Avoid Wedding Cake Disasters

By Michelle Anderson

Cake Decorating Exper, about.com 

 

Your wedding day has arrived and the day seems to be going beautifully, the catering is in place, flowers fresh, and the guests are getting along well. Then you experience a disaster with your carefully planned and expensive cake which is completely unavoidable. Crying, recriminations and chocolate icing stains on your dress ensue. Wouldn't you like to rewind and avoid the issue altogether? Here are some common cake problems that you can control:


Damage by Uninvited Guests
This does not mean a random wedding crasher wrecks your wedding cake; it means bugs, pets or other animals. This might sound like a long shot but you would be surprised at what can happen, especially at an outdoor event. Wedding cakes are particularly vulnerable to insects because they are sweet and often have flowers on them. It is very important to be vigilant to avoid a cake covered in tiny carcasses. Pets can be equally destructive because of poor storage options. When you make your own cake keep in mind that you have to put it somewhere before the event in your home.

Pets don't understand the importance of the day so will eat your creation given the chance. To avoid such unpleasant issues try the following:

• Store your cake in thick individual cardboard cake boxes in a cool place high off the ground.
• Have someone stand close by during your outdoor event to brush away uninvited bugs.
• If possible set your cake up inside in a pretty place if your event is outdoors or bring the cake out just before you want to cut it.

 

 Cake Falling
This is a wedding cake disaster that occurs with dismaying frequency and can really ruin a reception despite the funny videos shown on many TV shows. Cakes can completely fall over on their own or can be knocked over. It is important to take steps to ensure this does not happen to you.

• Make sure that you provide adequate support to the cake during the set up and construction with cake boards, dowels and separators.

• Check the cake table to make sure the legs are completely pulled out and it can withstand the weight of the cake.

• Do not place your cake table next to the speakers from the microphone or band because the vibrations can actually create issues with the cake.

• Keep the cake table out of high traffic areas because the more people that pass by the table, the more chance there is of an accidental bump or crash.

 

 Cakes that can't Stand the Heat
Many couples have a particular cake in mind for their wedding and nothing else will do. This is fine if the cake can hold up under weather and event conditions, which is not always the case. Sometimes when you are arranging all the details 6 months in advance you forget exactly how warm it will be. It is very sad to see a pretty cake slowly melt in the heat with its carefully crafted decorations sliding away. Humidity and heat are the enemy to most cakes so try to avoid this issue by:

• Store your cake in an air conditioned area during transportation and set up. If the day is warm starting out with a chilled firm cake might buy some time during the event. Obviously having the event in a climate controlled area will prevent this problem as well.

• If your event is indoors make sure the cake is not near any type of heat source or open window. Keep in mind that if you are having a daytime wedding that a shaft of sunlight through a window can also make your cake melt.

• Do not have a butter cream frosted wedding cake on hot summer days; it will not survive. Try a butter cream iced cake covered with a protective layer of fondant instead if you must have butter cream.

• Make sure your cake is at least sheltered under a tent or canopy if your wedding is outdoors. Direct sunlight is not good for any type of cake.