I am quite new to cake decorating, only a year under my belt and no classes. We have a large family, so I do get practice. The only reason I'm doing a wedding cake in August is because the bride is my cousin and she promises to keep it rather simple. Her wedding is an hour away. I have an suv, so I'll have room in the back. I use the rubber drawer liner mats to keep my cakes from sliding around in the car. I have printed the cake decorator emergency kit list from a posting off of Sweet Dreams by Tracy. Could anyone give me any helpful hints on transporting a wedding cake?

Thanx
Steph

Depends on how large the cake will be. Single layer, or more? Simple design or complicated? Could you add some more information for us?

Thanks!

Sounds like you are on track. If the cake is multi-tiered, you might be more comfortable transporting each tier separately and stacking at the site. I put mine in cake boxes on the rubber mats in the back of our suv. You can already have the tiers doweled and things like that to save time when you get to the site.

I put mine into the cake pans lined with non skid rubber mats. For example, If my bottom layer is 14in. it would set alone since I don't have a 16 in pan. But a 12 in would set into the 14in pan, the 10 in/ would set into the 12 in. etc. This gives me room to get my fingers in once I reach my destination and lift each tier out, but doesn't let them slide around too much. The pans are set on the non-skid roll also. I also usually don't put my bottom border on until I am assembling the cake. This keeps me from sticking my thumb into it. So far It has worked great for me. I have transported cakes over 100 miles away. I live in WV where the curves and hills are pretty nerve wracking on a cake decorator. I hope I explained this well enough.

I do mine the same as dodibug. I would encourage you to put the tiers in their own individual boxes so that any dust or other airborne ickies stay off of the cake.

Allow yourself PLENTY of driving time, avoid those sharp turns and for heaven's sake, don't slam on the brakes!

Good luck!

yes, by all means cover them! I don't do this as a business, so I don't get the boxes, I cover lightly with plenty of plactic wrap. Plus the trunk of my car gets covered with fresh clean towels. Sorry to leave this part out, would't want people to think my cakes were left uncovered.

Thank you to all that have replied. As you can tell I'm a little nervous. Once I get the first one completed, I will feel better. The cake design has not been finalized. I told her I would only do it if it would be quite simple, being my first one. There will only be a few tiers- 180 guests are to be invited at this point. It seems as though the few books I have read tell you how to put the cake together, then how to cut it. No pointers on how to get it where it is supposed to be!! So I'm assuming that I transport each tier separately and do the borders after assembling it at the site? How much time should I allow myself for setup? Keep in mind this is my first one. I will have it doweled already. No fountains or stairways.

See above about transporting your tiers separately. Figure how much time you'll need to load up, drive to location slower, unload, then you get to set-up! I would give myself over an hour to set up not counting the other time takers I just mentioned. Others who do more wedding cakes may be able to give you a better exact time.

Since it's your first delivery, go ahead and transport separately. August is pretty far away, perhaps you'll have time to make a couple of practice cakes and go for a drive with them! MD is pretty hot in August, so try to keep the icing recipe simple - maybe go all shortening and skip the butter? This holds up a little longer in the heat from the sun on that long ride.

I also suggest you transport individually as it is your first...
Give yourself about hour 1/2 before the people are expected in the reception hall...As it's your first, you will tweak here and there and it'll take you a while to feel comfortable

I've done lots of deliveries and I still need at least an hour - especially if I'm assembling and doing borders on sight. Then it takes a little while to pick up all of my empty boxes and gear......It's always a good idea to call the venue and let them know that you need to get in by a certain time so they'll be expecting you.