Ok, I've never done a wedding cake, but I've had about 5 people ask if I'd do theirs, all for this coming spring. I want to do this as my full time job when I get out of the military, so I feel like I'm stabbing myself in the foot if I say no, but I'm scared to death to say yes. Should I charge people less because I'm new at wedding cakes? If they want something specific that I've never done before, do I say yes and hope to God I get it right, or just tell them no and stick to the simple stuff I know I can do? You can see what I've done by my pics, I'm just not sure I'm ready!! I guess if I plan to do them, I should get practicing! Thanks for any advice (or encouragement)!!

Samantha

Make a practice cake that's a bit complicated. Then decide what you want to take on.

Do it like it was a real order. Have the cake picked out, and a deadline to meet.

What me to be the "bride"?

Or better yet, do a dummy cake with royal. That way you'll have something to show!

You can do it! Practice, practice, practice. And get some cake books from the library that have wedding cake info. I learned how to do wedding cakes from books! This website is full of great info and support, too (as you know). Colette's Wedding Cakes has good, basic instructions for stacking and doweling and all that stuff.
If it'll take some pressure off to charge less for your first cake or two, go ahead. However, make sure you're at least covering your cost.
There are lots of decorating techniques that can make a cake look wonderful that aren't too difficult (though they may be time consuming). For instance, I've found that simple gumpaste flowers aren't too difficult to teach yourself to make. In fact, I think they're easier than piped flowers.
I made fondant pearls for my last wedding cake--they were so easy, but had a lot of impact. People were very impressed.
Don't be afraid to try this. You'll be surprised at what you can do.
I looked at your cake photos. Since you're not a complete beginner, I think you'll find that doing a beautiful wedding cake is very possible.

Yo're cakes are great! Don't underestimate yourself, and don't underprice your cakes. I believe Squirrellycakes said it best when she said. "For example, a perfume is put on the market for $10 and everyone buys it because it is a steal, right? Then the manufacturer raises the price to $50, and hardly anybody buys it. Why? Because they are used to getting it for a steal. But if the price was higher to begin with, you will establish a client base that knows a quality product and will pay for it. If you price your product too low, people wonder what is wrong with it. If you suddenly raise the price really high, they resent the price increase. " Take your time, do your research. Also, if a bride asks you to do something you've never done before, tell her, then do it on a dummy cake and show it to her. Let her make the decision after that. She may surprise you!

I think you'll do a great job on all the cakes. Keep in mind you have several months to practice. Hopefully they won't be for all the same weekend!
I have been to the library and the bookstores and have found some great books on wedding cakes.

The best advice I can give is just do one. Once the first one is done you will have more confidence. You can practice with cake dummies also.
I charged less when i first started. If there is something they what and you dont know how just be upfront with them. Offer to learn before the actual date.

youll do fone your cakes are great! JUst go to the craft store and get some styrofoam and practice.
that way you can do over and over again.....

Or be like me I just pretended evrhing was a wedding cake!!

for a while evryone got stacked cakes......
as they will again since Im trying something different for my daughters bday so im getting ready to practice again......

Samantha,
I would definately go for it!! I looked at your pics and IMO I really think that you're ready for it. I'm sure everyone that's done wedding cake
went through the same thing you're going through. There's a first time for everything!! If you don't do it you'll always have this fear.



We are all here for you if you need us!!

Daniela

I have alot of years under my belt...but I will always be honest with a bride and tell her if I haven't mastered a certain technique. But you will be fine. As everyone said just practice.

well, you have all winter to practice, practice, practice!
good luck!
melody

I think your cakes are great.. I am sure you can do it..Just practice this winter on some different techniques.. The basketweave on your bassinette cake it lovely and that looks really nice on a wedding cake.. The people that asked you must have seen your work and liked it or they wouldn't have asked you . Be confident and don't undersell yourself.
Liz

GO FOR IT SAMANTHA!!!!!!!! That's just what I did!!! I found CC right after I got my first wedding cake order thank God!! I was soooo nervous!!! I had only done the Course 3 Wilton tiered cake. Ask Squirrelly (DA MOMMA of CAKES), Lisa, Cali4dawn, Ladycakes, MrsMissey, & Godiva how nervous I was!! I must have posted 100 questions before the wedding this past March.

We can all lend you a hand if you need one! If you have a question please just ask. No question is a dumb one! Remember that!

I did that cake & the groom's cake I gained so much confidence. Now I think I have 6 or 7 wedding/groom's cakes under my belt. The only time I get nervous now is the last minute preps.

YOU CAN DO IT!! WE HAVE FAITH IN YOU!!!

I know you are scared to death, but you can do it.

I know I will be scared when I get my first wedding cake order , and I will just turn to my family here like you did.

You can do it. We are all here when you need us.

I will not underprice my cakes. We all have to start some where.

The good part is that you have a lot of time to practice.

Find out what they have in mind. You never know it might just be something so simple. I looked at your pictures and they are great.


Good luck, and remember you family here is here for you.

Dear Samantha,

The only wedding cake I made was for my final Wilton, Course III Class.

I took a look at your cakes, I do not know why you are nervous, your cakes are fabulous. I love the basketweave on the baby basinet Cake; if you do not mind I am going to copy the golf ball cake. I think you have a natural talent; and will do find with your wedding cakes. Please post pictures when you finish them.

Best of Luck,
Grandma Sweetie Pie