Creative Cake Stands: Diy Wedding Cake Stand Ideas

Planning a wedding can be an expensive endeavour, so it's no surprise that many couples are choosing to get creative and make their own wedding cake stands. Not only is it a fun DIY project, but it can also save you a significant amount of money. With just a few simple supplies, you can create a unique and beautiful cake stand that will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're working with wood, thrifted plates, or even chandelier parts, the possibilities for customisation are endless. So why buy an expensive cake stand when you can make your own and showcase your crafty side?

Using wood

Materials and Tools:

• Wood panels or plaques: Look for wood panels or plaques that are the right size and shape for your cake stand. You can find these at craft stores or online.
• Candle holders: Choose candle holders that will fit well with your wood pieces. They can be simple or decorative, depending on the look you want.
• Glue: Use a strong adhesive like epoxy, silicone glue, hot glue, wood glue, or Gorilla glue to attach the pieces together.
• Paint and brushes: If you want to paint your cake stand, choose a suitable paint such as chalk paint or spray paint. Wax brushes or regular bristle brushes can be used for painting and applying wax.
• Sandpaper: Sandpaper will help you smooth out any rough edges on the wood before painting.
• Clear and dark wax (optional): If you want to give your cake stand an antique or vintage look, you can use clear and dark wax.

Instructions:

• Sand the wooden pieces: Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces on the wood. Wipe off the grit with a clean, lint-free cloth before moving on to the next step.
• Attach the candle holder to the wood: Apply a suitable type of glue to the centre of your wooden piece and attach the candle holder. You can use a paper template to find the centre point if needed.
• Let the glue dry: For best results, flip the cake stand over with the wooden piece facing down and place a weight on the bottom of the candle holder. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
• Paint the cake stand: Paint the entire cake stand with 1-2 coats of your chosen paint, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats.
• Apply clear wax (optional): If you want to give your cake stand an antique look, apply a thin coat of clear wax with a wax brush and then wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth.
• Apply dark wax (optional): Before the clear wax dries completely, apply a thin coat of dark wax to the grooves and edges of the wooden piece using a bristle brush. Wipe away the excess until you achieve the desired level of distressing.
• Let the wax cure: Allow your piece to rest overnight before buffing it to your desired sheen. Keep the cake stand free of moisture for 7 days to protect the finish.

You can further decorate your DIY cake stand by adding a scrapbook paper liner or using it as a base for cupcakes or donuts.

Using candle holders

Materials:

First, gather your materials. You will need a plate, a candle holder, and strong glue such as Gorilla Glue or super glue. You can find these items at stores like Walmart, Target, thrift stores, or craft stores. If you want to add some extra flair, you can also get some chalk paint and wax brushes.

Preparation:

Before you begin, make sure your materials are ready. If you are using wooden pieces, lightly sand any rough edges and wipe off the grit with a clean, lint-free cloth. If you are using a plate and candle holder that are already smooth, you can skip this step.

Assembly:

Now it's time to assemble your cake stand. Start by flipping the candle holder upside down. Apply a strong glue around the perimeter of the bottom of the candle holder. Then, take your plate and place it upside down. Press the glued side of the candle holder into the centre of the plate and hold it until the glue sets.

Customisation:

Once the glue is dry, you can customise your cake stand further by painting it. Paint the entire stand with 1-2 coats of chalk paint, waiting about 2 hours between coats. After the paint dries, apply a thin coat of clear wax all over the stand with a wax brush, then wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth. Before the clear wax dries completely, apply a thin coat of dark wax in the grooves and edges of the stand using a bristle brush. Finally, let the wax cure overnight before buffing it to your desired sheen.

Tips:

To find the centre of your plate or wooden plaque, try tracing it onto a sheet of paper, cutting it out, and folding it into quarters. Then, poke a pencil through the centre of the paper to mark the centre point. You can also use the eye-balling method to estimate the centre.

Final Thoughts:

With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and elegant DIY wedding cake stand using candle holders. It's a quick and budget-friendly project that will surely impress your guests!

Using plates

Materials and Tools:

• Plates: Choose plates that fit the theme and colour scheme of your wedding. You can use thrifted plates, or plates from your own collection. Consider using plates of different sizes and heights to create a tiered cake stand.
• Candle Holders: Select candle holders that complement your plates. You can use wooden candle holders or opt for ones made of other materials such as glass or metal.
• Glue: Use heavy-duty glue such as superglue, epoxy, or construction adhesive to attach the plates to the candle holders.
• Paint: If you want to paint your cake stand, choose a spray paint colour that matches your wedding theme. You can also use chalk paint and wax to give it an antique or rustic look.

