Ok so I'm sixteen and used to have a mini cake business where I just sold some birthday cakes and such to people I knew. Well this girl I know called me this morning and asked me to do her wedding cake in July. It's a very simple wedding cake but I'm worried i don't have enough experience and will mess it up. My mom says if i'm gonna do it then I should take a cake decorating class and get back into the whole cake business thing. It's my junior year of high school so i'm gonna be juggling alot of stuff. What should I do?!
this is the website for the cake she wants. it's the same cake just the ribbons will be brown and there won't be any flowers
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4481804/39441-main_Full.jpg
Yes--do it!
Next July--you won't be in school will yah?
My 1st tiered cake was when I was 17. My 1st fondsnt covered cake was also when I was 17. Those were not my 1st cakes, just the 1st more difficult ones. I say go for it. Study, study, study. Research, research, research. Don't come on here and ask for step by step directions. Its just not the same as researching it in books and being able to read it for yourself. Its always nice to have something on hand to reference to. If you come across a problem, come on here and ask for advice. I say GO FOR IT! 
I agree. Go for it. You have plenty of time to practice between now and then. I wouldn't take a decorating class just for that cake, unless you have a good fondant class nearby. Most decorating classes focus more on piping techniques etc. that you will not need for this cake. Although I suppose they are good skills to have (I don't do any buttercream only cakes, so I wouldn't know... lol)
I totally agree with Labella...take some classes, read some how to books (for free at the library)...and practice. Sometimes when you ask a question there will be 100 different answers. That is because everyone has their own spin on things. You already have experience and your own style...
Thanks guys I think I think I'm gonna do it. Um how much do you think I should charge her?
$4 a serving plus delivery for straight up buttercream filled fondant covered normal cake. Nothing gourmet no fancy fillings no refrigeration to control spoilage issues. That means no cream cheese no fruit no mousses etc.
Unless you want to tackle those issues on your first order. And you are willing to invest in the supplies and practice it several times well before the wedding.
Just to put this in perspective say she needs 150 servings --that's gonna be $600 plus delivery. Wedding cakes are big game -- not for pea-shooters. Not for the faint of heart.
Hee, hee love the "not for the faint of heart" K8. I agree. Go in with full confidence like ya know whatcha do'en!
i would totally do it because it's a very simple design and i think it'd be great to get your big "first wedding" out of the way while you're still young.
not to start anything, i'm genuinly curious (i'm not trying to tell the OP not to do it, because frankly, as i said, i would do it anyway -- especially for a friend), but i have to ask something to the elders here: why not bring up licensing and being legal? i mean, i know she's only 16, but she's still getting paid for the order? and she did have a "mini cake business". maybe because she's only doing it for friends/family? actually, i'm thinking i just answered my own question, so nevermind 
i would totally do it because it's a very simple design and i think it'd be great to get your big "first wedding" out of the way while you're still young.
not to start anything, i'm genuinly curious (i'm not trying to tell the OP not to do it, because frankly, as i said, i would do it anyway -- especially for a friend), but i have to ask something to the elders here: why not bring up licensing and being legal? i mean, i know she's only 16, but she's still getting paid for the order? and she did have a "mini cake business". maybe because she's only doing it for friends/family? actually, i'm thinking i just answered my own question, so nevermind
I'm not a legalist. In other words I don't draw real hard & fast lines for others. She didn't ask about legalities. I draw a big fat line for myself though. To me it's just doing a cake for a friend.
To me it's just doing a cake for a friend.
that's what i was assuming.
And getting paid handsomely for it.
Beautiful cake and good for you! Do it! That's how I got into cake decorating to begin with and although I'm not 16 anymore (sigh) it's never too early (or late) to take on a challenge like this.
I agree with those who have said to take a class and check out youtube but I have to tell you that I've learned more from this site than anywhere else. Since you have lots of time I would also HIGHLY recommend Sugarshack's Flawless Fondant dvd. It'll will save you a ton of time in trial and error. Have fun!!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%