I have to deliver a three tier stacked cake in a couple of hours. They wanted a very plain cake. Just a ribbon around the bottom of each tier. Done in buttercream, I think I got a pretty good smooth look (They had brought me a pic of a cake covered in fondant). I told them it wouldn't be near as smooth as the pic. Anyway, I digress...The ribbon needs a tiny bead border top and bottom to make it look finished!! At our last meeting, I asked about a small border and they said no. Now that I look at it, I think it looks sloppy...needs a tiny finishing touch! I am debating about calling the bride and asking if I can add the border or asking her to come look at the cake and see what she thinks. We are in a small town and I work out of my home. Or maybe call her mother cause it was her mother who said "no border"....any suggestions??? I will see if I can add a photo to this. Her colors are pretty bland too! Yellow and peach! Oh dear, the photo is too big....sorry
If there were a tiny beaded border around the ribbon, how would they even know it wasn't "part of the ribbon"?? I think maybe they didn't want a big border to take away from the simplicity of the cake. Did they pick out the ribbon and bring to you? Does the picture show anything but ribbon? Is the ribbon sticking okay, or is that why it looks "sloppy" to you? Just wondering...
I would NOT call the bride! It's her wedding day. Mom is going to be a basket case by now too...
When I have done ribbon borders I just trim out the bottom. I think you are right that it won't look right without some sort of trim. I think you could get away with it if it was fondant but with buttercream I think it needs it.
Are you setting the cake up on site? If so once you get it done without the trim find the bride or the MOB and tell them your "professional" opinion. Maybe once they see it they will agree with you.
Let us know what happens.
They did bring me the ribbon. I had to use double stick tape to attach the 1/4" peach ribbon to the center of the 2" yellow ribbon. I then attached wax paper to the back of the yellow ribbon with the tape. It does wave a bit, that is probably why I don't like the look of it. I am setting it up on site about 10 am. The wedding isn't till 5 pm, but we have a big town celebration that I have to deliver through and if I don't go that early, I will have a heck of a time getting to the country club....you don't think contacting the MOB would be a good idea?
Sorry you are in this predicament. I know as decorators we see and knows things about our cakes that the client doesn't. At this late hour and with the wedding party busy with other things, however, I say just go with what the client wants and don't add anything. She can't fault you for doing what she asked but could and would if you went against her wishes. I am sure if the mother who said "no border" could see a sample of what a small bead border could do for the overall appearance she would change her mind but better safe than sorry.
AAAArrrgggg, ok, we are at a 50/50 choice here!! I really appreciate all your opinions....I did try to call the MOB, I only have her home number and there was no answer. I called the country club and left a message for her to call me if she shows up there, which she might. I am going to deliver the cake as is (as per the brides choice) but I am going to leave a note with my number that I will gladly return and add the tiny border if they think it is needed. Out town is small and I can get there without too much hassle. Man o Man, this is the first wedding cake I have done in awhile and my cake business is really picking up. 
I don't want people to think this is a normal looking cake for me! At least they ordered a grooms cake also and it turned out way too cute. I did a camping scene complete with camper sitting at the fire, a tent, canoe pulled up to shore... I love that cake!! 
YEAH!!! Problem solved. I called the bride's grandma and she told me to go ahead and call the bride. So, I did and she was so very nice. She had just gotten her hair done and was just sitting around! She told me to go ahead and do what I thought would make it look good. Whew!!! Thanks to all for you opinions!!
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