Because I am posting a pic that isn't mine I just wanted to make sure everyone knows it isn't my work and I am just asking for help!
A bride asked me to do this cake. I really don't know what to do or where to begin! Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
I am of no help but holy @#*& that thing is awesome. 
I would be asking for help too.
GOOD LUCK!!!
it is hard to see up close details, but to me it looks like a couple possible techniques. maybe brush embroidery PLUS fondant cut outs placed on top to add dimension. they are probably outlined in royal icing with the b.e. strokes as well. then, looks like gumpaste flowers, though you could use fresh. size appears to be a 4"square, 6" round, 8" square, 10" round. that would serve (just guessing cause i dont have my book infront of me.) around 85 wedding 1x2x4 . looks like it is covered in fondant as well.
melysa took my answer. Good luck, you can do this.
looking again, i think that there is alot of dimension, so maybe ALL the patterns are raised cut outs, witht he royal piping, layered and of course the dots to fill in the empty spaces. i would definatley use royal instead of bc.
this would be hard work, but i'd jump at the chance to put my "signature" on a cake like this!
another thought is to use the silicone lace/floral molds, but they are expensive and you'd easily get the look of the blossoms simply by using wiltons blossom gumpaste cutters and fondant.
I just looked at your pics and you can TOTALLY do this! From what I can see, it is simply tiered cakes covered in fondant with fondant cutouts and RI accents. The flowers can either be fresh or order them from a site if you are not comfortable with making your own. Just look at it in pieces rather than as a whole and it will destress you. You are SO capable. If you need some step by step let me know and I will do my best to help.
I would say the sizes are 6" square, 9" round and 12" square.
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the reason i think is is a four inch square on top is because the width and height are the same. most cakes tend to be 4 inches high. i could be wrong, but thats what it seems to be.... though it doesnt really matter. she could adjust the cake sizes to how many servings the wedding will need. so nevermind! 
wow..I think this looks really challenging! If it were me! I would try to see if maybe I could just do what looks like embroidery on the middle tier and then maybe swiss dots on the other two tiers or vise versa. (I think it also looks a little too busy for my taste.) That would give you a little less work, if the bride goes for that?
I would try it though! 
Well, this is what the caption says next to the cake: (I have really good eyes):
Ron Ben-Israel who made Robert Downey Jr.'s Wedding cake, alternating round and square layers (there is a bottom round layer you can see) "using pieces of lace from a bridal gown to create the pattern on the buttercream frosting." The finishing touch, Ben-Israel's signature edible orchids which are hand formed out of sugar paste. 212-625-3389 (unsure of that) or weddingcakes.com
So, it is buttercream (yay for buttercream!) but then they are either embroidery RI, but put on at the last minute so they don't disintegrate or ??? I don't know, but I think it's STUNNING!
melissa
From the looks of this cake, I think you could very possibly execute this cake with little difficulty. With the aid of some royal icing, and some fondant lace molds, and a steady hand, I think it would be just fine!! I know that www.cakesbysam.com sells these molds on her site! I can't wait to see the finished project!! GOOD LUCK!!!
misterc, how exciting! i was asked to do a ron ben isreal cake for a wedding this fall too. i am soooo excited! just a side note.... dont feel bad for charging a decent penny on this- you can let the bride know that he charges an average of $12-$15 a slice for his wedding cakes! then your prices (if lower) wont look that bad!
I totally think that you are SO capable of doing a spectacular job on this cake. I looked at your pictures and you do amazing work! I can't wait to hear and see how the finished product turns out
Amber
I know you are capable of doing this cake. I would make the orchids well in advance. He has used the lace from a wedding gown to imprint on the cake & then I think, piped around the edges with royal icing & filled in bits & pieces. This is what I think, looking forward to seeing other thoughts on how to do this cake.
I finally finished this cake! I deliver tonight! I love how it turned out but I have to say I'm glad I am done. If I do this cake again I will charge more for it! Anyway, it is in my pics if you want to see it. The black on it was the Bride's idea. I wish I could have told her NO!!!
misterc-you nailed it! great job and congrats!!!!
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