If you had a wedding cake due but you had a family emergency happen (terrible illness, surgery, etc) how would you handle the situation? I'm just curious what most people would do because if it's something you MUST do I'm not sure how you wouldn't totally disappoint the bride.

Emergencies do happen and in this business you need a good back up plan. I would let the bride know what is going on right away, refer her to a trusted and reliable cake designer, and try to do everything that I can to make the transition as smooth possible. 

What if it were right before the wedding? What if you could not find anyone available? This is just for my own curiosity btw. I have not had this experience or anything. Just wondering :-)

If it were to happen right before the wedding (as in no time to find another baker), presumably most of the work on the cake has been prepared and finished…

If it were about a week before the wedding, then I would do everything in my power to get another baker in the area to help.  People can be kind in the face of catastrophe such as a family illness or emergency, so a baker might be able to help!

The scenario you mentioned happens I'm sure, but it's rare.

The call would go out to our cake club and the members would mobilise.  That is why being a member of a Cake Association is so valuble.  Sometimes I have been part of the rescue crew, sometimes I have been the one to be rescued. 

Savannah, it is wonderful. We have the nicest bunch of people , and we are truly there for each other. Not just on caking matters either.  

We share our joys and our sorrows, it is amazing to have so many soulmates that just get you and have your back. It is nice to know that there is a soft place to land when you fall. 

Oh that's really great Mimimakescake!