Arranging A Wedding Cake: Tips For A Tasty Tower

Arranging a wedding cake is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps and considerations to help you create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake:

- Consider the number of guests and the size of the cake. Determine the number of tiers and the size of each tier to ensure there are enough servings for everyone.

- Pick an attainable cake design that aligns with the wedding theme and the couple's preferences. Opt for a design that you feel confident in making and decorating.

- Choose a cake flavour that the couple loves. It's recommended to stick to one or two flavours to keep things simple.

- Select a frosting that you are comfortable working with. American buttercream is a popular choice as it is easy to make and decorate with.

- Make the cake layers and frosting in advance. Cake layers can be baked and frozen weeks ahead, and frosting can also be made ahead of time.

- Assemble the cake 1-3 days before the wedding. This will give you time to add fresh flowers or any last-minute decorations.

- Transport the cake safely to the wedding venue, ensuring it remains stable and undamaged during the journey.

- Set up the cake at the venue, allowing enough time for it to warm up to room temperature before serving.

Choosing a flavour

If you want to surprise and delight your guests, you could opt for an unexpected flavour combination, such as strawberry yuzu or lychee. Or, if you want to stick with a classic, a vanilla cake is always a safe bet and can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings.

• Lemon cake with elderflower buttercream and blackcurrant jam
• Chocolate cake with salted caramel sauce and crème fraiche buttercream
• Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
• White chocolate cake with raspberry
• Spice cake with pumpkin cream cheese frosting
• Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Almond cake with cherry filling
• Funfetti cake

Picking a design

Firstly, consider the style of your wedding. Is it traditional and elegant, cool and contemporary, or rustic? A classic cake might have round, stacked tiers, a white base, and fresh flowers. For a contemporary feel, you could opt for unusually shaped tiers and coloured icing. A rustic wedding might call for a semi-naked cake. If you're having a glamorous ballroom reception, a trendy naked cake may not be the best fit.

Next, think about your colour scheme. You could opt for a white cake decorated with flowers, or go for coloured icing to match your bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits. Dark colours like black can be stunning for autumn or winter weddings.

You can also take inspiration from fashion, such as the lace, embellishment, and other details of your wedding dress. Consider incorporating the texture of your dress, from ruffles to bows. Sugar flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, and can be designed to match your colour scheme and natural surroundings.

Other elements to consider are your hobbies and interests. You could include your initials, or add quirky details related to your hobbies. For travel lovers, a cake with a map design could be a fun choice.

Finally, think about the size and shape of your cake. Consider how many guests you will be serving, and whether you want to save the top tier for your anniversary. Choose between a round or square cake design – a traditional cake is usually round, while a square cake gives a more modern appearance.

Making the cake in advance

Making a wedding cake in advance is a great way to save time and ensure that everything is ready for the big day. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make your wedding cake ahead of time:

Planning and Preparation:

Start by deciding on the type of cake you want to make. This will help you determine the ingredients and tools you need. If you're making a tiered cake, plan the number of tiers and the size of each tier accordingly. It is recommended to book your baker as early as possible, with some sources suggesting 6-12 months in advance. This will ensure that you have a wide range of options and that your chosen baker is available for your wedding date.

Baking and Assembly:

Baking and assembling the cake in advance can save you time and stress on the day of the wedding. A good rule of thumb is to bake the cake layers 2-3 days before the event. This will give you enough time to decorate and ensure that the cake is fresh. Wrap the layers individually in plastic wrap and then foil to keep them moist and store them at room temperature until you are ready to assemble and decorate.

Decoration and Final Touches:

You can begin decorating your cake a day or two before the wedding. If using buttercream, it is recommended to make it a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before using. If using fondant, a crumb coat of buttercream is suggested to help the fondant stick and keep the cake moist. You can also add fresh flowers or other decorations to your cake, but be sure to source them in advance so they are ready when you need them.

Storage and Transportation:

If you need to transport your cake to the wedding venue, it is essential to package and transport it carefully. Keep the cake refrigerated until it is time to leave, and then transport it in a sturdy box or container to ensure it stays put and doesn't melt during transportation.

On the Wedding Day:

On the day of the wedding, ensure that you have a designated space to display the cake. If possible, keep it in a cool, shaded area to prevent melting. Enjoy your beautiful creation and congratulations on your special day!

Decorating the cake

Practice makes perfect

Before you start decorating the actual cake, it's a good idea to practice your design on a test cake. This will help you refine your technique and ensure that you're happy with the final design. It's also a good opportunity to try out different types of frosting and decorations.

Keep it simple

When it comes to wedding cakes, simple, rustic decorations are more achievable than intricate fondant designs. So, it's best to stick to simple designs and decorations that you feel confident about executing well.

Choose the right tools

Having the right tools will make decorating your cake much easier. Make sure you have all the tools you need before you start, such as cake boards, offset spatulas, a cake turntable, piping bags and tips, and any other decorations you plan to use.

Plan your design

Think ahead about how you want to decorate your cake. Consider the overall style of the wedding, the colour scheme, and any themes or motifs that you want to incorporate. Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, but you can also use sugar paste flowers or buttercream flowers if you prefer.

Use a crumb coat

A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied to the cake before the final exterior frosting. It helps to protect the outer layer of frosting from crumbs and creates a smooth surface for decorating. Refrigerate the cake after applying the crumb coat to help it set.

Add the final decorations

Once the crumb coat is set, it's time to add the final decorations. Use a small icing spatula to apply the exterior frosting, creating a textured or ruffled look if desired. You can also pipe frosting around the bottom of each tier to cover any imperfections. Fresh flowers or other decorative items can then be added to the cake.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed tips to ensure the safe transportation of your cake:

Reserve a Flat Place in Your Vehicle:

It is essential to ensure that the wedding cake is placed on a level surface during transportation. The vehicle should have a spacious flat back or a large floorboard, such as an SUV. Avoid placing the cake on laps or car seats, as they are unstable and slanted. If the floor of your car has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent sliding.

Keep the Vehicle Cool:

Even if the cake does not require refrigeration, maintaining a cool car temperature is crucial. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight on the cake. On hot days, avoid making long stops, and consider freezing the cake beforehand to ensure it stays cool during transport.

Drive Carefully:

It is recommended to have two people transport the wedding cake. Assign one person to sit next to the cake and hold it steady during the drive. Drive slowly and carefully, especially when approaching speed bumps and sharp turns.

Use a Cake Drum and Sturdy Cardboard Box:

Tier the cake on a cake drum, a heavy-duty cake board that is typically at least 1/2 inch thick. Secure the cake to the board with a wooden dowel or other professional cake supports. Place the cake drum and cake inside a sturdy cardboard box that is the same width as the drum. This will protect the cake during transport.

Check with the Baker and Venue:

If you are transporting a cake from a bakery, get their transportation recommendations and find out the cake's measurements and refrigeration requirements. Ask the venue about fridge availability and ensure there is enough space for the cake. If refrigeration is not available, consider a dessert bar with multiple smaller cakes.

Frequently asked questions