This probably is a silly question...but i thought i'd ask some experts. The biggest cake i've transported so far was a 3 tier cake, but next week i am transporting a 4 tier wedding cake. I was just wondering if most of you assemble it ahead of time, or on site. It is 8, 10, 12 and 14 inch round covered in fondant, NO gumpaste flowers, so i think it should be o.k. but then on the other hand they were giving me a bit of a hard time on price even though i gave them a HUGE deal since i know the family (they wanted it for about $100...seriously) So i almost hate to bring it in unassembled b/c then it's not all impressive right off the bat. Maybe i'm over analyzing. Anyway, is there much danger in transporting it together...or should i just play it safe. I know it sounds silly...just want an opinion from people who have been there. THANKS!!
And when i say know i mean they go to my church....talk to them when i run into them, not hang out with them...so i did not feel unfair not giving it to them basically at cost. This order was placed a couple days ago for DECEMBER 28th!! (wedding got bumped WAY up) I had to pay expedited shipping to get stuff for it on time.
what support system are you using? I wouldn't hesitate to transport with the SPS system.... that is if you can carry a 4 tier cake though
I've transported a 5 tiers fully assembled, just did one last week.
I use bubble tea straws and a center dowel, never had a problem.
oh....sorry i forgot to say. For support system bubble-tea straws with a center dowel. I know i shouldn't care what they think and just do it the safe way!!
I also use bubble tea straws and a center dowel (acutally, 2 offset center dowels) and never had a problem before.
Thanks everyone. you are right Leily about carrying it though. And there could be ice at that point. I would hate to drop it...
Well, if you're using SPS, then I'd say sure, if you can lift it, go ahead and transport it assembled. i can't lift that much after a shoulder injury over a year ago. Systems like straws and dowels - I personally don't trust as mush as SPS.
I just delivered a christmas tree cake (6 tiers, 11 layers) with bubble tea straws and the center dowel. (this one wouldn't fit in my cake safe) It is in my pics.
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1891540
I also use a cake safe ( www.cakesafe.com ) which is the BOMB for delivering cakes professionally!
I would deliver it stacked and drive very carefully. I don't like to assemble on site. I keep the cake in the frig until time to leave and keep the car very cold.
Its not a silly question. But really, as others have said, consider if you can lift it. Also, if you don't know the venue personally, you should ask them for info like where can you park, are there any stairs, how many doors will you have to open...
I have a flat trolley to deliver cakes, which is fine IF I can lift the cake into and out of the car and on and off the trolley, and IF there are no stairs. Its good for flat ground and being able to get the doors open myself.
If in doubt, just take it in two lots of two tiers, and assemble there quickly. It would be awful if instead of impressing them with a grand cake entrance, the cake fell because your arms were tired...
I've done classes and was never taught to use a centre dowel - infact, I had never heard of one until referring to CC.
We were taught to use dowels (in place of what most people use bubble straws) in each tier and that was it.... we were also taught just to assemble on site....
If I could do it successfully, I'd prefer to transport already stacked... is this safe enough just with dowels/bubble straws in each tier (and nothing else)?
I just delivered a christmas tree cake (6 tiers, 11 layers) with bubble tea straws and the center dowel. (this one wouldn't fit in my cake safe) It is in my pics.
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1891540
I also use a cake safe ( www.cakesafe.com ) which is the BOMB for delivering cakes professionally!
WOW those are expensive!!!!! I think I would stick with the SPS, Works great, with out the high price tag! Plus, I never plan to toss my cakes across a football field, so I think that may be a little overkill lol! but to each their own!
Yes, they are a tad pricey, but so were my ML pans, my Agbay, my convection oven, my GREX airbrush (I am a firm believer that if you buy quality products to begin with, they last a VERY long time!) For the average person, it may not be feasable, but for the pros, I think the cake safes are a must have. It makes me cringe seeing people deliver cakes in taped together brown boxes....does not look professional at all to me. Also, ONE saved cake pays for the cake safe.
Everyone has their way of doing things, that is just the way I do it! The cake is safe during transport, and looks very professional when delivered.
I also use a cake safe ( www.cakesafe.com ) which is the BOMB for delivering cakes professionally!
I have a four-tier coming up & was stress on how to get it there & assemble etc...wedding is a couple hours drive & I didn't want to to too much their so I can get back...I will definitely invest in the cake safe...thanks for the info
Sorry to interupt but does the cake safe not result in a hole going the whole way through your cake and potentially damaging decorations/finish on the top of the cake?
Sorry to interupt but does the cake safe not result in a hole going the whole way through your cake and potentially damaging decorations/finish on the top of the cake?
It's the same as a dowel rod that goes through the middle of a cake to keep it sturdy. The whole is small & can easily be covered. Whether it be with icing/or decorations. And of course if there were flowers, decorations etc. that go on top of the cake you would put that on the cake once you get there so no decoration are damaged.
For me I think it a win win situation especially if driving for 2 to 3 hours to deliver a cake. I rather be concentrating all my attention on the road & not have to be worrying about the cake smashing or getting damaged or the icing melting.
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