ASo I am making a birthday cake for a one year old whose party is on the 22nd of june. My mother in law passed away yesterday and we'll be leaving town (to be with my husbands family) in a couple of days. if I don't make the cake tomorrow and the next day I'm not sure il be able to do it. Should I just cancel? Or should I offer to give it to her a week early? Have you ever given a cake a week early? Common occurence I'm just not aware of? Its one 10" cake and two 6" smash cakes.

AWill it still be good? Meringue filling and butter cream icing

Personally, I would just cancel due to a family emergency. You can't guarantee the cake will still taste good in a week and your name is associated with it. If you don't want to do that, you could ask them if they have room to freeze it. I know you can freeze a buttercream cake, not sure about the meringue though. If you decide to do that, you may want to give them tips on how to thaw it out so that the buttercream doesn't peel off. Never done it myself, I just know that lots of grocery stores freeze cakes. 

AU can freeze them

AI tried it as an experiment once. I used The King Arthur " Everything but the Kitchen Sink" carrot cake. Because the cake itself is very moist. I crumb coated it very well. It was in the fridge for a week and not the freezer. It was very fresh.

Firstly, I'm so sorry for your loss.

I wouldn't give them the cake a week early.

Are there any other cake makers near you who you are friendly with?  Explain the situation and see if they can take over the order and then explain to the customer what you've arranged and why?

You could **ask** the customer if they want the cake now, to freeze.

If not, I would cancel, explaining that there has been a bereavement.