Welll, where to start. I have a dear lady who worked for me. She is having a 50th anniversary party for her family. (@13). She has 3 daughters, only one of whom lives local. After MUCH confusion over what constitutes a layer and what constitutes a tier, I think we all agree the cake will be a 10" with a 6" to keep. All chocolate cake, with white buttercream. 3 layers each tier. That only took 5 emails and 3 phone calls over 4 weeks. 
At first, they wanted to use real flowers on the cake, so I asked if they would supply, or did they want me to supply. I told them if they supplied, please be sure no pesticides, and let's check to see if safe flowers. Well, now no flowers. Local daughter did not want gold - she likes silver - so no gold. They do not want anything "fussy" just "elegant". They are going to use the original cake topper. They requested an ivory icing to match the off color the topper has faded to. So- I thought since I have no idea what to decorate this cake as, and I have to match the topper, that it would be a good idea if I could see the topper - perhaps to get a design idea from. Another daughter (out of town) used the topper on her cake and has possession of it. She does not want me to have the topper - she is afraid I will damage it. I am good friends with the lady the cake is for, and she knows I would never do anything like that. So, what do I do now???? Today, a group of us went to lunch and my friend was there. She started asking me if I was going to deliver the cake. I am getting paid $40 for this cake. After all this, I feel that they can come pick up the cake. I need help!! How should I decorate this cake and should I deliver??
You need to get tough:
Yes, I will deliver the cake, that will cost $x extra to cover my time and expenses.
OK, you won't let me have the topper; I'll do the cake ivory but can't promise it will match
Here are two/three cake design ideas - which ONE do you want to choose?
Alternatively - I'mdoing the cake at a massive discount because you're my friend, but part of the massive discount is that I get to choose the design.
Doing cakes for friends can be such a nightmare. You have my sympathy!
I totally agree with Emma. Since her family is not being helpful, don't give them to many choices. Make it easy for yourself and give them descriptions of a few cakes and let them decide. You are doing them a HUGE favor by only charging $40 for a three tier cake. You can't get that deal anywhere. Plus with the prices for gas I would tell them it will be extra for delivery unless they want to pick it up. If they do decide to pick up the cake make sure they are aware that once the cake leaves your hands you are not responsible for anything happening to the cake.
Good luck,
Pam
Thanks to all for the replies - I am so frustrated - I am crying. I wish I could be tough. I just retired to have fun and not be stressed - I thought life was just too short not to have fun - notice my member name - havingfun - WELL I AM NOT HAVING FUN!! I really appreciate all the support you all give. I have lurked for months and just got brave enough to start posting. Thank you all.
An easy way for them to get a color match is for them to get a paint sample card from Lowe's or Home Depot (or whatever they have around them) & have them send that to you. They hold on to the topper, you get a color swatch to match your icing to. I have brides do that all the time if they want a color matched but don't have a fabric swatch they can leave with me.
I'm thinking do ivory/off white with silver ribbon around the bases. Maybe some very simple scroll work and make them pick it up. Just tell them they can pick it up at such in such time. If they don't like what you come up with, tell them that normally a bride is more willing to give samples and specs. Sometimes the simplest designs are the most beautiful, so don't worry. Not sure how silver will look with the cream though.
havingfun:
((((((((((((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))))))))
You poor thing, you need a Doberman Pinscher to do the dirty deed. Send your friend my way I can bark with the "big boys" and I can tell them how it should be just as Emma states!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I will deliver the cake, that will cost $x extra to cover my time and expenses.
OK, you won't let me have the topper; I'll do the cake ivory but can't promise it will match
Here are two/three cake design ideas - which ONE do you want to choose?
Alternatively - I'mdoing the cake at a massive discount because you're my friend, but part of the massive discount is that I get to choose the design.
Ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff ruff!
I agree with everyone keep it simple for yourself, since you are practically doing it for free. They do not want it fussy anyway. I alway thought this cake would be beautiful for a 50th anniversary. It is very vintage looking.
The paint swatch idea is great! go with that.
About delivery I say if you trust them to be able to transport it then tell them to come get it. But I always like to deliver my cakes even if they are not paying me alot. The thought of something happening to my cake makes me nausious. Plus if they mess it up they are going to be calling you to come and fix it.
Local daughter did not want gold - she likes silver - so no gold. They do not want anything "fussy" just "elegant". They are going to use the original cake topper. They requested an ivory icing to match the off color the topper has faded to.
Is local daughter aware that the 50th is the "golden" anniversary?! I hate to be so literal, but sheesh... Silver and ivory aren't that great a combination (silver goes better with cooler colors like bright white, blues, lavenders, etc), but gold is a wonderful compliment to warm colors like ivory, taupes, and other neutrals like that.
I think ivory is very pretty for a 50th anniversary but I don't think I would like silver with it. Silver is traditionally for a 25th not a 50th. Can you sit down and discuss your situation with your friend without the daughters? After all the cake is for her not her daughters. It sounds a little like too many cooks spoil the soup. I'm sure you will do a good job for your friend. Good luck. By the way, welcome to CC!!
Thanks to all for the support. Tiptop 57 - what a friend!!!. Have you had a rabies shot?? 
You and Emmascakes - I need to aspire to! The paint swatch is a great idea. I am not inclined to do silver - just can't get over the fact that it is for 25th. keonicakes, I like the idea about the scrolls. I have seen some cakes on CC that were ivory with white - how does that sound? Might hit the color somewhere between the ivory and white. I do love my friend and would never do anything to hurt her. I just want to tell her that her daughters are not being very smart. (nice for stupid or not thinking??!!) Thank you again for answering. It is amazing what a keyboard, a monitor, and a computer linked to some really special people can do for you. 
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