When it comes to planning a summer wedding, there’s nothing quite like the excitement and joy that fills the air. The warm sunshine, blooming flowers, and carefree atmosphere make for an unforgettable celebration. However, the scorching heat can pose a significant challenge when it comes to your wedding cake. To ensure your confectionary masterpiece remains in top condition, we turned to Lisa, owner of Urban Cakehouse, a specialist in crafting unique and bold wedding cakes.
With 8 years of experience under her belt, Lisa shares her top tips for keeping your summer wedding cake fresh and delicious.
BOOK EARLY
Timing is everything when it comes to booking a renowned cake designer for your summer wedding. To avoid disappointment, secure their services well in advance. Your dream baker, who has likely caught your attention through Instagram over the past year or so, is probably already booked up for the current summer season and potentially even the following year. As popular designers’ schedules fill up quickly, don’t assume you’ll be able to snag a coveted spot at the last minute.
Make sure to plan ahead and reserve their expertise before they’re spoken for.
RESEARCH YOUR CAKE DESIGNER
When selecting a wedding cake designer, it’s crucial to find someone whose aesthetic aligns with your vision for the big day. Imagine booking a baker renowned for their rustic, earthy designs, only to discover they’re not familiar with crafting intricate sugar flowers or achieving bold, dark colors. To avoid disappointment, take the time to research and understand each candidate’s strengths, limitations, and overall style.
This will ensure you partner with a talented professional who can bring your unique wedding cake vision to life.
THINK ABOUT THE WEATHER
When planning a summer wedding, it’s essential to consider the temperature and its impact on your cake. A melting masterpiece is the last thing you want on your special day. To avoid this disaster, opt for a cake with a buttercream finish, but make sure to inquire about storage options at your venue. If they have a cool room or walk-in fridge, it’s crucial to keep the cake in a stable temperature until it’s time to be served.
This is particularly important for cakes with delicate decorations that can be damaged by heat. Additionally, confirm with your venue staff and cake designer that they’re comfortable moving the cake if needed. On extremely hot days, it may not be possible to have the cake on display all day, so it’s vital to plan accordingly.
SCOPE OUT THE VENUE
When preparing to display your cake, it’s essential to consider the environment it will be in. If the room has air conditioning or a designated cool spot, you’re one step ahead. However, if you’ll be displaying the cake on a sunny day, take precautions to prevent it from becoming unstable or even developing an unsightly bulge. This is especially important when positioning the cake near a window, as the direct sunlight can cause issues.
To minimize this risk, consult with your cake designer about the best coverings and fillings for your specific situation. Interestingly, certain types of frosting hold up better than others in hot conditions. For instance, chocolate ganache is more stable on warm days, while fondant remains a top choice when temperatures soar.
THINK DIFFERENTLY
When it comes to designing your cake, consider thinking outside the box – literally. Instead of a traditional stacked cake, deconstruct it into separate tiers. This not only adds visual interest but also eliminates any concerns about slippage or collapsing tiers, especially when serving at outdoor events or in warm environments.
DON’T BE A DUMMY
When planning a wedding in a warm climate or an indoor venue with limited shade, consider opting for a dummy cake as your showpiece. These convincing replicas can be designed to mimic the appearance of a real cake, and some cake designers may even offer them as an option. You can then have smaller cutting cakes prepared in the kitchen for serving later. If you still want to capture that iconic ‘cutting the cake’ moment, consider having one tier of your dummy cake made with real cake.
FLOWER POWER
When it comes to incorporating fresh flowers into your cake design, it’s essential to prioritize their safety and longevity. Ensure that the flowers are in season, non-toxic, and sourced from an organic flower farmer. Ideally, opt for edible flowers that have been approved by the Food Standards Agency. Avoid using flowers from a typical florist or supermarket, as they are often treated with pesticides and may be sitting in water that fosters bacterial growth.
Instead, educate your cake designer on how to make the flowers food-safe before attaching them to the cake. Keep in mind that fresh flowers on a cake will naturally wilt throughout the day. By evening, when you might cut the cake, they may appear slightly wilted and lackluster. To maintain their appearance all day, consider fabulous sugar flowers that can be preserved with care or good quality silk flowers or paper flowers as alternatives.
TRANSPORT
When it comes to transporting and setting up your wedding cake, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Don’t risk damaging the cake or stressing yourself out trying to get it to the venue safely. Instead, include this service in your quote with your cake designer from the start. It may cost a little extra, but think of all the stress you’ll avoid – and the peace of mind knowing that your beautiful cake will arrive at its destination in perfect condition.
Let the experts handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
STYLE IT OUT
When it comes to showcasing your wedding cake, think beyond just placing it on a table. Make it a focal point by styling the surrounding area with care. A beautifully crafted cake deserves more than a small, white-lidded table in a corner – it’s worth making it a centrepiece! Consider adding candlesticks and candles in complementary colors to create a warm, romantic ambiance.
Bring in some foliage or decorative elements that match your overall aesthetic, and don’t forget about the lighting – it can make all the difference. If the venue doesn’t offer a suitable backdrop for photos, consider hiring one or working with your cake designer to find a statement piece that fits with their design.
Many venues include a cake stand as part of their package, but if not, don’t be afraid to bring in your own or ask your cake designer about borrowing something that complements their work.
EAT THE CAKE
When celebrating a special occasion at a venue, don’t forget to ask them to reserve some cake for you. With so many exciting moments happening, like chatting with guests or simply enjoying the party atmosphere, it’s easy to overlook grabbing your own slice. To ensure you have a sweet treat to savor later, politely request that they set aside some cake for you to take home and enjoy in quiet reflection of your wonderful day.