This is my first post here, I have been lurking for a month or so, and all of the advice and tips are great. I have been volunteered to make my brother's wedding cake in June. I have had no classes(just started wiltons course 1) and have never made a wedding cake before. With tips I have seen here and alot of practice I finally made a cake that I was proud of, even though I know I need more practice. Please look at my photos and tell me what I should work on, and how I can make my brothers cake "perfect!" Thanks in advance for any advice. Melody
Welcome to Cake Central. You cake is terrific for a beginners effort. You already know about the scrollwork. Try using a smaller tip for a more delicate look. Also, I think a cake of this design needs a border around the base. A shell is very simple and it will be something you learn early in the Wilton classes.
For the wedding cake, stick to design elements you know and the cake will be terrific.
WELCOME TO CC music77!! Your roses are truely beautiful=) I am with JoAnnB, a nice border will be a nice touch to the cake! You did an amazing job on your practice cake, the real one is just gonna be that much better! Wishing you all the best for the real one, Jen
i agree, once you have picked your design practice it over and over. you can turn your cake pans upside down and practice on them instead of making a ton of cake. i also think taller tiers look more elegant, so i would try making your brothers wedding cake with 4 inch tiers. your cake looks great! can't believe you've done a tiered cake before even doing wilton 1! great job 
Another way to pretty it up is to use FRESH FLOWERS. Roses are safe to put on a cake. You can also go to your florist to pick up the "stem vases" which you can fill with water and then put in the cake after it's iced. I've done this several times and it's always a crowd pleaser/impresser!
Wonderful job for such a newbie! I didn't have the guts to do a wedding cake until I was decorating for 1 1/2 years and I practiced for months before. Try Melvira's method for smoothing icing. I agree with the others about a bottom border...balls are easy and look elegant. Also, check out a book by Dede Wilson (I can't remember the name, but it came out in 2005 or 2006). It is geared towards someone making their own wedding cake. Tons of awesome hints, pictures and step by step instructions that are perfect for a beginner!!
Thanks for all the comments. After reading your messages, I realized that I may have accidentally mislead everyone. The roses are actually silk.. I only wish that I could make them that nice. I think with the border and some thinner consistency for the scrolls, I might have a chance. I may be crazy (my husband says I am addicted) but I just decided to try to sign up for an intermediate course in conjunction with the Wilton1. The teacher has actually been mentioned here a couple of times. Linda at "Do It With Icing" has a class starting tomorrow and if its not full I am going to sign up. Thanks again for all the positive feedback and great suggestions! Melody
also, if you are not comfortable with the border yet, you could also add ribbon at the bottom for a nice effect. Another tip I was told, was to flip your cake so the bottom of the cake is now the top; so you can get a nice sharp edge on top and also a flatter top! Just keep practicing! Your brother is very fortunate. He will have a wondeful cake made by someone who loves hime and cares as much as you! Oh welcome to CC! You are now hooked! 
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