I am a newbie to this cake decorating world... But, I got a call, yesterday, for a cake that she wants on Tuesday... the short notice is fine since no one is beating down my door for a cake since I just got started... Anyway, to me I think that wanting to only spend $50 for a cake that is suppose to feed 50 people - she should have gone to Wal-Mart. But, then again, I am not familiar at all on what to charge on any cake.

Here is my question... will a 2 layered - 12in. round cake pan feed 50 people? Being that each layer is 1 1/2in. thick?


Thank you for your time on my problem.

Michelle

Wilton party servings guide says a double layer 12" round (2" layers) will serve 40 people. If you do a search of this site you will find servings vary from person to person. As a general guide I take the wilton party servings and the wilton wedding servings and average the amount. I start my pricing at $2.50 per serving, but have been known to do simple sheet cakes for less.

Good Luck!

For $50, all they would get from me (especially with short notice), is a simply decorated half sheet cake.

I agree! I would do a simple sheet cake for this price.

I do not have a 1/2 sheet pan. Where can I get one on short notice? Does Wal-Mart carry them?

I don't think walmart will have them but michaels might. Or a local bakery shop that sells pans usually has them in stock. I'd just call ahead to any place and check. But give them a size to look for don't just say a half sheet cake. As there rae so many deff of "what is this size called" referring to rectangle pans, a specific saize does you better.
For 50.00 for 50 people she deff wouldn't get any more out of me than a 1/2 with b/c icing and simple border. Too much time and effort isn't worth 50.00 for that amount of people. Unlesss you see future order poss seeing and eating your cake. I'd make it's a real good tasting cake and icing. Nothing fancy but deff a good quality.

for an order that is likely to not leave you with much of a profit, i would say do not go and buy a new pan for 12-15 dollars. do you have a 9x13? perhaps you can do two of those. are they particular on the size or shape? i would suggest using what you have...if you have a 12 round, use that (double layer) and perhaps a dozen cupcakes for the additional servings left in the kitchen. make it simple, but pretty. what do they want in specific?

you can let them know that if they want a specific size or shape but you do not have the pan , you will have to add to the cost of the order to cover your extra expense.

for an order that is likely to not leave you with much of a profit, i would say do not go and buy a new pan for 12-15 dollars. do you have a 9x13? perhaps you can do two of those. are they particular on the size or shape? i would suggest using what you have...if you have a 12 round, use that (double layer) and perhaps a dozen cupcakes for the additional servings left in the kitchen. make it simple, but pretty. what do they want in specific?

you can let them know that if they want a specific size or shape but you do not have the pan , you will have to add to the cost of the order to cover your extra expense.

Walmart here carries the 11x15, and it's the worst Walmart I've seen. IF you would be using it in the future, it would be a good investment.

Someone gave me a Wilton 11 by 15, and I am amazed at how much I have used it! Not a bad investment. Our walmart sells it for around $10.

Good luck and just pretend you're getting paid $50 bucks to practice!

I bought one at Wal-Mart and I am going to duplicate the napkin and draw a pregnant lady under an umberella.

Just getting into this making cakes for money - it amazes me to see the people that want these elaborate cakes, but do not want to spend the money. Unless, you do it or are around someone that does - people do not realize the hours it takes to make a cake from start to finish.

Thank you for your help. Again, I think all of you are the greatest of people - you help complete strangers everyday. Thank you

Michelle

don't forget to post this masterpiece for us. We love new inspirations!

Just getting into this making cakes for money - it amazes me to see the people that want these elaborate cakes, but do not want to spend the money. Unless, you do it or are around someone that does - people do not realize the hours it takes to make a cake from start to finish.



I completely agree. However my mom sees how many hours i spend and then i appaled by how much i would charge so i always lower my price. The last cake i only charged $25 cause it was for a good family friend and she ended up "tipping" me as much and siad she wouldnt expect to pay any less in teh store. y mom was shocked. $50 doesnt go a long way these days but if the customer is like my mom they expect to get a lot.