The Best Time To Decorate A Wedding Cake

Wedding cakes are a lot of work, but they can be a fun and rewarding project. The first thing to consider is the size of the cake. How many guests are you expecting, and how many tiers will you need to make sure everyone gets a slice? Different-sized tiers can be combined in many ways, so you have flexibility in the number of servings a tiered cake can have.

It's also important to pick an attainable cake design – something you feel confident making and that you know you can execute well. If you don't have a lot of experience with tiered cakes, you may want to make a smaller practice cake first. This will give you peace of mind when it's time for the real deal.

Most bakers start decorating the wedding cake about a week before the event. The timeline depends on the complexity of the design and how much time you have, but it's generally recommended to bake the cake layers and make the frosting a few days before decorating and assembling the final product. This gives you a buffer in case something goes wrong and lets you focus on decoration without the stress of last-minute baking.

There are many ways to decorate a wedding cake, from fresh flowers to fondant, buttercream, or ganache. The design you choose will depend on your skill level, the couple's preferences, and the amount of time you have. Remember to have fun and allow yourself to be creative!

Timing: When to start decorating, and how long it will take

Timing is crucial when it comes to decorating a wedding cake. Most bakers start decorating about a week before the event, but it's important not to leave it until the last minute as their schedules can fill up quickly. It's recommended to book your baker at least a year in advance, with design planning beginning around six months before the wedding. This gives the baker plenty of time to understand your vision and create a cake that aligns with your personality and style.

Now, let's break down the timeline for decorating your wedding cake:

6 Days Before the Wedding

If you're using sugar flowers as decorations, it's best to start crafting them six days before the big day. This ensures they have enough time to set and will look fresh on your wedding day.

3 Days Before the Wedding

Baking the cake itself can be done three days in advance. This gives you some leeway if any issues arise, and you need to bake it again. It's crucial to properly wrap and store the cake during this time to prevent it from drying out.

2 Days Before the Wedding

Two days before the event, you can start filling and crumb coating the cake. This step is crucial in giving your cake a neat appearance and preventing crumbs from getting into the final layer of frosting.

1 Day Before the Wedding

The day before the wedding is when you'll want to do the second coat of frosting and any intricate decorations. This includes adding fresh flowers, stacking multiple tiers, and making sure the cake is stable. If you're using fondant, it's best to do a crumb coat with buttercream first to keep the cake moist and give the fondant something to stick to.

Day of the Wedding

On the day of the wedding, do any final touch-ups and ensure the cake is transported and set up safely at the venue. It's a good idea to have some extra frosting on hand for any last-minute fixes.

Decorating a wedding cake can take anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the design. If you're creating a simple cake with minimal decorations, it may only take a few hours to decorate. However, if you're crafting an elaborate cake with multiple tiers, sugar flowers, and intricate details, it could take a couple of days.

Additionally, it's essential to consider the time needed for baking and preparing the cake layers. Baking and assembling a wedding cake can be a time-consuming process, so it's crucial to start early and give yourself enough time to work without feeling rushed.

Freshness: How to keep the cake fresh

The key to keeping a wedding cake fresh is to plan ahead and manage your time effectively. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stays fresh:

Make the Cake in Advance

Cakes can be baked ahead of time, and this is often necessary for large, tiered wedding cakes. It is recommended to bake the cake layers up to three days before serving. If you need to bake the cake earlier than that, freeze the layers and defrost them a couple of days before the event. This will give you enough time to decorate the cake without rushing.

Store the Cake Properly

If you are not serving the cake within three days of baking, it is best to freeze it. Wrap the cake layers well to prevent them from drying out. You can also store a freshly baked cake at room temperature for a couple of days, but make sure it is covered to keep it fresh.

Choose the Right Frosting

The type of frosting you use can impact the freshness of your cake. American buttercream is a popular choice for wedding cakes as it is easy to make and decorate with. However, it is very sweet. Less sweet options include Swiss meringue buttercream or Italian buttercream, but these are more challenging to make.

Assemble and Decorate the Cake

It is recommended to assemble tiered cakes 1-3 days before the wedding. This will give you enough time to add the final decorations and ensure the cake is fresh for the big day. If using fresh flowers to decorate, add them the morning of the wedding.

Keep the Cake Chilled

If your cake has perishable fillings or frosting, it is important to keep it chilled. Store it in the refrigerator, especially if you are serving it the next day. Just be sure to remove the cake from the refrigerator a few hours before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.

Prevent Freezer Odors

If you are freezing your cake, be mindful of the other items in your freezer. Strong smells and tastes can transfer, so make sure everything is well wrapped and sealed. You can also place a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any odors.

