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asked April 4th 2018

12 inch fruit cake

I’ll soon be making my daughter’s wedding cake, having only ever made simple Christmas cakes and birthday cakes. She wants a 12 inch fruitcake as the bottom tier, I can only imagine how heavy this will be. I am worried about moving it when it comes to marzipanning and icing and then manoeuvering it to and at the venue. Has anyone any tips please. Possibly I will look at other sizes.
Thanks

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I’ll soon be making my daughter’s wedding cake, having only ever made simple Christmas cakes and birthday cakes. She wants a 12 inch fruitcake as the bottom tier, I can only imagine how heavy this will be. I am worried about moving it when it comes to marzipanning and icing and then manoeuvering it to and at the venue. Has anyone any tips please. Possibly I will look at other sizes.
Thanks

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Hi Njbff

Will you be making more cakes and stacking? If you are then yes it will be heavy but not so that it isn’t managable. You won’t find it difficult moving a 12″ fruit cake while marzipanning and icing, I have done many and I’m a small person with joint problems.

Make some feet under the cake drum by hot gluing some styrofoam blocks to elevate the board. This way you’ll be able to get your finges under the board for easier lifting and moving. It’s a good idea to have a strong person around to help move the cake to your vehicle. You’ll find special extra strong cake boxes online.
To prevent the cake moving around in the box, place it on a non stick silicone mat and do the same under the box when placing it in the vehicle.

Another tip is to visit the venue well ahead of the wedding to make sure there is good access to the set up room when you arrive with your cargo. I went to one venue where the wedding room was a great distance from the entrance. I asked for a cake trolley which they supplied and helped wheel to the room. This has to be arranged in advance with the wedding planner but you’ll need to keep reminding them.

It’s a good idea to always take a repair kit of various tools and decorations, a little royal icing or ganache to use as glue in case of damage. This isn’t a comprehensive list of tips. However if you have any other concerns please post again as you think of anything else. 🙂

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Thank you for your comprehensive answer. I really appreciate it.
Yes I am stacking with just a 9inch cake on top. My husband is very tall, strong and practical,(aren’t I lucky), so he will be able to help with the lifting and transporting.
I really like the idea of adding the styrofoam feet to the cake drum and can see that being able to get my fingers underneath will help support the underside of the cake as it’s being moved.
I feel sure I have some non stick matting so will definitely use that.
Will contact the venue about a trolley as it is an old industrial museum and I know there is a lift but I have a feeling it is quite a long way to the reception room.
I am feeling really nervous as the Mother of the Bride and am feeling very apprehensive that the cake won’t be perfect. All in all you have put my mind at rest and now feel much happier tackling the 12inch beast of a cake.

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You’ll be fine, especially with the help of your strong hubby! They have their uses, bless them 🙂

If you get apprehensive and need moral support just post back, you’re not alone. 🙂

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