This was my first tier cake for pay! I was so nervous transporting it! But I drove a dowel right down through the middle like you guys have all taught me, only I left it sticking out about 4 inches (because I knew I was going to remove it and top the cake with berries when I got to the shower.) That gave me something to hold onto while driving. This picture makes it look a bit crooked but look at the next picture. You'll see its not.