Transporting Wedding Cakes
Getting the Cake by Car to the Reception Without Disaster
Don't attempt to transport a wedding cake to its location without considering its style, structure and even flavour. These tips can help avert disaster...
Transporting a wedding cake to its destination is a nerve-wracking business and a great responsibility. Don't wait until the last moment to consider these factors:
The Cake Must Be Firmly Secure To The Cake Board
Inexperienced cake decorators are often unaware that each tier of the wedding cake needs to be firmly stuck to its own cake board with icing. Lower tiers should be reinforced with wooden dowelling, flush with the top of the icing, in order to support the weight of the tiers above. Transporting a cake which does not firmly adhere to the board is courting disaster, and a cake whose tiers are not reinforced is likely to sag or buckle as the cake is crushed under the weight of its own top tiers.
Cakes of Different Flavours Transport Differently
Traditional fruit cakes, iced with royal or fondant icing, have the advantage of requiring no refrigeration and can be transported to the reception area a few days ahead, without fear of spoilage. Dense chocolate mud cakes, carrot cakes and banana cakes may also last for a few days, if well sealed with royal or fondant icing—check with the baker. The disadvantage to transporting these cakes is their weight—a 3-tier, traditionally-iced fruit cake may be impossible for one person to lift. Either bring a partner to help carry, or ask if the cake can be transported in tiers and assembled at the site.
Cakes made with sponge, cream or buttercream are more delicate, and will need to be transported on the day of the wedding. If refrigeration is required, it is imperative to inform the caterers ahead of time. Many reception venues have limited space, and the caterer will need to allow for a cake taking up half the fridge. Fresh flowers may also need to be refrigerated.
The Location Of The Wedding Reception
Plan your route carefully, avoiding steep hills or sharp turns if at all possible. If the cake requires refrigeration and you have a long journey, you may need to provide a chilly bin or cold packs. Arrange a drop-off point as close to the kitchens/cake display area as possible, particularly if the day is likely to be rainy.
Some brides wish to have their cake displayed at two locations—an informal afternoon tea, and a smaller dinner reception, for example. As repeatedly disassembling and reassembling a cake is not recommended, this may be difficult with very heavy or fragile cakes.
How to Transport the Cake
To transport the cake, place it carefully inside a large box (a sturdy cardboard box is fine) which has been padded with a piece of foam rubber or a non-slip blanket. If the cake is being transported in tiers, each tier should have its own box. Inspect the decorations—if anything is not firmly secured, it should gently be removed and replaced once the cake has reached its final destination. Fresh flowers may need to be placed in a chilly bin to prevent wilting. The boxes should be placed on any flat surface in the vehicle, such as the floor or boot, where there is no danger of sliding or falling. Ideally, two people should transport the cake, to facilitate carrying and allow one person to 'guard' the cakes as the other drives.
Lastly, just in case the worst comes to the worst, take a glamorous photo of the assembled cake before you touch it!
