Adding Pillars To Your Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cakes with pillars are a popular choice for couples, but assembling them can be a tricky task. The first step is to choose the right type of pillars – Grecian or Roman columns are a good option, and you can also find square filigrees or clear crystal-look pillars. The pillars should be placed between plates that separate each tier of the cake, and the height of the pillars will determine the space between the tiers. It's important to use dowels for additional support, and these can be placed inside the cake or locked onto the legs of the plate. When assembling a pillar wedding cake, it's best to stack the tiers on-site to avoid any damage during transportation.

Using Grecian column pillars with separate dowels on a fondant icing cake

Prepare the Cake Tiers:

Before you begin assembling the cake, ensure that your cake tiers are chilled. This will make them firmer and easier to handle. Cover each tier with fondant, smoothing it out evenly to create a neat finish.

Choose the Right Pillars and Dowels:

Select Grecian pillars that complement the overall design of your cake. The pillars should be tall enough to provide a stable base for the tier above while also allowing enough space for decorations such as flowers or swags.

For the dowels, choose ones that are food-safe and have a similar thickness to the pillars. The number of dowels you need will depend on the size and weight of your cake tiers. As a general rule, you'll need at least three to four dowels per tier.

Mark and Cut the Dowels:

Place the cake tier on a sturdy surface. Using a pencil, mark the height of the tier on one of the dowels and cut it to size. Repeat this process for the remaining dowels.

Assemble the Cake:

Place the bottom tier on your chosen cake stand or base. Insert the cut dowels into the cake, ensuring they are evenly spaced and do not touch the edges of the cake. Carefully slide the pillars over the dowels until they reach the surface of the cake.

If you feel the dowels are loose, you can secure them in place by applying a small amount of royal icing around the base of each dowel.

Place a cake board on top of the pillars, making sure it is centred and level. This will serve as the base for the next tier. Repeat this process for the remaining tiers.

Decorate the Cake:

Once your cake is assembled, it's time to add the finishing touches. You can decorate the cake with flowers, fondant swags, or any other embellishments that match your theme.

Remember to transport and store your Grecian column pillar cake with care. Due to its height and separate tiers, it may be more delicate than a stacked cake.

Using a two-plate/pillar setup

Step 1: Choose the Right Pillars and Plates

Select pillars and plates that are specifically designed for this purpose. Avoid using clear or crystal-look, pointed pillars that are meant to be pushed into the cake. Instead, opt for the two-plate/pillar setup, which comes in Grecian or Roman styles, or square filigrees. The pillars are usually available in 3", 5", or 7" tall sizes.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Tiers

Ensure your cake tiers are securely placed on their respective plates. The plates will have 'feet' that fit into the pillars, providing stability. If needed, use dowels underneath the bottom plate of each tier to provide additional support.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one plate on top of a cake tier with the 'feet' facing upwards. Fit the pillars onto the 'feet' of the plate. Then, place another plate on top of the pillars, and stack the next cake tier onto that plate. Repeat this process for each tier of your wedding cake.

Step 4: Add Decorations

Once your cake tiers are securely stacked with the two-plate/pillar setup, you can add decorations such as gumpaste flowers or other embellishments. Place these decorations between the plates, around and between the pillars, to conceal them and enhance the overall appearance of the cake.

Step 5: Transport and Display

When transporting the wedding cake, it is advisable to deliver the tiers separately and assemble them on-site. This minimises the risk of damage during transportation. Once assembled, your wedding cake with pillars will be a stunning centrepiece at the reception!

Using a single-plate stacking system

Prepare the Cake Tiers:

Before you begin stacking, make sure your cake tiers are chilled and firm. Each tier should be placed on a cake board, preferably cardboard, which will make it easier to handle and transport. The cake boards provide support and stability to the cake.

Mark the Placement of the Pillars:

Using the cake pan or cake board of the tier above, gently mark the lower tier to indicate where the pillars will be placed. This will ensure that the pillars are positioned correctly and provide adequate support.

Assemble the SPS System:

The SPS system consists of plastic plates and pillars. The plates have "feet" that fit into openings in the pillars, creating a secure connection. Attach the pillars to the bottom of the plastic plates, ensuring they are locked securely in place.

