Timely Cake Delivery: A Wedding Essential

Timing is everything when it comes to weddings, and cake delivery is no exception. While the cake's arrival may not be as grand as it is on TV, with a spectacular entrance at the start of the reception, it is still an important moment that requires careful planning. The cake delivery time will depend on various factors, such as the type of cake, the venue's policy, and the baker's preference.

Delivery and setup

The delivery and setup of your wedding cake are crucial aspects of your special day. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to ensure a smooth process:

• Coordination with the venue: Contact the wedding venue to confirm the availability of the cake table and any specific requirements or restrictions they may have. Some venues may have multiple events booked on the same day, so it's essential to coordinate the delivery time to avoid any delays or interruptions. Ask if they have a preferred time frame for deliveries and if there is a separate entrance for vendors to use.
• Timing of delivery: Typically, wedding cakes are delivered 1-2 hours before the ceremony or reception. This timeframe allows for the cake to be assembled, decorated, and photographed before the event begins. Consult with your baker about their preferred delivery time, as they will consider factors such as travel time, traffic conditions, and the complexity of cake assembly.
• Assembly and setup: The assembly and setup process can take 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes even longer for more intricate cakes. Ensure that the cake table is ready and properly set up before the baker arrives. This includes having a suitable tablecloth in place and any necessary decorations or accessories, such as fresh flowers or the cake topper, readily available.
• Photography considerations: Allow time for your photographer to capture detailed shots of the cake before the ceremony or reception begins. These photos will showcase the cake in all its glory, undisturbed by guests or other decorations.
• Temperature and storage: If your cake is perishable, coordinate with the venue to ensure proper storage conditions. Some cakes may need to be refrigerated, while others can be left at room temperature. Consider the temperature of the venue and the time the cake will be left out to ensure it remains in optimal condition.
• Confirmation and acknowledgement: Upon delivery, ensure that a representative from the wedding party or the venue acknowledges the cake's arrival and confirms that it meets expectations. This step helps to avoid any misunderstandings or issues with the cake after it has been set up.

By following these instructions and staying in close communication with your baker and venue, you can ensure that your wedding cake is delivered and set up flawlessly, creating a beautiful and memorable addition to your special day.

Timing for photos

The cake is a key part of your wedding day, and you'll want to capture it in all its glory. Here's a suggested timeline for photos:

• Before the ceremony: Your cake baker will likely arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before the ceremony to begin the stacking and assembly process. This is a great opportunity for your photographer to capture some detail shots of the cake, the decorations, and any final touches. These photos will be more challenging to get once the reception is in full swing.
• During the ceremony: If your cake is displayed in the same room as the ceremony, you may want to get photos of the cake from a distance, with the ceremony in the foreground. This can create a beautiful backdrop for your cake photos, adding context and atmosphere.
• After the ceremony, before the reception: Once the ceremony is over, your photographer can focus on capturing the reception venue, including the cake, before guests enter the room. This is a chance to get creative with lighting and composition, as the room will be at its most pristine.
• During the reception: As guests start to arrive and the reception begins, your photographer can capture the cake from different angles, including close-ups of any intricate details, as well as wider shots showing the cake in the context of the celebration.
• Cake-cutting ceremony: The moment you cut the cake is a highlight of the reception and a must-have photo opportunity. Make sure your photographer is ready to capture the symbolic gesture, the reactions of guests, and the newlyweds' first taste of the cake.
• After the reception: If you have a cake-cutting ceremony towards the end of the reception, your photographer can capture the aftermath, with the cake partially or fully cut, and perhaps even guests enjoying their slices. These photos can tell the story of the celebration and showcase the cake's impact on your special day.

Remember to communicate your timeline and expectations with your photographer, cake baker, and venue coordinator to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will help create a seamless flow to your special day and ensure you get those perfect cake photos!

Cake cutting time

Cake-cutting time

There is no right or wrong time to cut the cake at your wedding. However, it is common to cut the cake shortly after dinner and before the dancing begins. Cutting the cake is an unofficial sign that the reception's big moments, like speeches and parent dances, are over, so some guests may start to leave after the cake is cut if they don't plan to stay for the party.

