Creating A Beautiful Wedding Cake: Covering Basics

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation, you can ensure that your cake arrives at the venue in perfect condition. Here are some tips on how to cover and transport a wedding cake:

- Do all the decorating before stacking the tiers.

- Stack the tiers of the cake at home, using wooden dowels for support.

- Chill the cake for 24 hours to help it hold its shape during transport.

- Use a non-skid pad in your vehicle to prevent the cake from sliding.

- Keep your car as cold as possible to prevent the frosting from melting.

- Drive slowly and carefully to avoid sharp turns and sudden stops.

- Use a sturdy base, such as a cake board, to support the weight of the cake.

- Consider using a cake box or vacuum-sealed container for additional protection during transport.

Transporting a wedding cake

Prepare the Cake for Transport:

Before you begin, it is important to check with the baker for specific recommendations and requirements, such as measurements, refrigeration, and handling instructions. If the cake has multiple tiers, it is best to transport them separately in appropriate-sized cake boxes and assemble the cake at the venue. The base of the cake should be sturdy enough to support the weight. Typically, three layers of cardboard are sufficient, but for heavier cakes, consider adding a fibreboard or wooden base for extra support.

Packing and Placement in the Vehicle:

Use a cake drum, a heavy-duty cake board, to provide a stable base for the cake. Secure the cake to the drum using a wooden dowel that goes through all the tiers. Place the cake drum inside a sturdy cardboard box that is the same width as the drum, creating a snug fit. This will prevent the cake from shifting during transport. Reserve a flat, level surface in your vehicle, such as the floorboard, to place the boxed cake. Avoid placing it on seats, as they are slanted and unstable. If the floor has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent sliding. Keep the cake box away from direct sunlight, and maintain a cool temperature in the vehicle, especially during hot weather.

Driving and Delivery:

It is recommended to have two people in the vehicle when transporting the wedding cake. This way, one person can sit next to the cake and hold it steady during the drive, especially when navigating turns and speed bumps. Drive carefully and slowly to minimise the risk of damaging the cake. Once you arrive at the venue, do not attempt to carry the cake by yourself. Instead, ask the location manager for a cart or a table on wheels to move the cake safely to its designated spot.

Final Touches:

If you are using a cake stand, place the assembled cake on it at the venue, rather than delivering the cake pre-set on a stand. This reduces the risk of accidents during transport. Make any final touches and decorations to the cake, and it will be ready for the celebration!

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wedding cake arrives safely and securely, maintaining its beauty and integrity for the special day.

Using fondant to cover a wedding cake

Rolling the Fondant:

Firstly, you'll need to prepare your fondant. Knead it into a pliable ball, ensuring it's smooth and free of cracks. If it feels dry, add a small amount of vegetable shortening to moisten it. You'll need approximately 12 ounces of fondant for a 6-inch cake that's 4 inches tall. Place the fondant on a silicone pastry mat or a surface lightly dusted with cornstarch or icing sugar to prevent sticking.

Next, use a rolling pin to roll out the fondant, maintaining a circular shape. Keep the thickness consistent, aiming for about 1/8 of an inch. Pop any bubbles that form with a needle, knife, or pin. Place a cake board in the centre of the rolled fondant to ensure you have enough fondant to cover the cake.

Applying the Fondant to the Cake:

Once your fondant is the correct size and thickness, it's time to apply it to the cake. Gently lift one edge of the fondant and slide your hand and forearm underneath. Centre the fondant over the cake and gently lower it down. Avoid pulling or stretching the fondant.

Use a fondant smoother or your hand to smooth out the top of the cake and remove any air bubbles. Start working on the top half of the cake, smoothing the fondant with your hands. Lightly pull on the bottom edge while pressing downward with your other hand to remove wrinkles and folds.

Smooth the sides of the cake with the fondant smoother, applying a bit more pressure. Pop any air bubbles that appear with a needle or pin.

Trimming and Finishing:

Using a sharp knife, trim away the excess fondant around the bottom of the cake. Knead the excess fondant back into a ball and wrap it for future use. Your cake is now covered in fondant and ready for further decorations!

Fondant-covered cakes are best stored at room temperature, as refrigeration can cause the fondant to become sticky and wet. Aim to eat the cake within a day or two for optimal freshness.

