For Three Tier Cake: Prepare 2 separate recipes of Silver Cake batter.
Place one recipe in a greased and floured 11 inch round layer pan.
Divide the remaining batter between a greased and floured 9 inch round layer pan and a 7 inch round layer pan.
Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.
Cool.
For Four Tier Cake: Prepare 2 separate recipes of Silver Cake batter.
Bake each in a greased and floured 13x9x2 inch baking pan at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes.
Cool.
Use one cake for bottom layer.
Cut second cake into 2 pieces, 9x7 inches and 9x6 inches.
Place the 9x7 inch piece on the bottom layer.
Cut remaining piece in two equal pieces, each 6x4 1/2 inches.
Place one on second layer.
Cut remaining piece in 2 equal pieces, each 4 1/2x3 inches.
Place one on third layer. (Save last piece for bride and groom.)
Prepare Ornamental Icing: In large mixer bowl, combine confectioners sugar, salt, vegetable shortening, milk, and vanilla.
Beat at medium speed 3 minutes, then at high speed 5 minutes.
To Decorate Cake: Assemble layers.
Use Ornamental Icing and a cake decorating tube to make flowers or fluted edges (directions usually come with the tube).
Top cake with fresh flowers or a miniature bride and groom ornament, as desired.