Traveling With A Wedding Cake: Is It Possible?

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience. Wedding cakes are often heavy and awkward to handle, and there is always a risk of damaging the cake during transport. Here are some tips to help you safely carry a wedding cake:

1. Use a sturdy cardboard box that is slightly larger than the cake, with one side cut out like a drawbridge for easy loading and unloading.

2. Ensure the cake sits on a cardboard round the same diameter as the box, with a small centre dowel for stability.

3. Tape the box securely and bring extra tape for reinforcements.

4. Consider adding a window covered with plastic for easy inspection by security officers.

5. Use a non-skid mat or shelf liner inside the box to prevent sliding.

6. Transport each tier separately and assemble the cake at the venue.

7. Chill the cake before transport to firm it up and make it easier to handle.

8. Place the cake on a flat, level surface in the vehicle, such as the floor or trunk, and avoid putting it on seats or laps.

9. Drive carefully, avoiding steep ramps, sudden stops, quick starts, and speed bumps.

10. Bring extra icing and tools for repairs in case of any damage during transport.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding cake arrives safely and securely at its destination.

Transporting a wedding cake by car

• Check with the baker: Get their transportation recommendations and find out the cake's measurements and refrigeration requirements. This information will help you plan for vehicle space and fridge space at the venue.
• Use a cake drum and sturdy cardboard box: Place the cake on a cake drum that fits perfectly inside a sturdy cardboard box. This provides a stable base for transport.
• Reserve a flat place in your vehicle: Ensure the car has a large, flat back or floorboard. Avoid placing the cake on laps or tilted seats, as they are unstable. Use a non-stick liner or yoga mat on the floor if the surface is smooth.
• Keep the vehicle cool: Maintain a cool temperature in the car during the entire drive. Avoid direct sunlight, and use air conditioning if necessary.
• Drive carefully: Send two people to transport the cake, if possible. Drive slowly and carefully, avoiding sharp turns and speed bumps. Have someone sit next to the cake to hold it steady.
• Save the cake stand for the venue: Avoid delivering the cake on a cake stand. Instead, place the cake and its board directly on the stand at the venue.
• Communicate with the pickup person: Share these transportation steps with the person picking up the cake to ensure they are well-prepared.
• Use a sturdy base: Place the bottom tier of the cake on a sturdy base, such as a cake board or foam board, to provide support and stability.
• Chill the cake: Keep the cake chilled to help it hold its shape and prevent softening during transport.
• Secure the tiers: Use dowels or straws to secure each tier to the base and to each other, preventing shifting or sliding.
• Use a cake box: Place the cake in a large, sturdy cake box that accommodates its size, protecting it from bumps and jostles.
• Set up at the venue: Carefully remove the cake from the box and assemble the tiers, if necessary. Make any touch-ups and display the cake in a safe location.

Transporting a wedding cake by plane

Choosing the Right Cake:

Select a cake with traditional flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or carrot. These flavours hold up well during travel and can be baked, assembled, and frozen in advance. Avoid cakes with fresh fruit, pastry creams, mousses, or whipped cream as they don't freeze or thaw well.

Preparation and Packaging:

Bake, assemble, and decorate your cake, using a sturdy cake drum or board at the base. Consider adding a wooden dowel through all the cake tiers to secure them to the board. Then, wrap the cake in plastic and place it in a cake box or a sturdy cardboard box with a "drawbridge" side for easy sliding. Fill any extra space in the box with foam packing pellets to prevent shifting. Finally, wrap the box in plastic again and place it inside a larger box for added protection.

Transportation to the Airport:

Keep your vehicle cool during transportation to the airport. Ensure that the cake is placed on a flat, level surface in the car, preferably on the floorboard of an SUV or similar vehicle. Avoid placing it on laps or car seats, as they can be unstable. If possible, have someone accompany the cake during transport to monitor its condition and assist with careful driving.

Navigating Airport Security:

Arrive at the airport with ample time to navigate security checks. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows cakes but classifies frosting as a liquid. If carrying frosting or decorations, ensure they are in 3.4-ounce containers placed inside a clear quart bag. Ice or gel packs are permitted if they are frozen solid. Be prepared for possible inspections and potential testing of your frosting for explosives.

On the Plane:

Avoid placing the cake in the overhead compartment, as the dimensions might not be suitable, and there is a risk of the cake sliding or banging around. Instead, store it under the seat, ensuring it is secure and does not tip or shift during the flight.

Final Touches:

After reaching your destination, carefully transport the cake to the venue. If necessary, add final decorations and touches to the cake, such as piped buttercream flowers, edible glitter, or gold accents.

Remember, transporting a wedding cake by plane requires careful planning, from choosing the right type of cake to navigating security and ensuring a safe journey. Always be prepared for potential challenges, and don't be afraid to ask for assistance if needed.

Who traditionally pays for the wedding cake?

Traditionally, the bride's family would pay for the wedding cake as part of the wedding reception costs. However, wedding cost traditions are evolving, and nowadays, there is no rigid structure for who pays for what. Many couples choose to pay for the cake themselves, or the two families may split the costs.

