I've committed to baking the cupcakes for a very good friend's wedding, approx. 150-200.  The only problem is, she's getting married on a Friday evening literally across the country, and I probably won't be able to fly in until Thursday.  So my question is, what the best way to make this work?  I'll have some helpers and access to two mixers (at least) and three ovens.  I'm planning on three flavors.  I was thinking of baking the chocolate ones at home since those will be better a day or two later, wrapping them, unfrosted, in plastic individually and bringing them in my luggage.  I'm not sure if I should try maybe shipping some overnight (unfrosted as well)?   I'm also planning on pre-mixing the dry ingredients and bringing them in gallon ziplocs.  Any suggestions?  Am I crazy?  150 cupcakes in 24 hours in a kitchen that's not my own?

i would not put them in my luggage because of the lack of control i would have--even in the overhead--other people have too much access where they could bobble around too much--jam their case in next to yours or whatever--rip yours out to get to theirs--accidentally drop it--no i have a headache just thinking about it--

baking them last minute will work if all your travel plans work out well--with that much back up -- an extra mixer and 3 ovens to choose from--i think you'll do fine--150 - 200 cuppies is no biggie--be sure of course you have enough packaging to carry them around--enough muffin tins--

consider shipping out the packaging and muffin tins in advance maybe--

yeah you're crazy but i know you can do it ;)

and are they much decorated? or just swirls and how will they be displayed at the reception?

They would go in the luggage unfrosted, if I did that, so no risk of frosting smooshing.  The frosting will likely be a swirl, star or round tip, with a fondant heart or something simple on top.  The fondant pieces will be done about a week in advance and will hopefully hide any frosting imperfections (though I'm not leaving that to the helpers :) ).  The bride's father is building a display stand for the reception.  The wedding is in September, so I'll have plenty of time to plan everything out and have necessary supplies shipped out there.  I'm sure it will be stressful, but a good kind of stress :).

oh for sure, i never figured they would be frosted--

just me--i wouldn't travel like that with one cupcake in my luggage that i hoped to display for a wedding later--only if it was frozen solid placed in secure form fitting foam packaging so that if they are tossed any which way (cause they will be) they will be ok--

i'm curious--what kind of stand is he building? and you have people who are dedicated to driving you around or you have a rental car?

it sounds like fun

We haven't talked details on the stand, but I imagine it will be a tower out of mdf that will then be painted or decorated.  I have no problem renting a car if it wouldn't be convenient for someone else to drive around.  I'm a car-less city girl though and only drive once in a blue moon, so God help the other drivers if I have to take the wheel :)

love to see pictures & all -- hope it turns out great! rooting' for yah