Traditionally, the newlywed couple cuts the first slice of the wedding cake together as a symbolic gesture. This is usually a sweet moment that guests enjoy watching and is a memorable photo opportunity. The cake cutting is often accompanied by a special wedding cake-cutting song, and some couples choose to purchase a keepsake cake-cutting set for the occasion.

To avoid having leftover cake, it is recommended to cut the cake early in the reception so that it can be served as dessert. If you want to include a photo of the cake-cutting ceremony in your wedding album, it is best to do it right after your first dance. The caterers can then cut the rest of the cake while guests are eating dinner so that it is ready to serve as soon as the meal is over.

It is important to coordinate with your baker regarding the delivery and setup of the cake. Complex cakes may require extra time for assembly, and your baker may need to account for travel and traffic. It is also essential to confirm with your venue when the room will be available and set up a time for the cake to be dropped off. The cake should be delivered and set up before the guests arrive, and the baker will usually need about an hour to assemble the cake.

Avoiding leftovers

The timing of your cake delivery will depend on a few factors, such as whether your cake will be displayed during the ceremony or reception, and whether your venue will set up the cake or if your baker will.

If you want to avoid leftovers, it's best to have your cake delivered closer to the time it will be served. This will ensure it's fresh and reduce the chance of it drying out.

Some couples choose to cut the cake around 9 pm, with the cake being delivered between 4:30 pm and 5 pm. This gives the baker time to set up the cake and allows the photographer to get some nice detail shots before the ceremony starts.

If your venue is handling the setup, you may want to coordinate with them on the best delivery time. Some venues may even allow delivery the evening before, which can be one less thing to organise on the day.

To further reduce the risk of leftovers, you can also consider the size of your cake. Ordering a cake that serves a slightly smaller portion per guest can help ensure it all gets eaten.

Additionally, the type of cake you choose can impact how well it keeps. Light, fluffy, and non-oil-based sponges, such as angel food cake, tend to go stale quickly. Classic sponges, such as red velvet, white cake, and chocolate sponge, are often a better option for longevity and freezing.

If you're concerned about leftovers, you can also consider alternative uses for your cake. For example, you could make cake pops or French toast to serve to your guests or enjoy before your honeymoon.

By coordinating with your baker and venue, choosing the right type and size of cake, and considering alternative uses, you can help avoid having a lot of leftover wedding cake.

Storage and preservation

If you want to preserve your wedding cake, it's best to get it refrigerated as soon as possible. Some couples choose to rely on their baker or caterer to handle post-wedding preservation, with some bakeries offering a smaller, duplicate cake that can be picked up a year later.

If you're taking the DIY approach, it's recommended to first allow your cake to chill before you begin wrapping it. This will help to preserve the integrity of your icing, especially if it's buttercream icing, which is very soft.

Once your cake has chilled, you can start wrapping it. It's best to use plastic wrap first, pressing it directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Then, follow up with at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything entering the freezer. If you're planning to save the top tier of your cake, be sure to remove any cardboard cake board before wrapping and freezing, as it can affect the flavor.

When wrapping, it's important to do it as gently but as tightly as possible, and aim for three separate layers of plastic wrap. This will help protect your cake from freezer burn, which can ruin the taste and natural flavors of your cake.

After wrapping, place the cake in an airtight container and put it in the freezer without disruption for 12 months. If you're worried about smells or flavors from other items in your freezer affecting your cake, you can place a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any unwanted odors.

If you plan to move within the first year of marriage, consider storing your cake somewhere that it can remain untouched for a year, such as at a family member's house. It's best to avoid defrosting and refrosting the cake, so choose a storage location where it can remain undisturbed for the full year.

When you're ready to eat your cake, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for two days to thaw. Then, remove the wrapping and let the cake sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours before serving.

If you have any sugar flowers or other decorations you'd like to save, gently remove them from the cake before wrapping and place them in a dry, room-temperature location to dry for 24 hours. Avoid touching them with your bare hands, and instead, handle them by the stems. You can then arrange them in a small bud vase or a glass cloche to display and preserve them.

Frequently asked questions