I can't believe that I actually told her $140. I have been worrying myself over the pricing for this cake. So many post came to mind when I was approached about doing it. Didn't want to short change myself but I don't think that I'm at 3.00 a slice skill yet. I know this cake is going to kick my butt so I want to feel like it was worth it when I'm done. She wants a square 2 tiered cake with cream colored icing, bavarian cream filling with gold trim and edible roses to serve 50 peeps. I am highly critical of myself so I hope that I don't cave at the last minute. Will probably be looking for help the pro's, Who's game???? Who's got my back on this one???


Thanks!
Angie

Well, seeing as you have no photos to show your previous work, it is a little hard to gage how adept you are with decorating. Although, $140 for 50 people sounds relatively fair. You aren't too off from $3/serving, since you are getting $140 and $3/serving is $150.

Why is this a disaster?

I'm not a pro, but I'm sure you won't cave. Plan it out and give yourself plenty of time to execute. Make two of everything (decorations) and I'm sure there will be no disasters. Good luck and happy baking!

dont worry about it too much... my first wedding cake (the fall themed wedding cake in my photos) I only charged her $85.00!!! I do kick myself in the butt now for it and wonder what type of glue I was on... but it was my first wedding cake.. Now I feel more confident in charging $3/ serving and up for wedding cakes.

Thanks for the replys!!!!!

On my first couple of cakes, i was worried that i might be undercharging, but I thought, Hey I'm getting paid to learn at this point. Your confidence will grow as your experience grows, and you'll feel more comfortable asking for more money.

Just tell yourself you're not allowed to cave!
You're already putting so much thought and worries into it, I'm sure the cake will turn out beautifully! Just attack it with a plan, do the roses a little in advance so you know that you have enough.. then maybe buy the filling if you cant find a good recipe for it.. would also make the stress level a little lower (personally... lol.) Plus, in such a time crunch.. there's not much time to practice the filling.
You can do it!

Hit a thrift store if you have to have something to add for cake table decor.

it's all in where you live....i have been doing this for thirty some years and still only charge 2.75-3.00 per person and i think i do really creative, unique, good work.

i only do this as a hobby not a job, so i don't depend on the cash, nor do i do any cakes for people i don't know, that is why it is hard to ask for the amount i feel i really deserve.

as an example the extra extra large graduation cake i just posted was a freebie for two kids at my partners church.($160 value)...we do a lot of freebies, no payment now, but in the next life the payment will come.

you can do it, but get lots of details and do a drawing for the bride, you really don't want her complaining that you didn't give her what she wanted....oh, and by the way, brides do complain, quite often a lot.
good luck.

You can do it I'm sure or you wouldn't have accepted the job!! But if you DO think you're going to cave, give the bride at least enough time to find someone else who can do it.

Don't cave. You'd be surprised at how impressed people are at what you might consider your worst work. Remember...your baking and decorating for her and not the pro's here at CC...that's what I have to remind myself everytime something doesn't turn out perfect and "photo worthy" for CC.

I would HIGHLY advise you to do a contract with her, however. Take a gander at the many, many posts here about brides and their aftermath. You may be a bit uncomfortable bringing it up but you NEED to. You can do an online search for cake contracts/wedding cake contracts and print out a general one to use but definitely have a contract. If she is that unorganized she'll likely be a headache later too.

Just a thought....

DO NOT CAVE!! Not that we all know we'll be expecting some pics!!