Covering a wedding cake outside

Covering a wedding cake for an outdoor celebration requires some extra care and attention to ensure it stays in perfect condition. Here are some detailed tips to achieve this:

Firstly, consider the type of icing or frosting used. Buttercream is a popular choice for its taste, but it is more susceptible to melting, similar to butter. Fondant, on the other hand, withstands room temperature better but can condensate in heat and humidity. If you opt for buttercream, dry ice can help keep it cool, and it is best brought out just before serving.

To protect the cake from bugs, leaves, and dirt, a cover or canopy is ideal. A simple yet effective method is to use netting, which can be draped over the cake table or attached to a canopy loop, hung from a hook, or suspended from ceiling beams. A round hoop bed canopy, for example, can be purchased inexpensively and decorated with bows or butterflies for an elegant touch. Alternatively, you could construct a frame from PVC pipe and drape it with tulle or organza to create a pretty tent-like structure.

If you have a small one-tier cake, a cake dome is a good option. For multiple tiers or pies, individual cake stands with domes are a great way to protect each dessert. Food covers designed for outdoor use are also available to buy.

Finally, ensure the cake is placed in a sturdy spot, out of direct sunlight, and in a shaded area. If possible, schedule the cake delivery as close to the ceremony as possible, and keep the cake indoors until it is time to serve.

Storing a wedding cake in the fridge

Type of Cake and Frosting

Firstly, consider the type of cake and frosting you're dealing with. Most cakes, including those with buttercream frosting or ganache, don't require refrigeration and will stay fresh at room temperature for about four to five days. However, if your cake is frosted with whipped cream, cream cheese, or mascarpone, or filled with perishable ingredients like fresh fruit, it's best to store it in the fridge. Cheesecakes also fall into this category and should be refrigerated.

Assembly and Transportation

If you're assembling the cake at the venue, ensure that it's filled, stacked, crumb-coated, and fully chilled before adding any fondant or final decorations. If you're transporting an assembled cake, consider investing in a cake carrier or box that fits the cake snugly to prevent shifting during transport.

Timing

The timing of when to refrigerate the cake is crucial. If possible, refrigerate the cake overnight before the wedding, especially if it contains perishable ingredients. This will help keep the cake fresh and safe to consume. If you're short on time, aim to refrigerate the cake for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to harden slightly.

Covering the Cake

When storing a wedding cake in the fridge, it's important to cover it to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odours. Loosely cover the cake with plastic wrap, using toothpicks to ensure the plastic doesn't touch the frosting. If the cake has already been cut into, cover the exposed area with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the cake to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can use extra frosting on the cut edges to keep them from drying out.

Storage Duration

Wedding cakes, especially those with perishable ingredients, can be stored in the fridge for about four to five days. However, if it's a sponge cake with fruit and cream, it's best to consume it within a month, as it won't hold up as well over time. For long-term storage, consider freezing the cake, which can preserve it for up to three months.

Using netting to cover a wedding cake

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, you may want to cover your cake to protect it from wind, bugs, leaves, and curious children. One option is to use a bed canopy with netting. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use netting to cover a wedding cake:

Step 1: Purchase a bed canopy with netting

Look for an inexpensive round hoop bed canopy, which is available in various colours. You can also add a decorative touch by sewing a few dozen tiny bows or butterflies onto the netting in random places.

Step 2: Set up a tall shepherd's hook

Place a tall shepherd's hook next to the cake table. The hook will serve as a hanging point for the bed canopy.

Step 3: Hang the canopy and drape the netting

Hang the canopy from the hook and gently drape the netting around the cake. Ensure that the netting is long enough to fully cover the cake and reach the ground, creating a protective barrier.

Step 4: Adjust and secure the netting

Make sure the netting is properly secured and won't be blown away by the wind. You can use weights or ties to keep it in place. Ensure that the netting is not too close to the cake, as you don't want it to touch and mess up the frosting.

Step 5: Remove the netting when serving the cake

When it's time to serve the cake, simply move the canopy to the side and enjoy your bug-free and leaf-free cake!

Using netting to cover your wedding cake is a simple and elegant solution to protect your cake from outdoor elements while still keeping it visible and beautifully presented.

Frequently asked questions