Instructions:

• Prepare your materials: Gather all the plates, candle holders, and glue you will need.
• Assemble the cake stand: Attach the candle holder to the centre of the plate using glue. Let it dry completely overnight.
• Paint your cake stand: If desired, spray paint your cake stand in thin layers, allowing it to dry between layers. You can also follow the steps outlined in the "DIY Wooden Cake Stand" section for a rustic look.
• Finish and decorate: Once the paint is dry, you can coat your cake stand with a thin layer of dishwasher-safe modge podge. Then, decorate it with flowers, ribbons, or any other embellishments that match your wedding theme.

Creating your own wedding cake stand using plates and candle holders is a fun and budget-friendly way to add a personal touch to your special day. Feel free to experiment with different materials, colours, and decorations to make your cake stand truly unique.

Using glue

Choosing the Right Glue

It's important to select a strong adhesive that will securely bond the pieces of your cake stand together. Some recommended options include epoxy, silicone glue, hot glue, Gorilla Glue, and construction adhesives such as Liquid Nails or E6000. These types of glue will ensure that your cake stand is sturdy and stable enough to hold a wedding cake.

Preparing the Pieces

Before gluing, make sure the pieces you will be using are properly prepared. If you are using wood, lightly sand any rough edges and wipe off the grit with a clean, lint-free cloth. This will create a smooth surface for gluing and painting.

Gluing the Pieces Together

When gluing the pieces together, it's crucial to work carefully and ensure proper placement. If you are attaching a candle holder to a wooden plaque or a pie tin, place the candle holder in the centre of the base. You can find the centre by tracing the base onto a sheet of paper, cutting it out, and folding it into quarters. Then, poke a pencil through the centre of the paper to mark the centre point on the base.

Apply a generous amount of glue to the inside centre part of the pie tin or the bottom of the candle holder, and attach it to the wooden plaque or plate. For best results, flip the cake stand over with the base facing down and place a weight on the bottom of the candle holder. This will help ensure a strong bond.

Drying and Painting

Allow the glue to dry completely overnight before handling or painting the cake stand. Once the glue is dry, you can paint the stand with your desired colour. Spray paint or chalk paint works well for this purpose. Apply thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry between coats. You may need 2-3 coats to achieve the desired coverage.

Finishing Touches

To add a vintage or antique look to your cake stand, you can apply a thin coat of clear wax after the paint has dried. Before the clear wax dries completely, apply a thin coat of dark wax in the grooves and curves of the stand. Wipe away the excess wax, leaving only a small amount for a distressed finish. Let the wax cure overnight before buffing it to your desired sheen.

By following these steps and using the right type of glue, you can create a beautiful and sturdy DIY wedding cake stand that will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your special day.

Using paint

Choosing the Right Paint

When it comes to painting your DIY wedding cake stand, you have several options to choose from. Chalk paint is a popular choice for a smooth, soft finish that doesn't require sanding or priming. It has an ultra-matte look that is perfect for a wax finish. Acrylic paint, on the other hand, is ideal for projects that require blending, highlighting, or stencilling. If you want to distress your cake stand for an antique or rustic look, chalk paint is a better option as it won't get stuck in the sandpaper.

Preparing the Surface

Before you start painting, it's important to prepare the surface of your cake stand. If you're using wood, lightly sand any rough edges and wipe off the grit with a clean, lint-free cloth. This will ensure that your paint applies smoothly and evenly. If you're using other materials, such as metal or glass, make sure the surface is clean and dry before painting.

Painting Techniques

When painting your cake stand, it's best to use thin coats of paint and allow adequate drying time between coats. This will help you achieve a smooth and even finish. Apply 1-2 coats of paint, waiting about 2 hours between each coat. If you're using spray paint, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. You can also use a brush to apply the paint, such as a wax brush or a regular bristle brush.

Adding a Personal Touch

To make your DIY wedding cake stand truly unique, consider adding some decorative touches. You can use a clear wax or a dark wax to give it an antique or vintage look. Apply a thin coat of wax and then wipe away the excess with a lint-free cloth. You can also try distressing the paint with medium-grit sandpaper to give it a rustic or aged appearance.

Finishing Touches

Once you're happy with the paint job, it's important to seal your cake stand, especially if you've used chalk paint. Apply a clear wax or a dishwasher-safe sealant to protect the paint and ensure that it lasts. Allow the sealant to cure completely before using the cake stand.

By following these steps and using paint creatively, you can transform simple materials into a beautiful and personalised DIY wedding cake stand that will wow your guests and add a special touch to your big day.

Frequently asked questions