So I have a wedding cake due this weekend it is a four tier square 14,12,10 and 8 filled with lemon and strawberry white cake buttercream icing. My question is how long can it set out on display it is inside but our weather has been in the 90's there is a/c in the building. The bride wants it out at 3:00 and the wedding is not till 6 then not cutting for another couple of hours this seem WAY to long to me. I'm thinking not to set up till 5 or later. HELP what do you think? How long can it set out with out starting to sink?
my question would be "WHY does she want it out so early?" i would say 5 would be a better time line. that would be my opinion. ask her why she wants it out so early.
Do you know what time the people setting up the venue will be starting? I'd be a bit wary of them damaging the cake if they are setting up afterwards.
If the venue is air conditioned, you shouldn't have a problem with the heat. I'd be inclined to 'convince' the bride that 4 or 4:30 would be better. It gives you abit of time to set everything up and if any mishaps occur, you've got some time to sort them out.
That's not too long, I usually set up two hours before the reception starts, but sometimes the venues want me there really far ahead of time for some reason. As long as there's A/C it should be fine.
If the cake has a good foundation and is stable a cake should NEVER sink. The best way is to have great support by hidden pillars or wooden skewers (best option is hidden pillars). I agree with everyone about giving yourself an hour to an hour and a half to set up. Remember to not overfill your cakes 
I don't worry about my cake being stable sitting out-but I am concerned about the outside influences. Blowing objects, little fingers etc. If it is an outdoor venue, I tell the bride at the very first consultation that I do not deliver cakes outside earlier than one hour before the reception.
Agree with costumeczar ... it's really not that long of a time span. And no cake should just "sink". I sometimes assemble cakes the night before in my shop. They sit all night long, travel in the van, get carried into the venue, and sit there for another few hours before it's cut. They don't sink, and I'm a dowel and cardboard gal (much to leahs irritation and dismay because I just can't get around to ordering SPS yet!)
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