Transporting A Wedding Cake: Expert Tips For Safe Travel

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience. It's important to plan ahead and ensure you have the right equipment to move the cake safely and securely. From choosing the right box to adjusting the temperature in your vehicle, there are several steps you can take to ensure your cake arrives in one piece.

How to package a wedding cake

When packaging a wedding cake, it's important to plan ahead and get the right supplies. Firstly, you'll need a strong and stable cake box that's the right size for your cake. Make sure the box is tall enough to accommodate the height of the cake, and wide enough so that the cake doesn't slide around but isn't so large that the cake becomes squashed. You can purchase a cardboard box from a removalist or packaging supplier, or make your own by checking the height and width of your cake.

Before placing the cake in the box, it's a good idea to line the inner base with a non-slip material. You can also optionally line the inside walls with a heat-resistant material, such as foam sheets, to keep the cake cool during transport. If you're using a purchased box, use a serrated knife or saw to slice down two side-edges of the box so that the front opens downwards like a "doorway" flap. Seal the top of the box with duct tape, making sure the front flap can still open and close.

Once the box is prepared, place your cake inside and close the front flap. Secure the flap in its upright position with masking tape. When you arrive at your destination, simply remove the tape to release the front flap and slide the cake out.

Don't forget to pack all the finishing touches and a toolkit with piping bags, palette knives, paintbrushes, and any necessary ingredients such as royal icing, edible glue, sprinkles, or buttercream.

How to transport a wedding cake in a vehicle

Transporting a wedding cake in a vehicle can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with careful preparation, it can be done without damaging the cake. Here are some tips to help you transport a wedding cake safely and securely:

Firstly, ensure that the cake is placed on a flat surface within the vehicle. If the surface isn't naturally flat, you can create a level base using firm materials to maintain the balance of the cake during transport. Position the cake in the centre of the vehicle, where movement is minimised. If you're travelling alone, placing the cake in the trunk or on the floor in front of the passenger seat can work well, as long as it's secured and stable.

When preparing the cake for transport, securely tape up the short sides of the box to make it sturdy. Cut along one long side to create a door for the tiered cake to slide in, then tape the door shut for the drive. The cardboard box will help keep the cake in pristine condition.

During the journey, drive smoothly and avoid sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage. If possible, use a wheeled cart to transport the cake from the car to the setup area, minimising handling and shaking.

Additionally, consider the weather conditions. If it's a hot summer day, turn on the air conditioner and try to start your journey early to avoid travelling during the hottest time of the day. Be mindful of leaving the car in direct sunlight during any stops. Also, ensure that the vehicle has enough space for the cake box and avoid placing the cake on a car seat, as they are very slanted!

How to assemble a wedding cake

To assemble a wedding cake, you'll need to first split each layer of orange sponge cake (on cardboard rounds) in half horizontally. Use a long serrated knife to cut around the cake layer. Frost each cake layer with a thin first layer of Grand Marnier whipped cream, using 2 quarts total. Chill until the cream is firm, about 1 hour, then cover separately and chill until you're ready to assemble and serve.

When you're ready to assemble, set the 12-inch layer (on a cardboard round) on a large flat plate or board. Hold the next smallest cake pan centred above the surface of the cake layer and touch it down very gently to make a faint guide in the cream.

Gently stack the layers on top of each other. Spoon more Grand Marnier whipped cream into a pastry bag fitted with a 1⁄4-inch plain tip. At even intervals about 2 inches in from the circular guide, push four plastic drinking straws (or 1⁄4-in. wooden dowels) down through the cake layer to the bottom. Mark the straws with a pencil about 1⁄8 inch above the surface of the cream, then pull them out from the cake slightly. Cut off at the pencil mark, parallel to the cake surface, using scissors (or pruning shears, for dowels); reinsert in the cake.

To serve, lift off each layer, remove the plastic wrap and supports, and cut the top layer into wedges. For larger layers, cut a circle 2 inches in from the side of the layer. Slice the outside ring into 2-inch wedges. Cut another circle, 2 inches in from the edge, and slice the cake into 2-inch wedges. Cut the remaining small central round into wedges.

How to maintain a wedding cake's structural integrity

To maintain a wedding cake's structural integrity, it is important to plan ahead. Firstly, ensure you have the right packaging. Opt for a strong and stable cake box that is the right size for your cake. It should be big enough that the cake doesn't get squashed, but not so big that the cake can slide around. If your cake is tiered, it is best to use a cake drum, which is a heavy-duty cake board, typically at least 1/2 inch thick. A centre dowel can also be used to prevent the cake layers from sliding around.

Secondly, it is important to be cautious when moving the cake. Avoid sudden movements, sharp turns, or abrupt stops. Place a non-slip mat or shelf liner in the vehicle to prevent the cake tiers from sliding during the journey. Ensure the vehicle's interior is clean and free from debris or contaminants. Adjust the air conditioning to maintain a cool and stable temperature during transport.

Thirdly, if you are transporting the cake in separate tiers, be sure to assemble it carefully on-site. Use dowels, supports, or stacking systems to maintain the cake's structural integrity. Conduct a final inspection to ensure there are no visible damages or imperfections.

How to store a wedding cake

To store a wedding cake, it's important to keep it in a cool, stable temperature if the cake is made with buttercream, it should be kept in a refrigerator to prevent it from getting too soft. The cake should be placed on a heavy-duty cake board, or cake drum, that fits perfectly in a strong and stable cake box or cardboard box. The cake box should be large enough to prevent the cake from being squashed but small enough to prevent the cake from sliding around. Each tier should be wrapped individually in cling film to prevent the layers from sliding. If the cake has multiple tiers, a wooden dowel can be used to secure the cake to the board and prevent the layers from sliding.

Frequently asked questions