I just got a request to do cake for 2000 people. I haven't responded yet, I had to ask you guys first if you have ever done a cake (although I think this will be a bunch of cakes) for that many people? (The most I have done is for 300-400...)
This is for a large graduating class...and would be great exposure if I got the job. (i have no ideas how to even charge for this either! hahaha)
Would I be nuts???
I would ask for a nonrefundable deposit in case they backed out, because you would probably not be making any cakes that week but that one, so you would loose big time if they backed out, but you are so lucky good luck to you and post the picture when the day comes!!!
first just sit down and breath. what an awesome opurtunity, yes it seems duanting but it is possible. ive done it a couple of times. i did 11 ull sheet cakes which cuts into 96 pieces each. so that is one way to do it. make sure to keep the design simple. possibly just score it leave a space in the middle and write class of 2007, and fill the square in with rosebuds or some such. i would agree that at least 3 dollars a serving. it is a lot of work and can be a little stressful. either way good luck and let us know what you decide. julia
All sheet cakes? I think you need to hook up with someone to help you out on this one.
Is your mom or a sister or a best friend around to help you? Or even to offer some freezer space or an extra mixer or something?
Maybe there is a CCer close by who would help? That is A LOT of cake! I have never done that much, but if it's stacked, you will probably need a bunch of satellite cakes, maybe the main cake and sheet cakes to serve?
Just throwing out a few ideas...Congratualtions! Good luck!! I say GO FOR IT!!!!
All I can offer you is 2 KA mixers and 2 empty freezers to hold some. I don't know if I would survive that one. I bout passed out from 600 cupcakes one time.
I agree with the main cake, then sheet cakes! This is a huge opportunity for others to see you work....imagine all the people who might place orders that will be there! I would make a "center" cake that is just awesome/blow their mind kind of thing(doesn't need to be huge, but show off your talent), then sheet cakes to feed the masses. The way I look at it is, if all they see are sheet cakes, they might think that is all you are capable of(which isn't true!). And definately recruit some help and freezer space lol! Neighbors, family, friends...shoot, if I lived close enough I would help ya bake those, lol=) Another idea, if you belong to a church, maybe they have some freezer space or ovens you could use? Explain it is for the graduating class and that you will mention their help with space/ovens? Or maybe that school woud let you use some freezer space/kitchen space during after school hours. What an amazing opportunity, and I sure hope you DO NOT undercharge for this, lol! You have your work cut out for you. Congrats hun, Jen=)
wow wow wow - good luck to you- what a great opportunity !!!
I'm in Chapel Hill and would be happy to help if needed. I've got a commercial convection oven that'll bake up to five full sheets or 10 8-10 inch layers at a time ( not that I would recommend it.)
I've also got 1 20 quart Hobart if you need it.
what a great opportunity!
I definitely agree with the one awesome Main cake (I am thinking 3-5 tiers) then a lot of sheet cakes to be cut and served first.
I think I would do all of the sheet cakes double layers... for a couple of reasons.
1) When cut the pieces will be similiar to what is coming off of the cake.
2) Also less decorating because you won't have to have as many sheet cakes. (this does make sense in my head I swear)
I sure wish I was closer. I would be very happy to help!
Another option might be to do the main cake as a display cake and make it out of Dummy cakes. This way you can get it out of the way well ahead of time, have plenty of time to work on it, and then just focus on the sheet cakes when it is closer.
I am excited for you! Good Luck!
Have you read the thread on the internet cake scam? Just want to make sure you're not getting ripped off or anything.
I would ask for a nonrefundable deposit in case they backed out, because you would probably not be making any cakes that week but that one, so you would loose big time if they backed out, but you are so lucky good luck to you and post the picture when the day comes!!!
I agree!!! Just make sure that everything is on the up and up and definitely have a contract. Good luck whatever decision you make.
deposit nothing!! this would have to be paid for 2 weeks prior or the oven does not get fired up!!! leily had a excellent idea about stacking the sheet cakes for less decorations and save on room also what do you guys get for a full sheet cake anyway? in my neck of the woods we get around $80
keep us posted!
First suggestion -- charge enough to rent a big freezer for two weeks at rent a center.
Second suggestion - You must get the non-refundable deposit sooner than 2 weeks before the event, otherwise you will spend one week just buying supplies, and not have time for any other clients work. I would say 1 month prior. And once the supplies are bought, they are not getting their money back, whether they take the cake or not. What if they cancel on you? Then you're going to be stuck with 50 pounds of flour or whatever you need to use.
Are they getting 2 layer, 4 inch cakes, or just basic 2 inch tall sheet cakes?
If I was down there, I would gladly come give you an extra pair of hands, as long as you buy dinner when it is all done.
Theresa 
What an awesome opportunity!! I think the non-refundable deposit a month in advance is reasonable. And what's this about an internet cake scam? I'd check that out as well. Good luck, you can do it 
Loriesmom
Without revealing the potential client, would you please tell us how these people contacted you, and whether you consider them a credible client? I did not see anything in your original post about being contacted by e-mail, so I do not understand how an internet scam got into this thread. Did I miss something?
Theresa
Check out Earlene Moore's site. She had to do a cake for 1100 people. I think she says in the write up that she had a bakery actually bake the cakes for her but you might get some ideas. Here is the url
http://www.earlenescakes.com/PastLargestCake.html
You'll have to copy and paste this url because I don't know how to put in the link.
Keep us informed on how this project goes. Good Luck!
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