Essential Cake Decorating Supplies For Wedding Venues

Transporting a wedding cake to a venue can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're doing it for the first time. To ensure your cake arrives in one piece and looks perfect, it's essential to have the right cake decorating supplies on hand. Here are some essential tools and tips to help you deliver and decorate a wedding cake like a professional.

Cake assembly sets and stands

Cake Assembly Sets

Cake assembly sets provide the necessary support and stability for stacking tiered cakes. These sets typically include cake dowel rods and cake boards. The dowels are inserted into the cake layers to provide structural support, especially when transporting and displaying the cake. The cake boards, also known as cake circles or cake rounds, act as a base for each tier, making it easier to handle and ensuring a secure stack. When purchasing or assembling your cake assembly set, consider the size and number of tiers your cake will have.

Cake Stands

The cake stand is a crucial element in showcasing your wedding cake. It elevates the cake and adds visual interest to the dessert table. When choosing a cake stand, consider the style, material, and size that will best complement your cake design and the overall wedding theme. Here are some options to consider:

• Metal Cake Stands: Metal cake stands, often made from gold or silver-toned metals, offer a classic and elegant look. They typically have a round or tiered design and may feature intricate details such as embossed patterns, crystal embellishments, or decorative edges.
• Wooden Cake Stands: Wooden cake stands bring a rustic or natural touch to your dessert table. They can be made from slices of wood, complete with tree bark, or crafted into elegant pedestal stands with intricate scrollwork or carved details.
• Acrylic Cake Stands: Acrylic cake stands provide a modern and sleek option. They are often clear or transparent, giving the illusion of floating tiers. Some acrylic stands can be filled with decorations, such as flowers or lights, to enhance the overall presentation.
• Porcelain and Ceramic Cake Stands: Porcelain and ceramic cake stands offer a timeless and elegant option. They usually feature a simple yet sophisticated design, often with a pedestal base and a smooth finish. These stands are ideal for both traditional and contemporary weddings.
• Cupcake Stands: If you're having cupcakes in addition to or instead of a traditional tiered cake, cupcake stands are a great option. They typically feature multiple tiers or layers to display a variety of cupcakes and are often made from metal, acrylic, or porcelain.
• Custom Stands: If you're looking for something truly unique, consider a custom cake stand. This could be a vintage chest, a rustic barrel, or even a tree trunk slice, adorned with decorative elements that match your wedding theme.

Cake decorating tips

Decorating a wedding cake is a fun but challenging task. Here are some tips to help you prepare and ensure a smooth process:

Planning and Preparation:

• It's important to plan and practice before the big day. Make a sample cake to get feedback from the couple and refine your recipe and decorating skills.
• Determine the number of guests you need to serve and create more cake than you think you'll need. It's better to have extra than to run out.
• Choose flavours that the couple will enjoy, and consider any dietary restrictions.
• Decide on the number of layers and tiers you'll be making. Three tiers are generally workable and present well.
• Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as cake boards, offset spatulas, a cake turntable, cake boxes, pastry bags, piping tips, and support for stacked layers (pillars, milkshake straws, or wooden dowels).
• If you're transporting the cake, prepare your vehicle by ensuring it has a flat surface and working air conditioning to keep the cake cool.

Assembly and Decoration:

• If possible, assemble and decorate the cake on-site to reduce the risk of damage during transportation.
• Bring extra supplies, such as buttercream, ganache, paper towels, spatulas, piping tips, and ribbon, in case of any last-minute touch-ups.
• Use non-skid rubber matting under each tier to prevent sliding.
• If you're using fresh flowers to decorate, bring them with you and add them after assembling the cake.
• Simple decorations can be just as effective as complex ones. Focus on your comfort zone and practice your chosen technique beforehand.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to set up. It usually takes around 20 minutes to assemble and decorate a wedding cake.

Remember, it's important to stay calm and organised throughout the process. Enjoy the experience and put your love and care into the cake—it will show in the final result!

