I was asked by my friend's Dad to make a cake for the memorial service for his mother who just passed. It was a last minute thing and I was up til 1:00am this morning trying to make it look right. (have to be at work by 8:00) Anyway i just hate the way it turned out. I didn't get the halves as even as I thought so one end sits up higher. The icing just wouldn't smooth, apparently I'm lost without my Viva, which I didn't have, there was barely enough room for a bottom border and the writing is too little. I feel just terrible. I so wanted this to be perfect. What do think? Would you be ashamed to use it? Please be honest!

It doesn't look that bad. Remember, less sleep makes things look worse (to you because you're tired) and besides a memorial service is not a wedding...people are not there to ooh and ahh over the cake.

It will be fine.

As you know, we cakers are our own worst critics. The cake is lovely and has a beautiful sentiment. Everyone will appreciate it.

I'm assuming it's too late to change anything?? I would use the fact that it's uneven to my advantage and move the wording to the right side and add maybe a Bible scripture or poem to the left side and make it look like a book.

On the contrary, I think the simpleness of the cake is befitting the occasion. I like the words on the smaller, simpler side. And anything else? Well, it was so nice of you to do at the last minute. The little imperfections you are talking about don't really show in the picture. Build yourself up for being able to help a friend in need. Don't tear yourself down for a tight cake border. Fortunately, we are the only crowd who would notice, and we would be glad you made the cake.

I too like the simplicity. Remember we see only the cake that is, not the cake you wanted it to be so you are not comparing it very favourably coz it's not what you had in your head. Your cake goggles are clouding your opinion. I'm sure it will be appreciated.

I agree with matthewkyrankelly - it is a somber occasion, and doesn't need to be over the top/very decorated. I think it is beautiful and simple - and you did a GREAT job considering it was 1 in the morning. I'm sure the thought would be greatly appreciated.

I think it looks wonderful the way it is........the flowers are beautiful, and like someone previously said, this is a somber ocassion, and you don't want fancy-fancy........and yes, we ARE our own worst critics........so don't stress..............the cake looks beautiful..........

First of all the cake looks great! If it isn't too late, and you want to add something extra maybe you could add a heart border around the words.

Honestly, I think it is perfectly befitting the occassion. I think you were just needing some sleep. We need to be guided by the needs of the recipients and in this case I think you hit it on the mark.

It's not a cake competition or who gets the most feedback or something which of course I know you know I'm just saying.

I think memorial cakes should be subdued and even though you were over tired--I think you got it right.

Very tasteful, simple, clean, poignant.

I agree with you when you say the writing is to small for that space.

Thank you all so much for looking and for your wonderful comments. I do agree it looked a bit better to me when I saw it again when I got up at 6:00 to go to work. My friend picked it up and she loved it! And her family was so appreciative that I did it so last minute. I will definitely take your advice and keep it in mind for next time! You ladies made me feel so much better! I was beginning to think I should just hang up the cake decorating thing altogether. It's amazing the thoughts you have at 1:00am. Again thanks, you guys ROCK!!!

See, you must have had your cake goggles on last night! I am glad your friend liked the cake. I thought it was very pretty. I loved the roses. Never stop decorating.I get frustrated at times and think the same thing but, I like too much to quit!

I think it looks great! No reason to be embarrassed at all!!