I'm in need of some HELP, if anyone would be kind enough to answer
a question for this self starter entering the cake decorator world in my
spare time. I have a 16",12", and 8" that i have to stack offset, with
the middle tier front facing. Do i use cake plates that are larger, to
allow for a border, or do i need to use cake plates the exact size and
worry about the border after i get the tiers put together? FYI I have
learned a lot from this web site, and would like to say its SO nice to
see all of the positive words from other viewers. I hope to upload a
few cakes soon. Thanks g-na P.S. this is my first time posting a
message, I hope i did ok.

You did just fine posting a message g-na. For your cake, you would need plates or cardboards that are the same size as your cake and add the border after stacking. This is if you don't intend for the plates to show.

I used exact same plastic separator plates as the tier setting on it. I also used cut down hidden pillars to support the plate and cake.

Hope to see a picture!