Transporting a Wedding Cake

by Rita
(West Yorkshire)

I am making my daughter's wedding cake and as she is getting married in Italy I would like to know how to transport the wedding cake there by plane without damage.

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Simple wedding cake decorations

Ask the expert

Answer:

Wedding cakes can be fairly sturdy items, especially if packed and transported in the right way. I'd strongly advise making a traditional fruit cake as these are definitely more robust than sponges and will therefore transport a lot better.

Before you definitely decide to make the cake yourself, check with the airline that it's okay to transport a wedding cake as hand luggage. You'll need to consider current security restrictions, including size of hand baggage and number of pieces allowed. For example, if you're carrying the cake, who is going to carry your handbag or hand luggage? Some of the budget airlines are VERY strict about this.

It would also be prudent to ask if the cake will make it through the airport security system without being damaged too. The airline may be able to help you with this, alternatively, call the airport you're using.

Here are some other general tips:
- Find a good, firm cake box or cardboard box to transport the cake in
- Ensure the cake is positioned on the correct sized cake board prior to travelling
- Keep the cake with you as the temperature is more likely to be constant (if it's going in the luggage haul, the cake may easily get damaged or get too hot/cold)
- Try and keep it flat at all times, so place it on your knee and hold onto it
- Do not place it in the overhead lockers. Items move about in these during landing and take-off and may damage your cake
- Travel with it iced, but do the final touches such as ribbon, decoration and adding the topper at your destination

I hope this helps!




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