I have a 3 tier rich fruit cake to decorate for the end of June. It is really simple in design just covered in fondant with tiny pearls stuck on.
I have calculated that on the three cakes there will be nearly 2000 pearl dragees to be stuck on so it will be a time consuming process. It is being transported as 3 separate cakes and put on a metal stand decorated with fresh flowers on the day.
What i need to know is how far in advance can I start decorating this cake? It is obviously going to take a while and I have a couple of other birthday cakes due the same weekend which will need to be decorated closer to the date as they will be sponge cakes.
Thanks for any advice.
If I read correctly from your post, you are making fruit cake.
Make sure it is a baked and not boiled fruit cake. A boiled fruit cake can cause your fondant to form air bubbles under the fondant.
I always use marzipan or almond paste, NOT buttercream. under the fondant to ensure a perfectly smooth surface.
If you are using fruit cake with marzipan and fondant you can actually cover and decorate your cake a month before hand and just store in a box. Do NOT wrap in plastic wrap.
I always make my cakes about 6 weeks before the event and have never had a 'stale' tasting fruit cake with the recipe I use.
Good luck with your cake and make sure you post pictures!!!
fruit cake actually gets better with age! Especially if you pour some brandy over while still hot. I make mine 3 months in advance. Lots of time to decorate 
BTW, we're still eating on our xmas cake
You don't want the fondant to get too hard, so I'd say no more than a 10-14 days ahead of the wedding - that should still give you plenty of time!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%