I'm Going To Give This Up If I Can't Find A 100% Solution
Decorating By emmascakes Updated 10 Apr 2007 , 9:37pm by Sara040304
I have delivered two wedding cakes today and both were a total nightmare.
The first one was four tiers high, dowelled etc. but transporting it was a nightmare as all layers were fruit cake and the thing weighed a tonne. I had to take it assembled as the decorations spanned the tiers so couldn't be stacked on arrival. Just unloading it took years off my life.
Then the second one way four tiers again but had polystyrene separtors in between each layer so it was very high and the top tier was balanced on lindy smith cake stand. The cake table was wobbly and it was on wooden floorboards which were also unstable so the whole thing was quite literally swaying. I was a guest at the wedding and spent the whole time just looking at it feeling like I was going to be sick with nerves. In the end I had to come home before that cake was cut because I couldn't bear the tension of waiting for it to fall.
I have seen on here that some people use some kind of stacking system with plastic separator plates? I haven't seen anything like this in the UK but would love to be told how it works.
I have a cheque for £300 sitting on the desk next to me - it's half my next cake order and I'm in two minds about it. I'm seriously thinking about giving this all up as I can't bear the stress. Is there a really solid and safe way of stacking / dowelling /layering cakes? Please do tell. If there isn't them I'm out.
First tip is that all pillared sections (like your lindy stand) should be assembled on site, not prior to delivery. THATs a killer.
The first one you mentioned sounds like you did the right thing since the decs spanned tiers - but could you maybe enlist someone to help you lift in that situation?
As for the wobbly table and boards - that shouldn't be a common thing but sometimes we all run into that type of stuff - every delivery is different. I usually go in to the site and check my "landing area" before I bring the cake in - and if it is not sturdy I will find staff to get me a new table or whatever it needs to be.
Oh my goodness don't give up.. you're cakes are so gorgeous. ... as you are always so helpful with everyone on CC.
Emma it sounds like you are speaking of the stress free support system. Here is a link. I don't have them but plan to invest this year. Everyone I have spoken to who owns these swears by the stability and safety.
http://www.earlenescakes.com/newringsupportset.htm
And here is a CC link touting the quality of the stress free support system.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-215511-.html
Don't give it up! Really, you will regret it if you do. Besides you would go crazy if you didn't let your creativity out - you know you would. 
Investing in a set of the stress free support system would be a better solution than giving it up. Even the stress free support system can't hold up to a wobbly table though - yeesh, I wish people would think about these things. If the table takes a dive the cake isn't going to magically extend hidden supports and keep itself upright. Just last year my friend set up a cheap card table for her cake, then complained when it wobbled during the cutting! Funny thing is they had empty dining tables right beside it - love her but DUH! 
Sometimes I just feel like saying "we may as well just set it up on the floor!"
Thanks everyone so far. KoryAK - I did set the stand up after arriving at the venue - it was the stacked cake that I set up beforehand. Shirley - you've given me the best link! I will look into this as it looks like what I'm looking for. I think the only drawback seems to be that you have to get the system back again afterwards - I guess you'd charge a deposit for this?
It's just the stress - I can't take it! I spent all night anxiously watching the cake and holding my breath everytime someone walked past it - I even thought muderous thoughts towards children who were running past it - shaking the floorboards with their efforts. If I'm not actually at the wedding I anxiously scour my emails waiting for someone to let me know it went ok, horrible horrible stress. I have a free cake coming up for a friends wedding and I'm going to get the stress-free system for then to test it out - if she ships to the UK that is!
Emma,
Someone as talented as you clearly needs an outlet to create beautiful things, in this case, cakes - plain and simple. Please don't give up. Your cakes inspire me and motivate me to want to try harder, do better and keep learning.
I remember our conversation about the Cakewalk book. I turned my bum around and started experimenting (with success) based on your response and your beautiful examples.
During a class with Nick Lodge, he recommended using the Stress Free system that Shirley mentioned. He said he uses this himself and it's foolproof. He also mentioned it was a bit of an investment but worth every penny.
Please don't be discouraged. And if it's any consolation, I would have been watching the cake every second, too. You are definitely not alone in this experience. Think positive. It didn't fall over. LOL.
You were probably the only one who really noticed!
Best wishes,
Ginger
I hope you can get the system and it works out for you. You are one of my favorite decorators here, I look to you for inspiration so I would hate to see you quit this. I have a feeling that I would be the same way if I sold cakes 
Hang in there (((HUG)))
Don't give up! Please!
But you don't need the stress either. Getting a second person to assist you in delivery/setup might be a good idea, but do not give it up!! You're too talented.
IF IT HELPS....I SAT UP A SIX TIRE WEDDING CAKE A FEW YEARS AGO. FIVE TO BE EXACT. A FATHER PICKED UP HIS TODDLER AND STOOD HER ON THE CAKE TABLE TO LOOK AT THE CAKE. WHILE HE WAS PRE-OCCUPIED TALKING WITH ANOTHER GUEST THE CHILD GRABBED A COLUMN AND PULLED. I DON'T GUESS I NEED TO TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENDED NEXT. I WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROOM WATCHING ALL THIS THROUGH A CAMERA LENS. YOU KNOW THAT THING WHERE PEOPLE SAY IT ALL HAPPENED IN SLOW MOTION.... WELL IT DID!!!! LUCKLY I KEPT TAKING PICTURES AS THE FATHER SWEPT THE CHILD AWAY. MY GUARDIAN ANGEL WAS JOHNNY ON THE SPOT THAT DAY LOOKING OUT FOR ME. THE BRIDES MOTHER TRIED TO BLAME ME FOR THE PROBLEM, I TRIED TO EXPLAIN WHAT I SAW HAPPEN........ I TRIED TO SHOW HER THE PICTURES, NO GOOD. WE ENDED UP IN COURT OF THE FALLEN CAKE. SHE ENDED UP PAYING FOR MY ATTORNEY FEES, MY TIME AWAY FROM WORK, AND FOR JUST BEING A BIG PAIN IN THE _ _ _!!! THE JUDGE WAS NOT A HAPPY CAMPER ONCE HE SAW THE PHOTOS. I DO, NOW, PUT A REALLY NICE CALLIGRAPHY SIGN IN A SMALL FRAME ON THE CAKE TABLE ASKING PARENTS TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THEIR CHILDREN.
" PARENTS, PLEASE WATCH YOUR CHILDREN. WE KNOW YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO RUIN THE COUPLES DAY BY ACCIDENTLY KNOCKING THE CAKE TO THE FLOOR."
DON'T GIVE UP. TRY THE NEW SUPPORT FRAMES AND SEE IF THEY HELP. IF NOT YOU MIGHT TRY THIS. I HAD SPECIAL WOODEN BASES MADE FRON 3/4 INCH PLYWOOD WITH A HOLE IN THE CENTER. I INSERT A 3/4 INCH THREADED METAL ROD ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE CAKE. IT IS BOLTED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BOARD AND ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE BOARD. I HAVE DRILLED HOLES INTO THE CENTER OF EACH CAKE PLATE TO FIT OVER THE ROD. I USE THE LARGE TEA STRAWS IN THE LAYERS. WHEN I GET TO THE TOP LAYER I JUST MAKE SURE THE THREADED ROD IS LOWER THAT THE TOP LAYER AND JUST SIT IT DOWN ON THE ROD UP INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE SECOND LAYER.
WHEN THEY CUT THE CAKE (WITH A LITTLE INSTRUCTION) THEY JUST LIFT THE LAYERS OFF THE ROD AND CUT.
THIS HAS SEEMED TO WORK. GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP. YOU DO GREAT WORK. HOPE YOU CAN USE THE INFORMATION.
Hey Emma ~ remember ~ you can't give up. You're our upcoming CC rising star 
I'm still waiting for you to publish a book so I can make awesome cakes like you 
You've had a lot on your mind lately and I'm sure that's adding to the stress. Look at your hands. Study them. I mean really study them. And then realize what all you've been able to accomplish with them. You will find your peace.
You have been blessed with an amazing talent
The plastic plate system that you mentioned is called Single Plate System. It's made by Bakery Crafts (who will ship to you). The beauty of their system is that it's cheap enough that you don't have to worry about getting it back.
I just received an order from them that totalled $168US. This paid for 60 different size and shaped plates and the legs for those plates. I also have the Stress Free support system; and love it, but you do have to make arrangements to get it back.
I recently did a 6 tier wedding cake using SPS. No muss, no fuss!!
Bakery Crafts info is: www.bakerycrafts.com. Their phone number is 800.543.1673.
Oh, if you do decide to order get the Original Style 1 piece columns (legs).They are pre-scored for easy sizing.
DDiva - thanks for the address, I've been but I can't find what you're talking about - do you think you could post a link to the actual product? I've even searched using your terms with no luck
Emma,
Here is the language for your wedding contract stand deposit. Remember, do what you do is best or your Muse will be very unhappy.
I understand and agree that the Total deposit due upon order of $___________ (50% of the above sub-total plus stand deposit of $___________) will be paid today (signature & date below), by cash or check.
requested link
http://www.bakerycrafts.com./Catalog.aspx?np=10380,10423&PageNumber=2
click on the Single plate stuff
Hi Emma,
Also check out logicpic.com. (I'd post the link, but when I do, it changes the final copy to say SPAM.com, no idea why!)
I have used that system and really like it, too. It's not metal, so not as expensive, and you *could* build the cost of it into the cake price and then not have to get it back, or you could charge a deposit (which I do) and make them return the supports.
ahem...I should note that I haven't transported a cake fully stacked using that system, but it looks like it will totally work when or if I ever have to transport a stack. The only ones I've moved have just had a center dowel hammered down through the boards, but I love the logicpic stability.
I'm terrified of transporting stacks, because it's usually just ME and I have no help, and I can't imagine lifting and getting a fully boxed and assembled cake out of my car...! If I have to in the future, I'm bringing help or calling ahead to the venue to make them have someone on hand to help with the lifting.
Good luck. And of course, don't dare give up--your cakes are so unique and beautiful!
I just called them to find out if how to find them on their website. Just put SPS in the search box and the info will pop up...four pages of it. Should that not work here is URL:
http://www.bakerycrafts.com/Items.aspx?SrchStr=sps
If you call them or email them, they'll send you a catalog.
Emma - I had the same nervous jitters for the first dozen or so wedding cakes that I did - but I can tell you that WILL pass!
and Mullett: I shared your story with DH and he insists that I ask you if you happened to be on the People's Court or something like that with it. I'm sure you would have mentioned that, but he wanted me to ask - he's sure he saw something just like it 
Just a little more praise if you can handle it!! Sounds like it's been a stressful time, take a deep breath and relax. Your cakes are a joy to behold, works of art really. Please don't stop, your too talented.
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