Well, it finally happened. Too bad it had to happen for the biggest event I've ever done. I didn't like the cake anyway. So here's how my saturday went. It was raining terribly. My cakes were drenched and that was even with me backing the jeep to the door and my husband holding an umbrella. I thought the 5 tier wedding cake would be the worst to set up so I guess I let my guard down with the grooms cake. Oh, and because it was raining, the wedding party showed up early because the weather was too bad to take pictures. So I had a crowd around me watching me try to put a 12' tier on the 14" cake. They were saying "oh oh! it's a little crooked" Aghh! I flat out told them to please go away. I'm never so rude but this took a lot of concentration. Anyway, The wedding cake got set up ok. so I moved onto the grooms cake. As I was putting the 8" on the 10" it flipped completly upside down. I just look at it a minute trying not to scream. well, i got it flipped back over but it was pretty much smooshed. I tried to fix it and cover it up and turn it around to a better side but it didn't help much. and I guess flipping it over messed up one of the dowels because then the top tier leaned. it was so embarrassing. At least they are family friends. I was going to tell her to pay me less than I quoted her but she had already written a check. I'll just give the bride a bigger gift card than I intended. and maybe offer to make a fresh cake on their anniversary. Sorry for the long story but I had to vent.

Sorry about your nightmare.

As for rain, I went to a box/paper company and got cubed correcated boxes that will close over almost any tier. I rely on the 12', 14', 16, and 10' boxes.

I put the box together and turn in on it's side, so that it opens from the side, not the top. It makes it easier to move the cake in and out of the box. Cake stays dry and they are easy to carry because they are sturdy.

What a nightmare.

I think it was the Ace of Cakes that I heard a Baker say that disasters will happen even to the best of Bakers.

You did a great job at working with what you had.

I know you say it was a disaster but honestly, it looks great to me..I can't see where it was smooshed or anything...
Super recovery if that is the pic.....
I think it looks great!!

Jane

I know you can spot every little defect, but considering you had a layer that flipped I think it turned out very well and you did a great save.

You lived through your first disaster and all things considered I think your cake looks great.

I agree...if that pic is of the flipped cake, what a save!!

I can't see a problem with it in the picture, it looks great.

June

Gorgeous cake! Brilliant save! Also, kudos for keeping your cool while being watched like a hawk during assembly.

Congratulations! I don't see a single thing wrong with your cake.
angie

Thank you all for making me feel better. I think I stress just a little too much over the cakes.

You sure can't tell.It looks great.

Emily