Wedding Cake Do's and Don'ts

You spent several hundred dollars for a beautiful and elaborate wedding cake, a replica of one that you saw in a magazine. Everyone remarks on how pretty it is, and you are delighted. Then, a half hour into the reception, just as you are beginning to relax and enjoy yourselves, your coordinator tells you that the cake is starting to collapse and you need to cut it now while there is still time to salvage it and to get those special pictures. You rush to the cake table, place a forced smile on your face and quickly cut the cake.

Unfortunately, this scenario occurs all too often, especially at summer weddings, but it can be prevented. You can alleviate some of the problems by considering the following things when you choose your cake.

Cakes don't tolerate heat, particularly cakes made with buttercreme icing, nor do they tolerate wind. Keep the cake indoors, if possible, or in the shade. If the cake must be placed outdoors, first place it in a refrigerator or freezer, if possible. (Do this before fresh flowers are added and do not totally freeze it.) If the cake will be placed indoors, don't place it in sunlight or near heat vents. A cake made with a thin jelly-type filling between the layers will withstand heat better than one that contains a thick cream filling.

Place the cake in a location that is level; otherwise, the layers may tip or slide. Shim the table legs if necessary to make them level.

Cakes that have pillars between the layers are more apt to tip or collapse than those in which the layers are stacked directly on top of one another or placed on individual pedestals. Don't order an extremely large cake. Instead, order sheet cakes or individual round cakes as supplements. A very large cake will be difficult for the baker to deliver and assemble without mishaps.

Have the cake delivered as late as possible so that it doesn't stand for several hours before being cut.

By considering your location and choosing a style of cake that works best in that location, you can enjoy your lovely cake without unpleasant surprises to spoil your day.

Article by:
Glenna Tooman www.memorable-events.com