I am really starting to over think this cake. This is my first 3 tiered cake so maybe that is why it is getting to me so much. Anyways, I was looking at the picture the other day and I couldn't help thinking that a 10 8 and 6 would look "squatty" once they are stacked. I am just so nervous about using larger pans because the one time I did it ended up being a huge mess. There was cracked, broken cake and cracked icing everywhere

Ugh the picture didn't post

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=28tjmu1&s=7

Aww Im sorry you are feeling so much angst!

Anywho, that cake you posted is gorgeous!

I wouldnt personally do those size combinations, simply because it doesnt give you much of a ledge to work on once stacked. I like the 12,9,6 combination, and it isnt much bigger than what you're planning.

Good luck in whatever you decide, you have a good talent, you'll be fine!

I was also thinking a 12 9 6 combination. That is not my cake by the way, it is just an inspiration cake that Ron Ben-Israel made. I LOVE his cakes

Well it sure is a gorgeous cake! You'll do great, and we want to see the finished results!

I've got a 12 9 6 baking in the oven right now

Thank you! I really wish I could do dummies. The cake would already be decorated if that was the case. For some odd reason even though it is a cake decorating competition it has to be real cake... sigh.

16, 12 & 8 would look great on this, IMO

Just thinking about trying to stack 16 inch tiers is giving me a heart attack lol. Plus the board I have bought for the cake is 16 inches.

I like the 6/9/12 combo a lot!

I'm one of those people who thinks an 8" top tier looks . . . just odd.

I also agree that an 8 inch top tier looks weird. I think I am going to go with the 12 9 and 6 combo. I will make a practice 12 inch cake before the competition and bring it into my coworkers. They always love when I do practice runs Thanks everyone!