I was wondering what some of you out there would price the cake that is featured in the Wilton Course 3 book? The final cake is a 2 tiered cake. One cake is a 6" x 4" and the other a 10" x 4". This cake is covered in fondant and has fondant roses cascading down both tiers.
Sandy

If you did it exactly like the cake in the book, with all of those roses....atleast $100 or more, but it really depends on the area you live in, how much your materials cost, etc.

Valerie

I made that one. It's supposed to serve around 40 people. Minimum $80.

I made one similar using white chocolate fondant and also with a white chocolate "50" topper. I got $150 for it. Here's the picture of mine.

Someone in my class took their final cake to work and the boss paid $75 for it on the spot. She told us about this when we had a get-together to stay in touch after class was over. She was thrilled since this was her first ever tiered cake.

Thanks so much for your replies. I had a person that saw this cake and asked if I would make it for their wedding using a 6", 10" and a 14". I told them that the 6" and the 10" would normally run about $100 because of all the fondant roses and they looked at me like I was crazy! I guess there are always people out there that want something for nothing. If I was to add a 14" cake to this cake what do you think would be a reasonable price to request? I don't think the average person has a clue as to the amount of hours we decorators put into making their cakes.

Price it by the serving, which is the industry standard for pricing wedding cakes. Use the serving chart of your choice, and decide on a price (I would say $3.00 per serving for fondant), plus additional for the hand-made fondant flowers.
http://www.earlenescakes.com/ckserchart.htm
http://www.wilton.com/wedding/cakeinfo/cakedata.cfm

Wilton's chart says it serves 116. Earlene's chart says 95. Either way, you are looking at at least a $300 cake.

Kellycakes4949, your ruffle is absolutely beautiful!

kelleym, thanks for the links i was wondering about it too

How do you charge for fondant flowers? Do you take the time it takes you to make them and divide it into your hourly rate or is there some other guide to follow? I will be making fondant rosebuds, medium size roses and full size roses. Each one takes a different amount of time to make. I am terrible at pricing!! I wish there was a pricing guide for flowers! Help!!!
Sandy

It's up to you -- you can decide on a price "each" or a flat hourly rate. It's probably more fair to you if you charge per flower -- then the bride knows exactly what she is asking for and paying for.

I guess my problem is that I don't know what a reasonable price would be to start with. For example: I timed myself when making the fondant rosebud and it took me 15 minute to make 4 of them. This included rolling out the fondant, cutting and shaping. If I was to charge .75 each I would be making $12 an hour not including the cost of the fondant. I'm not sure if this is reasonable or if I'm way off. Can you give me some idea of a reasonable price to start with??? I need HELP!!!! I want to be fair to the bride to be and myself.
Sandy

In that case I would probably charge $1.50/ea for the flowers. You should be making more than $12/hour to make them, and you have to cover the cost of the fondant. Fondant and gumpaste flowers are the most expensive types of flowers to put on a cake. If the bride doesn't like that price you can suggest silk or fresh flowers (which she would be responsible for purchasing). There is also www.wholesalesugarflowers.com where you can often find some good deals on clearance flowers. I've ordered from them before and had a good experience. Good luck.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!
Sandy

Oh my goodness!!!!! I have been sitting here looking at all the flowers the web site you just directed me to. I'm hooked! I had no idea there was such a site. Than you so much!!!!! I love this forum!!!!!!! I don't know what I would do without it.
Thanks again,
Sandy