Planning A Wedding Cake: How Far In Advance?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding on the right wedding cake is an important part of the process. There are many factors to consider when choosing a wedding cake, such as the type of cake, the number of tiers, the flavour, and the design. In addition, couples need to decide whether to hire a professional baker or make the cake themselves. Regardless of the approach chosen, it is crucial to allow sufficient time for baking, decorating, and final touches to ensure the cake is perfect for the big day.

Sponge cakes can be baked up to three days before serving

To freeze a cake, first, make sure that the cake is completely cool before packaging it up. Wrap each layer of cake in multiple layers of cling film to create a protective barrier against external elements. Once securely wrapped, transfer the layers into a durable plastic container, ensuring it is airtight to prevent any potential moisture or bacteria from getting in.

If you are short on time, you can also bake a cake the night before or the same day as serving. However, this may not give you enough time to decorate the cake or let the cake cool completely. In this case, you can also freeze the cake layers and then defrost them the night before you need to start decorating.

When it comes to icing, you can ice a cake a few days in advance. If you are using fondant icing, it is recommended to do a crumb coat with buttercream to help keep the cake moist and to give the fondant something to stick to. You can also use Swiss meringue buttercream, which can be made a few days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Overall, baking a wedding cake can be a time-consuming process, but with proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that your cake is both delicious and beautiful.

Fruit cakes are best made months in advance

Wedding cakes can be a source of stress for couples, especially if they opt for a DIY approach or ask a loved one to bake it for them. However, fruit cakes, a traditional choice, can be made months in advance, reducing the pressure on bakers.

Fruit cakes have a long shelf life and can be preserved for an extended period, which makes them ideal for weddings. The fruit cake is often the base of a wedding cake, and it is recommended to make it well ahead of time. The common practice is to prepare the fruit cake at least three months in advance, but it can be made even earlier—up to six months to a year before the wedding. The key to its longevity lies in the alcohol used to soak the fruit, which acts as a preservative.

To ensure the fruit cake stays fresh, it should be fed with brandy (or a similar spirit) and wrapped well. Storing it in a cool, dark place will also help maintain its quality. This process of maturing the fruit cake allows bakers to focus on other aspects of the wedding preparations, reducing stress and providing peace of mind.

Additionally, the icing on fruit cakes can be done two weeks before the wedding, which is a relatively simple task compared to the intricate decorations that may be required for other types of cakes.

In summary, fruit cakes are an excellent choice for wedding cakes as they can be made months in advance and still taste delicious on the big day. With proper storage and preservation techniques, couples can enjoy a stress-free experience and focus on celebrating their special day.

Wedding cakes can be decorated a few days ahead of time

Timing is Key

It is recommended to bake the cake layers at least three days before the wedding to ensure freshness. This gives you enough time to decorate without rushing. If you need more time for intricate decorations, you can bake the cake earlier and freeze it. Sponge cakes, in particular, can be frozen for up to three months without losing their moisture or flavour. However, do not freeze for longer than three days if you plan to serve the cake at room temperature, as this may affect the flavour and texture.

Storage Solutions

To freeze a cake, ensure it is completely cooled, then wrap each layer securely in multiple layers of cling film. Place the wrapped layers into durable airtight containers to prevent moisture and bacteria from getting in. When you're ready to decorate, transfer the cake from the freezer to the fridge 24 hours before serving. This will give the cake enough time to thaw while still leaving sufficient time for icing and final touches.

Icing and Decorating

It is best to ice and decorate the cake only after it has completely thawed. If you plan to use fondant, consider using a crumb coat of buttercream first to keep the cake moist and help the fondant stick. You can also use buttercream to fill and crumb coat the cake layers a day or two before decorating, as long as you store the cake in the fridge. This will give you more time to perfect your design without worrying about the cake drying out.

Final Touches

If your design includes fresh flowers or other perishable decorations, add these as close to the wedding as possible to ensure they look their best. If you need to transport the cake to the venue, carefully package it to prevent damage during transit. Consider using a system like Stable Mabel, specifically designed to keep tiered cakes stable during transportation.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you're decorating a wedding cake for the first time, it's a good idea to practice your design beforehand. This will help you refine your technique and ensure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients. You may also want to create a timeline for each step of the process, from baking to final decorations, to help you stay organised and on track.

By following these tips, you can confidently decorate your wedding cake a few days in advance, ensuring a beautiful and delicious centrepiece for the happy couple's special day.

Cakes should be frozen if not being served within three days

Wedding cakes can be a stressful endeavour, especially if you are baking it yourself. Sponge cakes can be baked up to three days before you serve them, but if you need more time to decorate or you want to reduce stress, freezing is a great option.

Freezing a cake is a good way to preserve it and can be done without sacrificing taste or texture. If you won't be serving the cake within three days of baking it, it's best to freeze it. This will ensure the cake stays fresh and moist. To freeze a cake, first, make sure it is completely cool. Then, wrap each layer in multiple layers of cling film to create a protective barrier. Once securely wrapped, transfer the layers into a durable plastic container, ensuring it is airtight.

You can freeze a cake for up to three months without ruining its moisture or flavour. To defrost, simply move the cake from the freezer to the fridge 24 hours before serving. This will give the cake time to thaw, and still allow for icing and decoration. It's important not to start decorating until the cake is completely thawed.

Freezing a cake can also make the decorating process easier. Freezing creates a slightly firmer texture, making it easier to apply fillings and icings. So, if you're not serving your wedding cake within three days, don't panic! Simply freeze it and you'll have a delicious, fresh-tasting cake ready for your big day.

It's best to order a wedding cake a year in advance

Wedding cakes are a labour of love, and it's best to order them a year in advance to ensure you get the cake of your dreams. This lengthy lead time might seem excessive, but there are many good reasons to get your order in early.

Firstly, wedding cakes are often highly personalised, with intricate designs, decorations, and bespoke touches. This level of customisation takes time and planning. Bakers need to source the right ingredients, equipment, and decorations, which can take several months. Ordering a year in advance allows bakers to secure any hard-to-find items and ensure they have everything they need to create your unique cake.

Secondly, wedding cakes are often large, multi-tiered creations that require multiple days to bake and assemble. The baking process itself can take 8-12 hours, depending on the number of tiers and flavours. After baking, the cakes need to rest overnight before being cut, levelled, filled, and covered. This process can take an additional day or two. If your cake has a complex design with intricate decorations, it could take even longer. Allowing a year gives bakers the time they need to create a masterpiece without feeling rushed.

Additionally, many bakers only take on one wedding cake project per weekend to ensure the highest quality and avoid mistakes. By ordering a year in advance, you can secure your chosen baker's services for your special day. This is especially important if you have a specific date in mind, as popular bakers may be booked up months in advance.

Finally, ordering a year in advance reduces stress for both you and the baker. Wedding planning is stressful enough without worrying about the cake. By placing your order early, you can rest assured that your cake is taken care of and focus on other aspects of your big day. For the baker, a year's notice allows them to properly plan their workload and ensure they have the necessary time and resources to devote to your cake.

While it may seem like a long time, ordering your wedding cake a year in advance ensures that you get the cake you desire and gives your baker the time and flexibility to create a delicious and stunning centrepiece for your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions