I haven't been on for a while as I don't make a lot of cakes. I just make them for my kids and friends/family every so often. My close friend has asked me to make her wedding cake of five tiers and I have only ever done up to three tiers and transported fine.

I haven't used a centre dowel before. I realise this is what the US use in their cakes and will consider it if it is easier just to transport it all completed. Do I need one?

we picked a simple cake design and I am confident with the cake itself and stacking just need help deciding on the delivery of the cake. I have no idea how to go about it or whether or not to try stacking at the hotel.

Any help would be really appreciated xox (only traveling 17km straight down freeway to town).

it will be very heavy--

if you box it up in a corrugated box (a packing box) so you can get a good hold on it

and have someone to help you carry it--you could def deliver all stacked up

or you could do three cake boxes if it's just you

• the bottom tier

• the next two

• the top two

or two cake boxes

i usually only use the middle dowel for topsy turvy cakes

oh and make sure the boxes fit in the car doors etc.  ;)

Amy very first wedding cake was 5 tiers, and didn't have to move it far either, but there was no way I could of lifted it as one piece . how big are your tiers? I had mine in 3 pieces - bottom 2 tiers stacked (14" and 12") middle 2 tiers stacked (10" and 8") and the top (6") looking back I should of made it easier on myself and done the bottom tier separately, then next 2, then top 2. the bottom 2 together was still really heavy. I had all the towels cut time size and in each tier, so all I had to do at the venue was put them on top of each other, pipe the borders and arrange some flowers. not sure about your venue but the room for this function was set up the previous night so I was able to go in in the morning and set up my cake when there was only a handful of venue staff there. and then it would give you plenty of time yo go home and chill out and get ready for the wedding (I am assuming you were also invited ;) ) Good luck, would love to hear what you decide to do and see some pics when it is done

Thank you so much for replying.

Oh yes the weight of it would be way to much for me (I'm 6mths pregnant too :) ) however I will have the help of my husband and dad. The tiers are 14", 12", 10", 8" and 6" all 4" high plain white with white ribbon and cascading sugar ribbon/ruffle roses. I will call the reception and ask if I can come in early and set it up before the ceremony instead of in between ceremony and reception (thanks ashlea)

and K8 that sounds good transporting the three boxes however I have only ever stacked tier by tier. I'm sure I will be fine with two at a time on site. I am just over thinking it all I think :)

I will let you know how I go. Wedding in just two weeks away. thanks again for your help

WOW Lisa - your cake is beautiful!

Thank you for your reply. I will definitely transport separate now. You are all so helpful, I really appreciate it.

plastic boxes like these are awesome for transporting cake

http://www.uline.com/BL_5637/Plastic-Storage-Containers?keywords=plastic_containers

they can be dedicated for cake and food only -- or recycled into family use after the wedding

if you go this route--you can get great ones (if you were in the us) at big lots or target--but i don't know about australia?

you want to be sure that the little tabs & things inside the lid don't poke anything important--they can be clipped off

if the lid recesses down into the storage area--you wanna make sure there's enough room for cake babies to fit

sometimes the box bottoms have a valley around there

so you want to measure very carefully & be sure there's enough head room so the cake cannot possibly touch the inside of the lid

but they are so easy and fool proof-- you can put bottom tier in one--then largest & smallest in the next and the other two in a third one

use the nubbly shelf liner under cakes & between boxes to make sure nothing slides

if it was super hot and you wanted even better climate control --get another box and fill it with ice and slide it in amongst the cakes

they are work horse containers--just a cake box thought for you

btw--i think over thinking is the hallmark of a good caker ;)

Hi freckles.... no, you dont need a centre dowell...

just dowell each cake

I would stack the two top tiers.. with the 3 remaining tiers, stack once you get to the venue...

However you transport them...just place non skid mat under each cake...they wont move or budge an inch whilst driving.

I have a couple of the large bread crates (that the bakers use). Put non skid matting on floor of boot....then place bread crate on top....then Place the heavy duty non skid matting in the bottom of bread crate......place cakes in...and off you go.

If your DH and father can carry all three layers in the bread crate...wonderful...otherwise just take one at a time into the venue.

K8...yes we have those containers over here..in every size... they are great for everything caking arent they?

hey K8 - do you realise its been 8 years this month since you joined CC -  

haha I do that with with containers Bluehue haha - oh our lovely Australian insects - YUCK! haha

THANK YOU ALL!!! I will look out for those boxes K8 :) thank you. I usually deliver with a cake box or the larger packing boxes on non slip. :)

Bluehue the bakers crate is a great idea. :) I worked in a bakery for many years and never thought of using them for this - thankyou.

Thank you all so much for your help xoxox

I took in two pieces (three bottom tiers and two top tiers) then completed it there. I was very nervous but it went well and the main thing - bride and groom were happy :)

Don't know how you all do this for a living! I can't imagine the nerves getting better (esp for a couple you don't know)

here it is, my first wedding cake...

Aamazing! great job it is gorgeous! (and you should do them for a job if they all turn out that well ;) )

Well done! I'm sure they loved it!

Oh Freckles its just gorgeous.... Honestly, it is.

Everything from your perfectly sized tiers - to your covered board.

Credit to you ............ no turning back now petal - you have joined the *caking club*        

I love the large chair in the background....

Bluehue

Thank you so much everyone you are so kind! I unfortunately don't know who to credit the design to as it was just given to me but it seems pretty common so I'm sure its ok.

Bluehue I wouldn't say perfect (if you looked up close in sections) and unfortunately the only tier they are keeping (top tier) wasnt the height I wanted being a fruit cake so I up'd it with a few boards (something to practice I guess)  :) But thank you I am still very happy with the result and you are all so lovely with your comments :)

wow your cake is really well done

so symmetrical and beautiful

stunning cake

awesome workmanship

There are a lot of different styles of cake boxes. You can find square-shaped boxes made of cardboard that are hinged with flaps you can tuck in to secure the box. Other boxes are designed in the same way as shoe boxes, where there is a bottom box which gets enclosed by a separate and detached top box.