Ok so my sister's neighbour is getting married this year and we've been hanging out a lot. We havent really talked numbers but she wants me to do her wedding cake. Long way off still. However I already know what she wants and colour scheme and what not. And I love brainstorming early lol. So problem here, and you all have experience. So what to do? I asked her how many guests. She said she has 100 on her list but not sure if more than half will show up as lots of them are her family who live far away. So how do you guys sort that out when you get a bride who has a large discrepancy/range? We havent talked about any money yet. I want to sort of get some idea how to handle this so I know the lingo/jargon/rules of thumb or whatever so I sound like I know what I'm talking about 
So I looked at the serving chart on earlene's site and would estimate a 3 tiered job for 100 guests, but I also think 50 is more in her budget. Ugh this may be my first paid gig lol, I didnt want this to be complicated 
Usually when dealing with a bride, I do a per slice price (as in a slice per person - and not any cheaper for children). (In my area of North Carolina I charge about $4.00/ slice and then go up from there.) This way the bride can figure out a ball park figure on the budget and you don't have to worry if she comes back with a larger number. Don't forget to add in extra costs for fondant, gum paste flavor, fresh fruit fillings, etc).
Since the wedding is so far off, you don't need to stress about it yet. You could also give her a range ($xxxx for 50 to 75 people but $yyy for 75 to 100 people) and then she knows what the deal is.
the wedding couple is supposed to tell you how many servings they think they need. if they want a 3 tier cake to feed 100 people, you show them the sizes that get them close to that. If it is slightly under or slightly over (say 95 or 105 servings total), they decide which they want. You charge them a per serving price (well, I do anyway). I do NOT give ranges. Isn't your problem if people don't show up. i promise you, the caterer is charging them for the exact number of people they are told to prepare for, and if people don't show up, the caterer is still getting paid for the oriinal number.
Don't stress about HER budget.
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