The bride's family traditionally pays for the majority of wedding-related expenses, including the venue, décor, music, the bride's attire and accessories, flowers, stationery, and more. The groom's family, meanwhile, usually covers the rehearsal dinner, the marriage license, and the officiant's fee. They may also pay for the honeymoon and the alcohol at the reception.

However, these days, it is common for couples to marry later in life and have their own money, so they are more likely to share the expenses. Same-sex couples, for example, do not divide expenses along gender lines and instead devise their own budget plan.

There is also the option of a groom's cake, which is entirely optional. This is usually paid for by the groom's family, especially if it is served at the rehearsal dinner. However, if the bride's family wishes to surprise the groom, they may pay for it.

When is the best time to cut the wedding cake?

The best time to cut the wedding cake depends on several factors, including the preference of the couple, the schedule for the day, cultural or religious reasons, and the presence of older guests or guests with children. Here are some considerations to help you decide on the timing:

Couple's Preference

The couple may choose to cut the cake before or after dinner, depending on their preference and the day's schedule. Some couples may opt for a self-service cake table, allowing guests to take a piece whenever they like during the evening.

Cultural and Religious Reasons

Event planner Ophelia Childress recommends cutting the cake after dinner unless there are cultural or religious reasons to do otherwise.

Schedule for the Day

If the couple wants to ensure that all guests are present for the cake-cutting, they can choose to do it right after the grand entrance or ceremony, before dinner and speeches. This is especially relevant if there is a long reception or after-party, as it frees up time for other activities, such as the "getting-ready" portion of the day to be documented.

Older Guests and Guests with Children

Traditionally, cutting the cake signalled the end of the celebration and indicated that guests could leave. If there are older guests or guests with small children, cutting the cake early in the evening may be considerate, lessening the pressure for them to stay.

Photography and Videography

The timing of the cake-cutting may also be influenced by the photography and videography schedule. To ensure that the cake-cutting is captured, it can be done before dinner if the photographers or videographers are scheduled to leave early.

Catering and Serving Logistics

Cutting the cake before dinner allows catering staff to work on slicing and serving the cake during the meal, and it can be passed out as a plated dessert course before dancing begins. If the cake is cut after dinner, it may take some time for the kitchen staff to cut and plate it neatly, especially for a tall cake.

Dancing and Party Atmosphere

Cutting the cake before the first dance can help open the reception to dancing. Doing it after dinner and before dancing begins can also signal the end of the ceremonial elements of the day and the start of the party.

Toasts

To avoid giving guests the impression that the wedding is ending, it is recommended to do the toasts during dinner and before cutting the cake.

In summary, the best time to cut the wedding cake is a decision that depends on various factors, including the couple's preference, schedule, cultural or religious considerations, the presence of older guests or guests with children, photography and videography timelines, catering logistics, and the desired flow of the reception.

How to save the top tier of a wedding cake for your first anniversary

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England, when newlyweds would save it for their first child's christening. While the tradition has evolved to celebrate the couple's first anniversary, the method of preserving the cake remains largely the same. Here are some tips on how to save the top tier of your wedding cake:

• Be mindful of your cake-cutting technique: If you plan to save the top tier, only cut slices from the bottom tier during the cake-cutting ceremony, leaving the top tier untouched. Avoid using a sawing motion when cutting the cake, as it may cause the cake to shake and possibly fall over.
• Prepare ahead of time: Ask your catering staff to remove the top tier immediately after the cake-cutting ceremony and box it for transportation. If you're leaving for your honeymoon or moving in with your spouse soon after the wedding, appoint a family member or friend to take the cake and prepare it for preservation.
• Avoid mess and freezer burn: Once you're ready to freeze the cake, remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers and cake toppers, to make it easier to wrap. Chill the cake to harden the icing and prevent making a mess. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, not aluminum foil, as it can cause freezer burn. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag, label it, and store it in your freezer.
• Consider an alternative: If you don't have the time or energy to preserve the cake, you can ask your baker to recreate a smaller version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary. This way, you'll get to enjoy a freshly baked cake while still honouring the tradition.
• Choose the right cake: If you want to increase the chances of your cake lasting until your first anniversary, consider choosing a cake with a longer shelf life. Dense and hearty cakes, such as chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake, tend to last longer in the freezer. Cakes with delicate ingredients, like white cake, fresh fruit cake, or whipped cream fillings, may dry out faster.
• Timing is crucial: It's best to freeze the top tier of your cake as close to your wedding day as possible, ideally on the same day or the morning after. This ensures that the cake is as fresh as possible when frozen, increasing its chances of lasting until your first anniversary.
• Prepare the frosting: Before wrapping the cake, allow the frosting to chill and set. Place the cake tier on a baking sheet or plate and chill it in the freezer for about one to two hours. This will prevent the soft frosting from making a mess when you wrap it.
• Wrap and freeze properly: Gather the necessary supplies: plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no tiny open holes or folds. Then, cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.
• Thawing instructions: For optimal taste and texture, properly thaw your frozen wedding cake before your first anniversary. Remove the cake from the freezer a few days beforehand and let it thaw in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, bring it to room temperature for another hour before serving.

Frequently asked questions