Over the past few years of wedding planning there are several traditions that my clients have been curious about how to carry out. This ranges from when to light the Unity candle to how to best ensure that the envelopes of cash that their guests bring do not get stole from the card box. One area of need that is particularly time and temperature sensitive is preserving the top tier of the wedding cake. If left out too long, it will melt, harden, or get over run by insects. In order for the cake to be edible an entire year later there are many necessary steps that need to be taken in advance.
When saving the top tier of your wedding cake there are several things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that it makes it from your reception to your home. Then you want it to stay as fresh as possible, and lastly you want to make sure that it does not get lost or misplaced in your freezer. Below is a step by step plan on how to best ensure that all of those things actually happen.
How to save the top tier of your wedding cake: 8 steps to preserve it for your first anniversary.
1. Make arrangements in advance with you caterer or banquet captain to save the top tier of your wedding cake. It should be boxed for taking home by the end of your reception.
2. Designate a friend or family member with the responsibility of taking it home from your celebration. This will eliminates confusion for you family after you have made your formal departure.
3. When the cake is home the first thing you will want to do is remove all sugar flowers, real flowers or any décor.
4. Before wrapping the cake chill it for a while (unwrapped). This will allow the icing to harden so it will not stick to the wrapping and reduces the chance of a sticky mess.
5. It is best to wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap. Aluminum foil is a no-no; it will cause freezer burn (ewww).
6. After wrapping the cake in plastic wrap place it in an air-tight bag. This helps keep it as fresh as possible for the next 12 months.
7. That way when you look in your freezer on your first anniversary you will be certain to open the correct package.
8. Now you are ready to put it in the freezer.
Alternative options: Consider ordering a replica of the top tier from your baker (freshly made) on your first anniversary. Even under the best of circumstances, after 12 months in the freezer, your wedding cake may be a little stale. If you choose to opt for tradition: your cake will never taste as sweet or fresh as it did on your wedding day, but eating it will invoke the memories you made that will last a lifetime. For more detailed information of specifics please contact your local baker.