Logistics Mastery - Timeline, Delivery, and Serving Your Cake

You have picked the baker, the flavor, and paid the deposit. But the most dangerous part of the process is just beginning: Logistics. In Lagos, traffic is unpredictable, NEPA is unreliable, and road conditions can destroy a cake in seconds. Mastering the timeline and delivery logistics is the final hurdle to ensure your celebration goes smoothly.

Mastering the Timeline

Timing is everything.

* Booking: For weddings, book 3-6 months in advance, especially for December dates. For birthdays, 2-3 weeks is sufficient.

* Production Buffer: Always assume NEPA might delay production. If your event is Saturday afternoon, the cake should be ready by Saturday morning, with a buffer built in for generator failures.

* Delivery Window: The best delivery window in Lagos is 10 AM – 2 PM. This avoids the early morning rush and the evening gridlock

The Delivery Challenge

Never underestimate Lagos traffic. A distance of 15km can take 3 hours.

* Proximity Matters: Choosing a baker closer to your venue (e.g., an Island baker for an Island venue) can save you stress and delivery fees.

* Vehicle Choice: For hot months (March-May), a refrigerated delivery vehicle is worth the premium cost. If not available, ensure the cake is boxed with ice packs (not touching the cake) and transported in an air-conditioned car.

* Venue Access: Coordinate with venue security 48 hours prior. You don't want your cake sitting in a hot car at the gate because the driver wasn't pre-registered.

Storage and Serving

Once the cake arrives, the job isn't done.

* NEPA Protection: If the venue has unreliable power, avoid whipped cream cakes that spoil in 30 minutes. Fondant is safer as it sits well at room temperature.

* Serving Logistics: Don't cut the cake on the display table; it is messy and slow. Have staff move the cake to a back station for efficient slicing.

* Leftovers: If you have leftover cake, send it home with guests immediately or donate it to staff. Without industrial refrigeration, took-home cake often spoils within days.

Conclusion

A great cake is more than just a delicious dessert; it is a logistical triumph. By respecting the challenges of Lagos traffic and infrastructure, creating a buffer in your timeline, and ensuring your venue is ready to receive the delivery, you protect your investment. Don't let the final mile ruin months of planning.