What about baking in the convection oven, does anyone recommend or stick to standard baking at 325 and add 10 minutes or so for large cakes (16")? Thanks again for the input this is such a GREAT HELP!!!! I have been researching baking this cake for a month now. One more question, how long should I wait before attaching pearls to a fondant cake? Do I need to let it dry first??? How would you adhere pearls to fondant? I am thinking maybe BC since that is what I will use under the fondant? Thanks again!! 
Hmmm, convection ovens take lots less time to cook than regular ones. I haven't used one is such a long time I couldn't help you with that one.
But as for the pearl thing, you could use bc but if you don't want to see the "glue" then I would use good ol water or thinned down corn syrup (dries clear). Just brush the back of the pearl with the water or cornsyrup and place it where you want it.
You don't have to wait for the fondant to dry if you don't want to. Maybe allow the pearls to dry so you don't disfigure them when you apply them but as for the cake itself I wouldn't worry if it was dry or not.
Don't know about the convection oven but you should attach the pearls to the fondant as soon as possible. You really do not want the fondant to get to dry before doing so. You can use a tiny speck of bc to attach the pearls but my preference is gumpaste glue for adhering anything to fondant. I make my gumpaste glue in a baby food jar because the lid seals it airtight when I am not using it so it lasts for a long time. Fill the jar 1/2 full with water, add a couple of pea sized balls of gumpaste and microwave until gumpaste dissolves. Instant strong glue that is invisible. 
Maybe I will just stick to the standard oven setting...
Thanks thats a great idea for pearls, I dont want to see the BC!!! I am a nervous wreck, my first wedding cake for someone not in the family, my daughter is maid of honor and this is a favor but still want it to be really nice!!!
If you're using a convection oven you need to reduce the temperature and bake for the same amount of time. If the oven is too hot (convection ovens run hotter, something to do with the way the air is circulated) the cake batter will start to set before it has finished rising and your cake won't be as high.
HTH
Kelly
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%