Storage: How to store the cake before decorating

Storing a cake before decorating is a crucial step in the cake-making process, especially for wedding cakes, which are often large and complex. Here are some tips to ensure your cake remains fresh and stable before it's time to decorate:

• Cooling: After baking, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. This step is essential, as it helps prevent condensation from forming when the cake is chilled.
• Wrapping: Once the cake layers are cool, wrap them individually and securely. Plastic wrap is a popular choice, with some bakers recommending a double or even triple layer of wrapping. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil for an extra layer of protection.
• Flatness: To ensure your cake layers remain flat during storage, place cardboard cake rounds or circles between the layers. This prevents the layers from being pressed out of shape.
• Storage Location: You have a few options for storing your wrapped cake layers.
• Room Temperature: If you plan to use the cake layers within 1-2 days, you can store them at room temperature. However, this method is not recommended by many bakers, as it increases the risk of the cake drying out.
• Refrigerator: The fridge is ideal for short-term storage, usually up to 3-5 days. Place the wrapped layers side by side to avoid squishing the cake.
• Freezer: For longer-term storage, especially if it's more than 3 days before you plan to decorate, the freezer is your best option. Properly wrapped cake layers can be stored in the freezer for at least a month without any issues of freezer burn or loss of freshness.
• Thawing: When you're ready to decorate, take the cake layers out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them thaw. You can leave them wrapped and place them on the counter while you prepare your frosting or other decorations. This way, the cakes will still be slightly cool, which makes them easier to handle and decorate.

Practice: The importance of practicing the design beforehand

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true when it comes to designing a wedding cake. Practicing the design beforehand is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to become familiar with the techniques and processes involved in creating the cake. By practicing, you can refine your skills and ensure that you are comfortable with the various steps, from baking the cake layers to assembling and decorating the final product. This is essential, especially if you are working with a complex design or trying out new techniques.

Another benefit of practicing the design beforehand is that it helps to ensure the cake turns out as envisioned. Wedding cakes are often the centrepiece of the reception, and it is important that they look and taste amazing. By practicing, you can perfect the design, colours, flavours, and textures, making any necessary adjustments along the way. This reduces the risk of mistakes and ensures a beautiful and delicious final product.

Practicing also helps to build your confidence as a cake designer. Wedding cakes can be challenging, and it is normal to feel nervous about creating one, especially if it is your first time. By practicing the design in advance, you can familiarise yourself with the process, build your skills, and gain the confidence needed to create a stunning wedding cake. This confidence will not only help you during the cake-making process but will also shine through in the final product.

Additionally, practicing the design beforehand allows you to manage your time effectively. Wedding cakes often involve many components that need to be prepared and assembled, and practicing helps you understand the time required for each step. This enables you to create a realistic timeline for the cake's creation, ensuring that you are not rushed or stressed during the process. It also helps you plan other tasks or activities around the cake-making, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable experience.

Finally, practicing the design is a fun and creative process. It gives you the opportunity to experiment with different ideas, techniques, and flavours, pushing the boundaries of your creativity. This not only enhances your skills as a cake designer but also makes the entire experience more enjoyable and rewarding. So, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, practicing the design beforehand is an essential step in creating a stunning and memorable wedding cake.

Design: Choosing a design that suits your skill level

Choosing a wedding cake design that suits your skill level is crucial to ensure the cake not only looks good but also tastes delicious. Here are some tips to help you select a design that you can confidently execute:

Keep It Simple:

If you don't have extensive experience with tiered cakes or intricate decorations, opt for a simple and elegant design. A fresh flower or fruit cascade on a diagonally tiered cake is a beautiful and achievable option. You can also use the same flowers in your bouquet to tie the whole wedding theme together.

Practice Makes Perfect:

Before committing to a complex design, consider practising with a smaller test cake. This will help you refine your technique, boost your confidence, and ensure that your envisioned design is feasible. It's also an excellent opportunity to try out different flavours and frostings to perfect your chosen combination.

Choose Your Frosting Wisely:

The type of frosting you use will significantly impact the overall design and difficulty level of your cake. American buttercream, a combination of butter and powdered sugar, is a popular choice due to its ease of preparation and versatility. However, it is also the sweetest type of buttercream. If you prefer a less sweet option, Swiss meringue or Italian buttercream are excellent alternatives, but they are more challenging to make and require practice.

Embrace Imperfections:

A perfectly smooth cake can be challenging to achieve, especially for beginners. Instead, embrace a swirly, textured, or rustic look. This style is not only forgiving but also inviting and luscious. You can use an offset spatula to lift and place the cake tiers confidently, and any imperfections on the top will be covered with decorations or the next tier.

Decorate with Deliciousness:

Piling on delicious treats like macarons, meringues, sprinkles, or fresh fruit is a great way to decorate your cake. This method is not only tasty but also visually appealing, especially when using monochromatic colour schemes or matching wedding colours. Chocolate is another excellent option for decoration, creating a fancy look and adding flavour.

Fresh Flowers are a Safe Bet:

Using fresh flowers to decorate your wedding cake is a striking and straightforward option. Fresh blooms can be easily matched to your bouquet, and nothing beats the beauty of a perfectly bloomed rose. Just ensure that you select flowers that are safe to come into contact with food.

Seek Inspiration:

If you're unsure where to start, seek inspiration from professionals. Look at photos of cakes decorated by experts to get ideas for colour schemes, themes, and decorative elements. You can also draw inspiration from your wedding dress, venue, or personal interests to create a cake that reflects your style and personality.

Remember, it's essential to choose a design that you feel confident executing. By keeping the design within your skill level, you'll not only reduce stress but also increase the likelihood of creating a stunning and delicious wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions