Today I made my first paid wedding cake, and I thought I was going to have to give the customer her money back.
A woman who I used to work with asked me a few weeks back if I would make her son's wedding cake, because they were on a budget and she only wanted something small for about 35 people. I quoted her a price of $60, and she agreed.
Last night, while baking the cakes (because I am a habitual procrastinator), I accidently put a flower nail down my garbage disposal. It punctured a hole in there, and now that needs to be replaced. Silly me, I thought when you have that big of a mishap, you don't have to worry about any more.
That was dumb of me.
While assembling the cake today, I felt that it wasn't really necessary to dowel it, so I just put one tier on top of another. Three tiers worth. It was much warmer in New Jersey than it has been lately, and on the way to the hall, the top two tiers started sliding off of the bottom layer. My husband had to meet me at the hall where the reception was being held with some icing, my spatula, and the wrong tips (I forgot to tell him which ones to bring.) I ended up taking the whole cake apart, put straws into it to give it some strength and support, re-assembling it, and re-decorating all in about half an hour.
This was quite possibly the most nerve-wracking day of my life!

But you got through it. Breathe a sigh of relief, have a drink, relax. Job done.

That cake was a steal at $60! I think it came out great, I like the additions you had to make

Well done. You can't tell! In fact, I think the extra leaves enhance your cake!

I'm so glad it worked out okay. The cake is lovely.
Where in Jersey are you? I'm in North Jersey..

cindy

Glad it all worked out in the end.

Don't be to hard on youself. Sorry you had a hard time but you did a great job on it both times.

Thank you everyone for your input and encouragement! After that cake, I need a stiff drink and a vacation!
And Cindy, I'm way down in South Jersey, in Cape May County (and a HUGE NEW JERSEY DEVILS fan!!!! Go Devils!)

oh you are a brave sole!! no dowels!!!
turned out nice for an emergency cake. thats why i hate delivering so late. i want to know its there and done early.

great save

Nice save! I really like the use of straws

That cake turned out great Live and learn hey?! I sure hate that saying when things are going so very wrong. BTW, I just saw that you are a huge Devils fan... we are Canucks fans way up here in B.C Canada- we have a friend that plays on the Devils farm team but goes up and plays with the Devils here and there. Rod Pelley is his name... just wanted to see if you knew of him Totally off topic