Outdoor Wedding? You're Covered.

I'm currently working with fantastic bride Candise and planner Seth to talk through the ever-challenging logistics of protecting the wedding cake in an outdoor setting. What about the heat (or rain)? What about insects and adorable woodland creatures? What about falling leaves and other gifts from the sky?

It got me doing a lot of thinking about the various methods of cake-protection, inside and out. From the composition of the buttercream to the structures over your outdoor cake,  there are a lot of protection options every outdoor-wedding bride should take advantage of.

When you plan an outdoor wedding, consider using a cake tent or "canopy." Even in the best weather, leaves fall and birds poop. I know it's good luck when it goes on you, but when it goes on the cake?! Ew.

Cake canopies can be made of pretty fabric like the one above. It's secured to a hoop, which is hung from a tree limb. I've seen similar styles made from a mosquito net and lace ribbons. Secured to the table corners, it's a great no-blow solution.

When I'm consulting on outdoor situations without trees (beach weddings, for example), I recommend building a large table top framework box and securing it to the table. A sturdy structure turns into a soft back drop when draped with fabric "walls" and lush wrapped and knotted fabric accents. Leave the front open and voila! You can set the cake and any other dessert bar confections safely inside the frame. If the wind kicks up, drop a see-through lace veil down over the front to keep the sand off.

One of my favorite solutions comes to us from Raj Tents in Torrance, California. They rent stunning small and large tents in rich colors, perfect for setting an Indian/Persian/Moroccan style mood.

The tent to the right is a perfect way to shield a cake from sun or sprinkles, and creates a striking visual destination at your reception. Even indoors, this tent and the cake inside is a magnet for milling guests.

Please comment and tell me about your outdoor wedding cake experience!