| Moving a tiered cake from one location to another does not have to be
difficult. In actuality, it can be quite easy! Following some simple
guidelines ensures that your cake will arrive safely-whether you are
traveling hundreds of miles or just a few.
Be certain the cake is constructed on a sturdy base made of three or
more thicknesses of corrugated cardboard. Base tiers of very heavy cakes
should be placed on a fiberboard or plywood base, 1/2 in. thick.
Cakes on pillars must be transported unassembled. Toppers, candles and
ornaments should be removed from cakes when they are being moved.
For stacked cakes, move the entire assembled cake. Or, for a larger
quantity of tiers, transport unassembled and assemble at the reception. Be
sure to have with you the equipment and icings you will need to finish any
decorating needed after assembly at the final destination.
For a combination cake, take tiers apart, keeping stacked tiers as
units. Boxing the cake makes transportation easier. Not only does it
protect the tiers from damage, but it keeps the tiers clean-free from
dirt, dust and bugs. Place the boxes on carpet foam or a non-skid mat on a
level surface in the vehicle to prevent shifting. Keep the boxes flat;
never place on a car seat. Boxed cakes can also be transported in the
trunk of the car, except in hot weather, because air conditioning will not
reach the trunk area.
At the destination, request a cart on wheels to move the cake into the
reception area. This is easier and safer than carrying by hand. Remove the
cakes from the boxes on the reception table by cutting the sides of the
boxes and sliding the cakes out. Bring along a repair kit-extra icing,
prepared decorating bags and tips, flowers, spatulas-just in case it is
necessary to make repairs. |
Take
tiers apart if constructed in Center Column or Push-in Leg method.
Position the plates on crumpled foil or in shallow pans if they do not sit
level. Remove pillars from tier plates; plates stay in position.
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.
If
tiers cannot be boxed, they can be transported on large pieces of foam.
Place the foam on the floor of the vehicle, then carefully place the tiers
centered on each piece of foam.