So I am a newbie, please be gentle

I decorated a 3 tier cake with buttercream, one layer has a fondant checkerboard.  At the last minute the customer rescheduled the party for next week.

Do I freeze the cake, which is already partially assembled?

Or do I just keep it refrigerated?

Please, please help.  I don't want to waste 2 days of work.

Jen

That's a tough one.  In all honesty, I would give her the cake you just finished, which she should pay you the total amount for, then if she wants another one in a week, she'll have to pay you for that one as well.  You should be paid for what you've already done...it's not your fault that the party is rescheduled.

AWhen was the cake due and when did they call to postpone? Have they paid you already?

I would like to tell you to give it to them with directions on how to store it. It sounds like a last minute postponement which really sucks.

They called yesterday.  If I give it to her how can she store it?

She has an extra fridge, will it last a week?

It depends on the recipe, but honestly it is not your problem that she cancelled the cake and changed the date.... you are under no obligation to re create the cake a week later.  I did this one time for a client a few years ago and it was a disaster, I suggest you drop the cake off, get paid and wash your hands of this mess, unless she is your BFF.

What if she decides that the party is post poned again....next week. That is exactly what happened to me, and I never got paid. After that I drop the cake off when its due, no exception and paid up front deposit from people you dont know.

AYou can separate the tiers (I don't know how large they are) put them in individual boxes then a bag (a garbage bag if too large) and into the fridge. Then pull them out, let sit on the counter still wrapped until they reach room temp. Similar to a top tier wedding cake.

She is a good friend and knows lottttts of people which would really help me.  

I don't think she would reschedule again, it was a true family emergency.

AI agree with Shanny, to give them the cake. They ordered it, you made it, and you shouldn't have to remake it. But it should be just fine for a week (fondant in the fridge is a debatable topic but as long as she doesn't touch it until its dry you shouldn't have a problem-regardless its not your fault). If you want to go over there and assemble it next week you could do that, I would if it wasn't far (or you could charge an additional delivery fee if it is far) and they were being nice about it. Your giving them the experience and going the extra mile to help accommodate their issues, people remember things like that.

AYou said they had an extra fridge, so I said refrigerate. You could do either, it's only a week. Personally I'd probably freeze it.

I would freeze it for 5 days, in a box, wrapped in a bag or plastic wrap, then take it out the night before and set it on the counter wrapped. I have had this happen, but I have the space, and it was paid for, so it was fine. I never do cakes that aren't paid for, so it takes a lot of stress off. If you don't have the space, then have her come get it. Collect your money and give her freezing instructions.

Thanks everyone

I am going to freeze it and hope for the best.  I think going the extra step will help with PR lol.

Will post pics when its all done.

Jen

Me, personally, I would deliver the cake to her.  Unless she's a repeat customer, that customer may reach out to you and complain the cake was too dry, tasted old, etc....just to avoid paying for the cake and/or demanding a refund.  Customers are sneaky...very sneaky.  Just my two cents.

ABe sure she knows you won't be remaking the cake unless she pays for a new one though.