Weather-Proof Your Wedding Cake: Plan For The Elements

When making a wedding cake, it's important to consider the weather conditions, especially if the reception is outdoors. Heat and humidity are the two biggest enemies of wedding cakes, and can cause melted frosting and wilting flowers. To avoid this, choose a filling that is stable at room temperature, such as jam or heavy ganache, and a decoration that is hardy, like tropical flowers. Timing is also key, so plan your baking and decorating in advance to reduce stress on the day.

Choosing the right icing and decorations

When it comes to choosing the right icing and decorations for a wedding cake, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the weather conditions will play a crucial role in determining the best options. If the wedding is taking place outdoors, heat and humidity can be the biggest enemies of a wedding cake. To avoid melted frosting and wilting flowers, it is essential to choose the right icing and decorations that can withstand higher temperatures.

For hot weather, it is best to avoid whipped cream, marzipan, cheesecake, ganache, and mousse icings and fillings due to their butter and/or dairy bases. Instead, opt for icings and fillings that are stable at room temperature and do not require refrigeration. A heavy ganache or cooked fruit fillings like jam can be good choices, as they are less likely to melt or spoil in the heat.

When it comes to decorations, fresh flowers can add a beautiful touch to a wedding cake. However, it is important to choose hardy flowers that will last throughout the event, especially if the wedding is outdoors. Flowers like orchids, lilies, dahlias, and roses hold up well in heat. Tropical flowers, though more expensive, thrive in hot and humid conditions due to their natural climate.

Additionally, timing is key when planning a wedding cake. It is a good idea to make decorations such as flowers, toppers, and royal icing shapes in advance to reduce stress closer to the wedding day. Planning your time can also impact the flavour and type of cake you choose. For example, filled sponge cakes are best baked as close to the wedding day as possible to ensure freshness.

By considering the weather conditions, choosing stable icings and fillings, selecting hardy decorations, and planning your timing, you can create a wedding cake that not only looks beautiful but also withstands the elements and stays fresh throughout the event.

Transporting and displaying the cake

When it comes to transporting and displaying a wedding cake, the weather can be a big factor. If you're dealing with hot weather, the two biggest enemies of wedding cakes are heat and humidity. To minimise the damage, choose the right icing and decorations, and be very careful about how you transport and display the cake.

If the wedding is outdoors, avoid placing the cake table in direct sunlight, as this can cause the frosting to melt and flowers to wilt. Instead, strategically place the table in the shade, under a tree, umbrella, or canopy.

When it comes to icing and fillings, avoid whipped cream, marzipan, cheesecake, ganache, and mousse, as these can be compromised in high temperatures due to their butter and/or dairy bases. Instead, opt for something more stable, like a heavy ganache or cooked fruit fillings like jam. Fresh fruit is also a good option for hot weather as it holds up well in the heat.

If you're using flowers as decorations, choose hardy varieties that will last all evening, such as orchids, lilies, dahlias, and roses. Tropical flowers, though more expensive, thrive in heat because of their natural climate.

Finally, timing is key. Plan your time in the week leading up to the wedding, and bake the cake as close to the day as possible. Filled sponge cakes, in particular, are best baked fresh to ensure they taste their best.

Choosing a filling that doesn't need refrigeration

When making a wedding cake, it's important to plan for the weather, especially if the reception is outdoors. Heat and humidity are the two biggest enemies of wedding cakes, so choosing a filling that doesn't need refrigeration is key.

Whipped cream, light ganache, and dairy-based fillings are not suitable for hot weather as they can melt or spoil. Instead, opt for a filling that is stable and safe without refrigeration. A heavy ganache, such as truffles, will work, as will cooked fruit fillings like jam. Shortening-based buttercreams may also be an option, depending on the temperature on the day.

If you're looking for a fresh fruit option, chopped fresh fruit is a great choice as it isn't compromised by high temperatures. Just be sure to choose hardy fruits that won't turn brown or wilt, such as apples, pears, or berries.

In addition to choosing a stable filling, there are a few other things to keep in mind when planning for the weather. Firstly, strategically place the cake table in the shade, under a tree, umbrella, or canopy to protect it from direct sunlight. Secondly, transport and display the cake carefully on the wedding day, ensuring it doesn't get too hot or humid during transit. Finally, consider making the cake layers in advance and freezing them, especially if you're short on time leading up to the wedding. Just be sure to thaw them completely before use.

Timing and planning

If the wedding is taking place outdoors, you will need to be mindful of the heat and humidity, which can cause melted frosting and wilted flowers. To avoid this, choose the right icing and decorations, and be careful about how you transport and display the cake on the day. For example, place the cake table in the shade, under a tree, umbrella or canopy.

The cake itself should be baked as close to the day as possible, and you should choose a filling that is stable and safe without refrigeration. Heavy ganache and cooked fruit fillings like jam are good options. If you are making a filled sponge cake, you will need to factor in plenty of time for mixing, baking and cooling.

Choosing flowers that will last

When making a wedding cake, the weather is an important consideration. Heat and humidity are the two biggest enemies of wedding cakes, so if you're planning an outdoor reception, you'll need to choose flowers that will last all evening. Tropical flowers thrive in heat because of their natural climate, but they can be more expensive. Orchids, lilies, dahlias, and roses also hold up well in heat.

It's best to avoid whipped cream, marzipan, cheesecake, ganache, and mousse icings and fillings for a summer wedding cake because of their butter and/or dairy bases. Instead, opt for a filling that doesn't need refrigeration, such as a heavy ganache or cooked fruit fillings like jam. Shortening-based buttercreams could also work, depending on the temperature.

When it comes to displaying the cake, choose a spot in the shade, such as under a tree, umbrella, or canopy. This will help prevent melted frosting and wilted flowers. Timing is also key when making a wedding cake. You'll need to plan your time accordingly, as filled sponge cakes are best baked as close to the day as possible.

Frequently asked questions