Insert the Pillars into the Cake:

Gently push the pillars into the marked locations on the lower tier. Make sure they are inserted firmly and are perpendicular to the cake's surface. The pillars should be long enough to reach the cake board at the base of the tier.

Place the Next Tier:

Once all the pillars are in place, carefully lift the next tier and position it on top of the pillars. The cake board of this tier should rest securely on the pillars. Repeat this process for each additional tier you have.

Secure the Cake with Royal Icing:

To ensure the tiers don't shift, you can use royal icing as a "glue" between the cake boards and the pillars. This will help hold the cake tiers in place and add extra stability to the structure.

Transport and Final Touches:

If you need to transport your cake, it is recommended to add a central dowel through all the tiers for added stability. This can be done by pushing a sharpened wooden dowel through the centre of the cake, piercing through the cake boards. This will help keep the cake steady during transport. Once you have reached your final destination, carefully remove the central dowel and fill or cover the hole with buttercream, fondant, or a decoration.

Using the single-plate stacking system provides a reliable and secure way to stack a wedding cake with pillars. It ensures that your cake is sturdy and reduces the risk of collapse or instability. Remember to work carefully and patiently when stacking your cake, and always handle it with care during transportation.

Using crystal pillars

Crystal pillars can be used to separate the tiers of a wedding cake. They are available in different sizes, such as 3", 5", or 7". When using crystal pillars, it is recommended to also use a 2-plate system for stability. The 2-plate system consists of placing a plate on top of the cake tier with the 'feet' up, fitting the pillars onto those 'feet', and then placing another plate on top of the pillars before adding the next cake tier. This system ensures that the weight of the cake is distributed evenly and provides a stable foundation for the tiers above.

When assembling a wedding cake with crystal pillars, it is important to consider the height of each tier and the space needed for any decorations, such as gumpaste flowers, that will be placed between the tiers. The pillars should be cut to the appropriate height, allowing enough space for the decorations. A small hacksaw or a serrated knife can be used to cut the pillars.

Crystal pillars can be purchased from various suppliers, including Amazon, Wilton, and Bakery Craft. It is recommended to follow the directions provided with the pillar and plate sets for proper assembly and usage.

It is also important to note that crystal pillars should not be the only form of support for the tiers. Additional support can be provided by using dowels, which are placed inside the cake to help distribute the weight and prevent the pillars from sinking into the cake. The number of dowels needed will depend on the size and weight of the cake tier.

Using hidden pillars

Step 1: Prepare the Hidden Pillars

Before you begin, it is important to determine the height of each tier of your cake. This will help you cut the hidden pillars to the appropriate length. Hold one of the pillars against the side of the cake and use a marker to make a slight mark below the top of the cake. This will ensure that the pillars are not visible once the cake is assembled. Repeat this process for each pillar, ensuring they are all marked at the same height.

Step 2: Cutting the Hidden Pillars

When cutting the hidden pillars, it is crucial to use sharp scissors or a sharp serrated knife. Cut the pillars straight across at the marked line. It is recommended to cut the pillars slightly longer than needed, as the weight of the cake tier above will push them down slightly. You can also use a hacksaw or a serrated knife to cut the pillars, especially if you need to cut through thicker pillars.

Step 3: Placing the Hidden Pillars

Lightly place the separator plate on top of the cake to mark the spots where the pillars should be inserted. Remove the separator plate and gently push the cut pillars into the cake, ensuring they are straight and do not go in at an angle. The top of the pillar should sit slightly below the top of the cake, not flush with it. Pull out the pillars and trim them if needed to ensure they are all the exact same length.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

Once the pillars are in place, carefully set the separator plate on top, fitting each leg of the plate into the hidden pillars. Check that the plate sits flush with the cake. If it is not level, adjust the pillars by trimming them slightly. You can use rolled-up masking tape on top of the separator plate to ensure the cake above does not move around.

Step 5: Final Touches

Repeat the process for each tier of the cake, ensuring that all pillars are cut to the appropriate length and are level. Transport the cake tiers separately and assemble the entire cake on-site to ensure stability. You can decorate the cake with flowers or other decorations between the tiers, creating a beautiful and elegant wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions