I'm making my son's b-day party cake next week. ... I was thinking of a 12" and 8" stacked is that the correct way of stacking cakes or is it an 8" on top of a 10" the correct way? I guess my question is .. do I use a 2" or 4" difference?

Either one is fine, just depends on the look you are after! 2" on EACH side is more traditional looking, but it's up to you!

You can do that.. i've used 6 on top of a 10.. BUT i've also just went one pan difference... depends on if you want alot of room for a border or not..

I don't think there is really a guideline for it ... I believe it is more of a personal preference, of which you like the look of. Usually to get an idea, I will flip the pans upside down and stack. Personally I prefer a 2" difference.
Hope I Helped

Roxy

I don't have the pans yet ... I'll be getting them from my sister this weekend ....

Tye ... I looked at your cakes and I think I'm going for the 2" difference if that is what you have done ...

thanks all!

melC I love your work.... I'm going to try the halloween castle this year!

sofiasmami, most of the time it would be 4" a difference, but that also depends on the design of the cake. There are times to use less than 4", such as when the stacked cakes are stacked even in the back to have extra room to the front. Stack your pans to get an idea of what each would look like.
Good luck with the birthday cake