Long story, short(ish) -
I'm making a wedding cake for my sister in law, she showed me a pic of a simple white cake with some black lacey ribbon as borders, it was lovely. She was going to buy the ribbon for me, since I'm doing the rest free/as a gift (not that I have a choice as I'm only a hobby baker and am not licensed!)

Fast forward a little, she purchases the ribbon/lace, it looks a lot like this
http://www.carnmeal.com/data/product/RART2529/large.jpg except of course it is black, it's NOTHING like the original picture! <--No offence intended to that lace, but it's not what I expected!! lol

Now I'm wishing she had just let me buy the lace, but it is what it is and I'm not going to say anything because it is her cake, and her day!

All done, I feel better now I've gotten that out!

ETA: Sorry I put this in the wrong place!

Yeeeaaaahhh.... That's not exactly lace. I'm curious about the original pic. Do you have it and are you able to upload a copy? Did she keep the receipt so she can take that trim back and let you get the right stuff?

Sandy

bummer. it will look alright, but that's not what I pictured from your description either.

It's hard when you have one vision and then the client changes it. Goes against the "artist" side of a caker. BUT I would use the lace she bought and you may end up very surprised at how wonderful it could look and she'll be pleased that you went with her desire.

Cat

Thanks for the replies, and for 'listening' to me complain!

I don't have a copy of the pic, I've had a look for it on google images, where she said she found it, but I can't find it. It was a 3 tier square with the ribbony stuff and diamonte buckles. I'll keep looking and upload it if I can!

I'm going to use what she gave me, partly because I don't want to tell her I don't like it! lol, but mostly because it is what she chose!
I'm just hoping she isn't disappointed that it doesn't look like the picture, although I'm sure she realises it isn't the same.

Maybe, it will be even better!! LOL
We will find out in September!

Quick Update:

I don't have to worry about the black lace! The wedding colours have changed! lol! The accent colour is now pink! And, after the btb saw this pic http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1743509.html ,the middle tier is now going to be quilted with diamontes! Even thought there's no way I can get it that perfect!

So and top tier will be plain with pink ribbon, and middle will have the diamonds (I'm not sure yet if I'll put ribbon on this one, depends how neat I can get it!). No topper. Does that sound good?
We're getting even further from the pic, but I think it will turn out ok, as long as I can make it work!

Not sure if anyone's reading this but anyway, I have another update!
Black is back in, but not the lace, just a solid black ribbon, plus the pink ribbon, and now there's also talk of fresh orchids!
If I ever go into business I am going to be VERY strict about design changes in my contract!

Oh well, I am kind of having fun trying to get it to all work together!

I actually liked those pics of ribbon! different and more lacy than just plain ribbon. it would have added som pizazz to the cake.

I've found most brides would like their cakes to reflect their personal taste, even when they find inspiration from other cakes. Often they want to tweek it some. So have fun with this and maybe even do some suggesting. After all you're the one who knows about cakes!!

Debi - it wasn't that there was anything in particular wrong with the ribbon, it was just not what I expected her to give me, I was expecting something more 'elegant lacy', rather than 'cute lacy'.... Does that make sense?!

Khoudek - you are totally right - I saw a picture and set to work trying to figure out how I would match it exactly; she saw a picture with a basic idea, I guess!

Let's hope the little I know so far is enough!!

Hopefully, no more changes for you. That gets stressful at times.
Can't wait to see the finished cake.
and Good Luck and have fun!
Jodi

Yeah, been there and done that! I tell all my friends when I do the wedding cake there will be NO CHANGES one month from the wedding date. By that time I've usually gotten everything on order or purchased. Since this is MY gift to the bride and groom I feel like I have that freedom. Just a suggestion: If I were you.....I tell SIL NO MORE CHANGES to allow you time to practice or purchase...whatever you need.

GOOD LUCK!

I don't really mind the changes so much; it's just hard as a non professional, who usually gets to make whatever I want, not to be able to do it my way!

Maybe you can have some other ribbon close by that you can add to it if it doesn't have the look that you or the bride envisioned? You could show it to her beforehand to get her okay.

You can buy a Diamond Quilter from JEN DONTZ, that will give you perfect Diamonds.

http://www.jenniferdontz.com/estore.php?category=tools/supplies
you have to scroll down, she has two different kinds. and she ships fast and shipping is reasonable like $6.00.

OR YOU CAN GET THE PLASTIC ONE FROM SHARON Z.
http://www.sugaredproductions.com/_catalog_85696/Buttercream_Tools
It's the diamond impression mat on this page.

You will do amazing which ever way you go, just be sure to post pics.

As long as you double check with her that its what she wants, you're fine!

I find sometimes brides do not know HOW to match ribbon...in that case, you need to make sure she knows she did not pick out the same ribbon/lace that's pictured in the original idea.

But she may have done it on purpose, in which case it will be just what she wants.

When I worked catering, the brides would provide the ribbon and it drove us crazy...they'd bring us 2" when they requested a design with a thin ribbon...or vice versa...or they wouldn't bring us enough....and we'd have to split the ribbon to get it on all the tiers.

Because of that, I usually buy the ribbon myself, except if they have a special request that I can't find at regular stores.

But then since you can't charge for cakes that makes it harder on you...

I had a box full of ribbon (leftovers from previous cakes) and I'd pull that down to show brides. I'd tell them NOT to buy polyester, avoid satin, and show them the kind that worked best. If they liked a ribbon in my stash, we'd use that. If they wanted Just Plain Blue, then I'd pick it up. But if they wanted a specific shade of blue that matched aunt viola's eyes or something, they'd have to buy it and bring it to me.

But having the box of samples really helped.

What type of ribbon is best to use on a cake? I didn't know not to use polyester or satin. I love all the tips I learn on CC!

It's just that polyester and satin tend to absorb moisture more, causing spots. I used (ends in "....eurothane"?) and it worked well. Bought it in the gift and craft section at walmart.

Thanks! I will check out Wal-mart!

I think Maisie Fantaisie (in the UK) works with a lot of ribbons in her wedding cakes. They all look satiny. Take a look:

http://www.maisiefantaisie.co.uk/wedding-cakes.html

I have her books with step-by-step instructions on some of those cakes (Cakes for Romantic Ocassions by May Clee-Cadman), and in the materials she calls for "satin ribbon."

You'll do great.

Also, Cotton & Crumbs in Flicker. She has made a lot of the same cakes and her pictures are large.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39615881@N06/

The new ribbon is satin, but the cake will be fondant... I got worried for a sec!

The box of samples is a great idea, Debi!

I'm happy with the design we have now and I've started counting down the days till I get started - I will be making all my fondant and ganache on Monday!
I'm so nervous, anyone would think I'm the one getting married!