Cake decorating supplies

Cake decorating is an art, and to create a masterpiece, you need the right tools. Here is a list of essential cake decorating supplies you should take to a wedding venue to ensure your cake looks as good as it tastes:

Cake Assembly Supplies:

• Cake boards: These are essential for supporting each tier of the cake.
• Cake turntables: A revolving cake stand makes it easier to ice and decorate your cake without having to move around it.
• Cake leveler: To ensure a flat surface for stacking and decorating, especially if you are creating a layer cake.
• Cake support rods: These provide extra stability for tiered cakes.
• Non-skid rubber matting: Placing a non-skid mat under each tier will help keep the cake in place and prevent sliding.

Icing and Decorating Tools:

• Icing spatulas: Offset spatulas are angled, making it easier to frost hard-to-reach spots. A straight icing spatula is perfect for smoothing the sides of the cake.
• Piping bags and tips: For creating classic frosting designs like rosettes, stars, swirls, and flowers.
• Pastry brushes: Useful for brushing pans with butter or for adding decorative touches.
• Fondant modelling tools: If you plan to work with fondant, these tiny tools will help you create intricate shapes and decorations.

Extras:

• Cake repair kit: In case of any last-minute mishaps, bring extra frosting, piping tips, spatulas, and any other decorations you are using.
• Thin cardboard and a small level: To shim a table leg if needed and ensure your cake table is level.
• Scissors, paper towels, gloves, and straws: For any unexpected needs that may arise.

Remember to also bring a copy of your health department catering permit, as some venues may require this. It is also a good idea to bring contact information for the venue manager, catering manager, or wedding planner to ensure smooth coordination.

Cake fountains and accessories

Adding a fountain to your wedding cake is a great way to make it stand out and achieve a regal vibe. Here are some essential supplies and accessories to create a stunning cascading wedding cake with a fountain:

Cake Stands and Columns

The key to achieving the desired height and segments for your cascading wedding cake is to use cake stands and columns. These come in various materials, such as acrylic and metal, and different styles like Roman columns or sleek acrylic tubes. They are available in multiple tiers, usually ranging from two to eight, to accommodate your cake design. Some stands also include LED lights to add a touch of glamour.

Cake Separator Plates

Cake separator plates are crucial for holding the layers of your cake. They come in various diameters, typically ranging from 7" to 16", to fit cakes of all sizes. You can find plates with scalloped edges for a romantic vibe or modern designs with smooth, clean edges.

Cake Pillars

Cake pillars are essential for separating the layers of your cake and providing support. They come in sets of varying sizes, usually ranging from two to four pieces, and different styles like traditional Roman-style pillars or modern acrylic tubes.

Cake Stairs and Steps

Cake stairs or steps can be a beautiful addition to your cake display, connecting the different tiers and adding dimension to the overall look. They come in various designs, from romantic and ornate to modern and acrylic, to match your wedding theme.

Fountains

The focal point of your cake display, fountains can be placed under the cake stand or as a centrepiece on the dessert table. They range from simple clear fountains to more elaborate designs with lights and cascading water. Some fountains are specifically designed for wedding cakes, like the Wilton Fanci Fountain, while others are versatile and can be used for parties and home decor.

Cake repair kits

A cake repair kit is an essential item to have on hand when delivering a wedding cake to ensure that any last-minute mishaps can be easily fixed. Here are some key items to include in your cake repair kit:

• Extra frosting in the colours used on the cake, already prepared in pastry bags
• Small and large offset spatulas
• Any extra decorations, such as flowers or ribbons
• Paper towels for wiping hands and surfaces
• Scissors, especially if you are adding ribbon to the cake
• A small, damp washcloth in a plastic bag or moist wipes for cleaning
• A cake lifter or spatula to help you lift and position the cake tiers without damaging the frosting
• Dowels or pillars for supporting stacked cake layers
• A small work table or card table to use as a workspace when assembling or making repairs to the cake

It is also a good idea to bring extra supplies, such as extra cake boards, fondant, modelling tools, and food colouring, in case you need to make any major last-minute changes to the cake design.

Frequently asked questions