I made this cake for a wedding yesterday. I am a fairly new cake designer, and still learning a lot. I realize I don't have all of my techniques mastered yet, and so I am charging between $2.00 and $2.50 a serving. The bride and MOB came for two consults and the bride changed her design twice in the course of a year. There were some "lumps" in various areas that the MOB pointed out and a few other minor details. So of course I got down on myself thinking I should have spent more time perfecting every tiny visible flaw, and wondering if they were happy enough with the cake. Anyways, is my pricing accurate? This was a 3 tier cake, 12", 10", 8" squares. Total charged was about $346.50.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll73/ErinBurke/052-1.jpg
Let me know if you can't view

From reading your post, it sounds as if you only want to know if your pricing was accurate. So you do not want feedback on anything else?

Did they see examples of your own work before they booked/paid you? What I mean to say, is did they send you a picture of a cake from a magazine (with straight writing, crisp corners etc.) and agree to your price, and then they receive a nice cake, but not perfect like a cake from a magazine? If I knew what I was getting into (beginner cake decorator) and agreed to a price, then I suppose I would be ok with that cake. If I was expecting something perfect, then I would be really disappointed. That said - for a beginner, your cake is pretty good. Very ambitious though! Perhaps work on perfecting your tiered round cakes (achieving smoother fondant and straight lines) before taking another square cake order.

I agree with the previous few posts...The cake design is very ambitious/ beautiful design, and although it turned out okay...I personally would be very disappointed if I paid that much and received a cake that was less than perfect..I realize they met with you previously and they were probably aware that you are fairly new to cake decorating but honestly they( Bride and MOB) never really fully understand what that means and expect to see a magazine style cake when delivered..Having said that I think you are well on your way to producing great cakes with more practice..I would however be careful not to book cakes that may be out of your skill level or it may come back to bite you in the butt...

I have agree with erin2345. After looking at the photos you have posted, I'm surprised with this cake. I don't think your price was too out of whack but I think they probably expected at little more. Sorry this was so disappointing for you. Keep working at it, square cakes can be difficult.

Take care, happy baking.

Don't worry about it and chalk it up as a lesson learned. I think we all get in over our head at times.

Keep working at it, the cakes you have posted are lovely.

Have a great day, and don't beat yourself up about it.

Oh my.

Do you have a photo of what the couple originally wanted?

I love that design.

I'm curious as well...did they see examples of your work?

Erin is right. When Brides & MOBs hear "beginner decorator" what they really hear is "you can get my work for a steal!" They still expect perfection unless they really see an example.

I don't know your area so it's hard to say if you are charging appropriately. In my area, cakes range about $3-10 per serving. For my pricing, I researched prices in my area. I found someone with similar experience & skill level & placed my pricing accordingly.

If they truly knew what to expect, then shame on them. They got what they bargained! If they didn't fully understand your limitations, then this is a learning experience.

Ballpark price would be really high, I think they charge like $10 for a beer or a hotdog. I would at least triple the price

sike, just kidding.