggested. 6. Put all the details they want in writing. I used to be a social worker in a nursing home and if it something wasn't documented in the person's chart it didn't happen! Getting it in writing just makes everything clear and gives you something to refer back to weeks down the road when you get ready to do the cake!
Hope this helps and good luck! Dori
I did my daughter's wedding cake in August. I was so nervous!! Everyone raved over it and couldn't believe that I had made it. You will do fine! I think it be easier with strangers than family/friends. I know that after doing my daughter's cake and agnosing (sp) over it, anything else should be a piece of cake (sorry for the pun)!
Leslie
A guy in the group I was hanging out with perked up, said he's getting married in March and they haven't found anyone to do the cake. I
Make sure you also talk to the bride as well, before you go any further. One time a guy asked me for a birthday cake and come to find out, his wife had already made arrangement for a cake!!!!
He told me to make it anyway, since he had already asked me to make it. I guess he was too embarassed! 
My point of view....I had an opportunity earlier this year to make a rather large wedding cake and I feel confident enough about doing them, but...the MOB gave me an uneasy feeling and I decided not to do the cake. (She didn't want to spend the money for the amount of cake she wanted.) This gave her 5 months to find another decorater. I went with my gut instinct!
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