My sister-in-law is getting married in 2007 and she asked me to make her wedding cake. I have never made one before. what questions do I need to ask? I know it is two years away, but I really want to get a lot of practice in before that day. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks in advance from everyone.

I think it would be a good idea for her to give you some pictures of some cakes that she likes. That way you will know if you will know if it will be stacked...or you might need a stand....or pillars. Have you taken classes before??? If not...you could always sign up. However...you can learn a lot from here as well as Wilton yearbooks. You might even print some cakes for her that you know you would be comfortable doing and see if they might appeal to her. I sometimes show brides different pictures of cakes I know I would like to do...and many times they love my suggestions. I hope that helps you out...you have plenty of time to ask questions and practice some mini wedding cakes.
traci

A few questions:
1. how many servings
2. what flavors of cake
3. what flavor/kind of frosting
4. fillings other than frosting in the middle?
5. pillars or stacked?
6. if pillars, what style/height
7. other: fountains, topper, etc.
8. delivery/set up time/and where
9. cake table decorations provided by ?
10. Decorating. Have her provide a picture or idea; draw a sketch
11. base for cake; what color wrap or pedistal
12. how much does she want to spend....know your price

Those are just some quick thoughts...hope this helps. Keep everything written down. Good luck!

Heck girl, you're smack in the middle of nowhere, aren't you? I'm also making a wedding cake in 2007, but it's never too early to start planning! Since it's your SIL, I'm sure she'll be understanding about what you can/can't do. Just have her pick a few cakes she likes, and spend a few months trying to duplicate them, see which one you have the best luck with.

Since you won't be able to take any classes (unless they have one in Pueblo, which is still pretty far) I'd just read up on this board, and the wedding cakes
forum on the Wilton site is also very helpful.
For stacking the cakes, you'll probably want to use real cake for practice, but for decorating, order some cake dummies online to save your pocketbook and your waistline.

Then just practice practice practice. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions as they come. I've done several fondant cakes and after each one I always have a sudden "Eureka" moment where something I read somewhere finally makes sense. Good luck.