Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings can be scary for the cake. Note the wind-blown drapings in the background of this photo- yikes! The caterer had to prop the chairs against the tables to keep the tablecloths in place and Lori had to strategically place the cake plates around the cake table to keep the tablecloth from taking out the cake.

Ultimately the cake turned out great (see the photo below) and we got this email from the bride: "We just wanted to send a note of thanks for the wonderful cake you made for our wedding last weekend. The cake tasted awesome...there were many compliments. We were very afraid we were going to end up with a lot of cake leftover since we ordered about 30 extra pieces and it was a morning wedding, but every piece was eaten! Also, the cake was just beautiful and we're extremely happy with how it turned out. You really nailed the design, and the chocolate mosaic held up really well outdoors. No melting at all! We'll definitely recommend you guys in the future. Thanks again! -Melissa and Jim"
Here's what our Wedding Cake contract says about outdoor weddings:

"WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO HAVE THE CAKE INDOORS if at all possible; here is why: bugs and animals are attracted by sweets, heat and/or high humidity adversely affects icings, fresh flowers can wilt, chocolate decorations will melt, rain would ruin the cake, and wind can blow the cake over or take the tablecloth (and cake with it) right off the table. If absolutely set on having the cake outside, be prepared with a backup site just in case of unforeseen extreme weather conditions, and know that we cannot ensure the cake if it is outdoors."

Since we do our best to discourage it, we rarely end up setting up a wedding cake outdoors, but it does happen when the bride & groom have their hearts set on it, so we do our best and cross our fingers that all goes well. So far as we know, melted icings and a slight lean are the worst our cakes have gotten outdoors. We're not happy about that, but in Texas you NEVER know what the weather is going to be like, and hey, it's cake and icing- it tastes great no matter what!