George Boyle
Wedding cakes can be finicky and frustrating to make, but with careful planning, it is possible to prepare one in advance. The cake layers can be made a few weeks ahead of time, as long as they are completely cooled, wrapped, and frozen. The buttercream can also be made weeks in advance. This will give you more flexibility to focus on the decoration of your cake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cake layers | Can be made a few weeks in advance as long as they are completely cooled before being wrapped in plastic wrap and foil and frozen |
| Thawing | Should be done in the fridge a day before icing so the cakes can defrost slowly |
| Buttercream | Can be made weeks in advance |
| Decorations | Flowers, toppers and icing shapes can be made in advance |
| Refrigeration | A large space will need to be cleared in the refrigerator |
| Transport | Transport to the wedding venue will need to be arranged |
| Fresh flowers | Should be added the morning of the wedding |
What You'll Learn
Cake layers can be made weeks in advance and frozen
Wedding cake layers can be made weeks in advance and frozen. It is important to ensure that the cake layers are completely cool before they are wrapped in plastic wrap and foil and then frozen. They should be defrosted slowly in the fridge a day before icing. This method will allow you to break up the workload and make the process more enjoyable. It will also give you more time to put your creative energy into the decoration of your cake.
Buttercream can also be made weeks in advance. This will allow you to focus on the decoration of your cake. Filled sponge cakes are best baked as close to the day as possible, as baking enough for a couple of tiers can take a lot of hours in mixing, baking and cooling.
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Practice icing and decorations ahead of time
Buttercream can be made weeks ahead of time, too. If you are using buttercream, be sure to thaw the cake layers in the fridge a day before icing so they can defrost slowly. You can also add fresh flowers to your cake the morning of the wedding. Just be sure to not leave a wedding cake out in the heat or direct sunlight.
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Plan transport and refrigeration at the venue
Transporting and refrigerating a wedding cake is an important part of the planning process. Cake layers can be made a few weeks in advance, as long as they are completely cooled before being wrapped in plastic wrap and foil and frozen. They should then be defrosted slowly in the fridge a day before icing. It's also a good idea to clear a large space in the refrigerator, perhaps by taking out a shelf, to make sure the cake fits.
You will also need to arrange transport for the cake to the wedding venue. Speak to the caterer or venue manager about cake transport and refrigeration details at the event. If you are adding fresh flowers to the cake, it will need to be done the morning of the wedding, so you will need to plan the transport and refrigeration around this. It's important to make sure the cake is properly supported and kept at room temperature, and not left out in the heat or direct sunlight.
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Fresh flowers can be added on the morning of the wedding
Fresh flowers can be added to a wedding cake on the morning of the wedding, but it's important to order exactly what you want from a florist in advance. It's also a good idea to practice piping or icing ahead of time, and to make sure you have enough space in the refrigerator for the cake. If you're assembling the cake in advance, you'll need to transport it to the venue, so be sure to speak to the caterer or venue manager about the details.
When adding fresh flowers to a wedding cake, it's important to make sure the cake is properly supported and at room temperature. It's also a good idea to avoid leaving the cake out in the heat or direct sunlight. If you're using flowers as decorations, they can be made quite a while beforehand to remove stress in the lead-up to the wedding.
The cake layers can be made a few weeks in advance and frozen, but they should be completely cooled before wrapping in plastic wrap and foil. The day before icing, the cake layers should be thawed in the fridge so they can defrost slowly. This will give you more flexibility and allow you to focus on the decoration.
Buttercream can be made weeks in advance, and it's a good way to keep things simple. It can also be coloured and finished with a casual swirl, adding a creative touch to your cake.
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Sponge cakes are best baked as close to the day as possible
Wedding cakes can be prepared in advance, but sponge cakes are best baked as close to the day as possible. Cake layers can be made a few weeks in advance, as long as they are wrapped and frozen properly. They should be allowed to cool completely before being wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. The cakes can then be defrosted slowly in the fridge a day before icing. Buttercream can also be made weeks in advance.
Decorations such as flowers, toppers and some royal icing shapes can be made well in advance to reduce stress in the lead-up to the wedding. It's a good idea to practice piping or icing ahead of time, and to secure any decorative items before the wedding. If you are using fresh flowers, be sure to order exactly what you want from a florist.
You will also need to clear a large space in the refrigerator for the cake, and arrange transport to the wedding venue. Speak to the caterer or venue manager about cake transport and refrigeration details.
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Frequently asked questions
Cake layers can be made a few weeks in advance as long as they are completely cooled, wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, and frozen. Buttercream can also be made weeks in advance.
You need to think about how you want to decorate your cake and practice piping or icing ahead of time. You can also make extra icing and practice shapes on test cakes or silicone mats. You should also secure any decorations, such as flowers or cake toppers, well before the wedding.
You should arrange transport for the cake to the wedding venue and speak to the caterer or venue manager about refrigeration details. If you are adding fresh flowers, add them on the morning of the wedding. Be sure not to leave the cake out in the heat or direct sunlight.
