Advanced Methods for Transporting A Wedding Cake
Cake Delivery Rules of the Road

Whether you are delivering a wedding cake around the corner or across many miles, there are a few essential elements to successfully moving this delicate confection from point A to point B. We recommend you opt for the bakery to deliver, even if it costs a little more – it’s worth it. The baker can move the cake in sections and assemble at your reception allowing for final touches and touch-ups to be made after transporting. If your baker does not deliver or you choose to take on this challenge yourself, here are a few “Cake Delivery Rules of the Road”
1. Preparation
2. Placement
3. Plan for a Cool Van (or SUV)
4. Pace Yourself
5. Synchronize Your Set Up

Summary of what you will need:
Final payment for the bakery, a Van or SUV, non-skid material or foam, masking tape, scissors, cake boxes, thick cardboard or plywood, extra icing, prepared decorating bags and tips, flowers, spatulas, table set up items, camera; for table set up have a Cake Knife, Cake Server, Dessert Plate(s), Two (or more) Napkins, Two forks, Two Champagne Glasses

1. Preparation is Key
To prepare your cake for transporting, first make sure each tier is constructed on a sturdy base thick enough to support the weight of the cake without allowing any "give" – even as thick as plywood for heavy cakes. For the most part, professionals will transport the cake unassembled and put it together on site, especially for tiered cakes with pillars. It's better to add accessories such as the topper, candles, etc... at the reception site as well.

Plan to transport each layer of a tiered cake separately allowing room for each to be placed on a flat surface. For small to moderate size stacked cakes (up ot thre layers), move the entire assembled cake. For taller stacked cakes, again it's best to transport unassembled and assemble at the reception. Be sure to have the equipment and icings you will need to finish any decorating needed after assembly at the reception. For a combination cake, take tiers apart, keeping stacked tiers as units.

HINT: Boxing the cake makes transportation easier. Place the cakes in clean, covered, sturdy boxes that are sized to the base board of each cake. This will prevent the cake from shifting within the box and possibly crushing the sides of the cake. If the box is too big, roll pieces of masking tape sticky side out and attach to the inside bottom of the box. Position the cake base on top of the tape. The tape will hold the base in place within the box. For boxes which must hold taller decorations, prop up top and sides and secure with masking tape. Boxing the cake not only protects the tiers from damage, but it keeps the tiers clean... free from dirt, dust and bugs. Another option is to transport the layers in cake pans.

If boxes or pans are not an option or the tiers cannot be boxed, transport the cake layers on foam.

2. Placement
The cake layers or boxes will need to be placed on a flat surface lined with a layer of non-skid material such as foam or a non-skid mat to prevent shifting. Place the foam or other material on the floor of the vehicle, then carefully place the tiers centered on each piece of foam. Keep the boxes flat; never place the cake on a car seat as seats are angled and the cake is more likely to lean and fall. Boxed cakes can be transported in the trunk of the car, except in hot weather, because air conditioning will not reach the trunk area.

3. Plan for a Cool Van (or SUV)
Now that you understand the need for flat surfaces and AC to help your cake remain stable and keep its cool you may want to plan for a Van or an SUV. These vehicles have more flat floor area and may be your best bet as the cake will be in a climate controlled environment and can be monitored for potential shifting.

4. Pace Yourself
"NASCAR Drivers Need Not Apply" for this important job. While most catastrophic incidents we have heard of did not occur from the delivery driver driving too fast, there can be definite issues when they stop driving too fast. Remember your cake is not wearing a seatbelt. The same pull you feel when braking is the same force against which the cake must balance. Pace yourself and keep speeds a little slower than normal – without causing other traffic issues. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. In some cases, you may wish to run your hazard lights to notify unsuspecting drivers that you are moving a little slower than normal traffic.
Avoid getting yourself in a rush by considering all the steps involved in the process and plan your time accordingly:

• Consider traffic patterns and alternate routes in advance
• Plan a meeting time with the baker that allows plenty of time to discuss any questions with the baker, make all
  final payment arrangements, and carefully load the cake and other equipment
• Allow time for driving a bit slower than normal from the bakery to the reception site
• Verify the cake table is setup and ready for the cake and if not, prepare the table before you bring in the cake
• Remember you must bring in each layer of the cake and all accessories carefully so plan to make a number of trips to the delivery vehicle
• Allow time to set up the cake, add your cake topper, add final touches and touch-ups as needed, add greenery
  or flowers around the base
• Take a few photos of the cake before the guests arrive