Junior Rasmussen
A 3-tier wedding cake with pillars is a beautiful and impressive centrepiece for a wedding reception. The pillars allow for decorations such as gumpaste flowers to be displayed between the tiers, and for the cake to be assembled on-site. This article will explain how to assemble a 3-tier wedding cake with pillars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tier sizes | 15 inch, 11 inch, 7 inches |
| Pillar size | 7" & 9" |
| Cake height | 4 1/2 to 5 inches |
| Pillar type | Push-in |
| Assembly location | On-site |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right pillars
When assembling a 3-tier wedding cake with pillars, it's important to choose the right pillars to ensure the cake's stability and overall aesthetic. Here are some factors to consider when selecting pillars for your wedding cake:
Firstly, the height of your cake tiers and the desired spacing between them will determine the length of the pillars you need. The pillars should be long enough to provide adequate support but not so long that they compromise the cake's stability. The height of your cake tiers will depend on the number of layers and the thickness of the filling and icing. Take these factors into account when choosing the length of your pillars to ensure they provide the desired spacing between tiers.
Secondly, the type of pillars you choose is important. Push-in pillars are a popular choice for tiered cakes as they are easy to insert and provide stability. These pillars are pushed straight down into the cake until they touch the cake board, ensuring a secure connection. Another option is to use a separator plate and pillar system, where the cake tiers rest on plates that are supported by the pillars. This system can provide more stability for heavier cakes or cakes with delicate decorations.
Additionally, consider the design and colour of the pillars to match the overall theme of your wedding cake. Pillars come in various styles, from simple and elegant to more ornate designs. Choose a style that complements the cake's decorations, such as gumpaste flowers or other embellishments. The colour of the pillars should also blend seamlessly with the cake's colour scheme to create a cohesive look.
Finally, when choosing pillars, it's essential to consider the size and proportion of your cake tiers. The pillars should be proportionate to the size of the tiers to create a balanced and visually appealing cake. If the pillars are too thin or too thick compared to the cake tiers, it may detract from the overall aesthetics. Adjust the size and thickness of the pillars accordingly to achieve the desired look.
Trending Wedding Cake Flavors for Your Special Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using separator plates
When assembling a 3-tier wedding cake with pillars, you will need to use separator plates. These are placed on top of the pillars, with the feet of the plate fitting into the pillar openings. The plates should be covered with gumpaste flowers or other decorations.
To insert the pillars, first mark the base cake where you want them to go. Then, poke each pillar into the cake until you can feel it touching the cake board. Make sure the pillars are secure before placing the next tier on top. Repeat this process until all the tiers are stacked.
The size of the pillars and plates you use will depend on the size of your cakes. For example, a 7" and 9" pillar/plate combination might be suitable for a 10-8-6 cake, but you can use whatever works best for your specific cake. Just be sure that the plates are not too big, or the columns won't fit properly.
Some people prefer to assemble their cakes on-site at the event venue, especially for tall cakes. This helps to ensure that the cake stays stable during transport.
Harry and Meghan's Wedding Cake: A Citrusy Delight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Stacking the tiers
Next, you can start to stack the tiers. Place the next tier on top of the pillars, ensuring that they are well secured to the knobs underneath the separator plate. Repeat this process until all the tiers are stacked.
For tall cakes, especially those with pillars, it is recommended to assemble the cake at the event venue. This will make it easier to transport and ensure that the cake remains stable.
Cupcakes vs Wedding Cake: Which Dessert Option is More Affordable?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![BluShore Cake Boards Tiering Kit - Cake Board 10 Inch, 8 Inch, and 6 Inch (5 Pieces Each) With Parchment Paper Rounds, Wooden Dowels, and Straw Dowels - Cardboard Cake Rounds Stacking Kit [130 Pieces]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81WsgBkunML._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Decorating with flowers
When it comes to decorating a 3-tier wedding cake with flowers, there are a few different approaches you can take. You could opt for a simple yet elegant design, using clusters of roses to transform a buttercream cake into a decorative masterpiece. Alternatively, you could ask your florist to provide extra flowers that match your other wedding arrangements, which your cake baker can use to decorate the cake when it arrives at the venue.
If you're feeling more adventurous, you could try a semi-naked cake with a modern take on classic confectionary design, using eucalyptus branches and white roses. Or, for a truly unique look, you could go for a "ruffled" fondant cake with fresh flowers to finish it off.
For a spring wedding, dried flowers in a variety of colours can be a beautiful way to showcase the season without going over the top. And if you're looking for a vintage feel, dual-tone piping and pink roses can tie everything together perfectly.
When it comes to the type of flowers, you can use anything from oversized garden roses and gold leaf pieces to bright orange ranunculus and muted green figs. You can even add three-dimensional details, like hexagons or lace-inspired patterns, to complement the fresh flowers on the middle and top tiers.
Remember to consider the height of your cake when choosing your flowers. If you're using pillars to separate the tiers, make sure there's enough room to place your flowers between each tier.
Wedding Cakes: Timeless or Trendy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transporting the cake
Transporting a 3-tier wedding cake with pillars can be a delicate task. It is recommended to assemble the cake at the event venue, especially if it is a tall cake. This reduces the risk of damage during transportation.
To transport the cake, it is advisable to place each tier on its own cardboard base, which can then be placed on a plastic plate. This setup provides stability and ease of movement. Ensure that the cardboard base is slightly larger than the plate to avoid it being visible when the cake is assembled.
When placing the cake tiers in your vehicle, use a flat, level surface to avoid any tilting or sliding during transportation. Secure the cake boxes or containers with straps or bungee cords to prevent them from shifting while driving.
It is also important to consider the temperature and environment during transportation. Keep the cake in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If possible, transport the cake in an air-conditioned vehicle to maintain a stable temperature.
By following these steps, you can safely transport your 3-tier wedding cake with pillars to the event venue, ready for final assembly and presentation.
Wedding Cake Inscriptions: A Traditional Touch?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The size of the pillars you need will depend on the height of your cake tiers. Your pillars should be long enough to reach the cake board when pushed through the tier above, with enough room for any decorations you want to add between the tiers.
First, mark where you want to insert the pillars on the base cake. Poke each pillar through the marks until they touch the cake board. Then, stack the next tier on top of the pillars, making sure they are secure. Repeat this process until all the tiers are stacked.
There are no set rules for the size of cakes to use, but you should make sure that the plates you use are not too big for the columns to fit into the cake below.
