THIS is an unmitigated horror

This was supposed to be a groom's cake (surprise no less). It was supposed to be a styrofoam cooled with beer bottles and ice. The beer bottles are sugar and turned out amazing- the cake, not so much.

Now, before you subject yourself to the horrifying pictures, please know two things:

1. I now know what I did wrong and how to prevent a similar incident in the future.
2. I have already discussed this with the client and we have come to an amicable resolution.

Ok, feel free to gaze upon the horrific site I saw upon opening the back end of my delivery vehicle.

I did not have the proper support system in place. For as tall as the cake was, I should have used dowels and a cardboard separator, but I did not.

Also, since the bottles are so sharp on the bottom, I am going to place a dowel for the bottles to rest on so that the cake is not supporting the weight of the bottles. Of course, this will only work because the bottles are so dark.

Also, don't eat before a delivery like this, 'cause you'll feel like throwing up and that feeling is best left to an empty stomach.

After apologizing profusely and holding back the tears (MAJOR effort on my part) I explained the situation, the lack of solution (the cake was a total loss and the reception started in an hour)and told her (MOB)that without question 100% was refunded. We did leave the "lid" for the cooler in the kitchen- this was a separate sheet cake carved to look like the lid, it was supposed to be propped up next to the cake. She was AMAZINGLY gracious. We did discuss if there was anyway to salvage it, to which I explained that there was not. Her exact words were "Well, it is what it is." (not at all snotty, but very understanding).

The wedding planner is a friend (from a networking group) who explained she would stand up for me on this one (I did tear up in front of her). She also took pictures so that if MOB wanted to see the damage for herself, she could.

I will be mailing the refund (both MOB and bride/groom are from out of town). I will also be including a few dozen Cake Bites (coller packed, of course) which I didn't mention to her, but I think it is the only thing additional that I can offer her. Since they are out of town, a gift certificate or free cake just doesn't seem appropriate.

The hardest thing is that I feel like the refund is not enough. Intellectually, I know it is, but it doesn't feel like enough. However, IndyDebi is close enough to come and kick my butt if I run my business based on feelings, so I have to just absorb it, and move on.

Thank you all for your support and the compliments on the beer bottles.