Assembling A Pillar Wedding Cake: Step-By-Step Guide

There are several ways to assemble a pillar wedding cake. One method is to use a two-plate/pillar setup, with either Grecian or Roman pillars, or square filigrees. The pillars are pushed into the cake, and then a plate is placed on top. Another method is to use a single-plate system, where wooden dowels are cut to the height of the bottom layer of cake, and the second cake is placed on top. A third option is to use a separator plate and pillar tiered cake construction, where the cake plates are covered by a gumpaste flower arrangement.

The different types of pillars available

There are several different types of pillars available for assembling a pillar wedding cake. The first type is the Grecian pillar, which comes in either push-in or two-plate varieties. The Roman pillar is similar, also coming in push-in or two-plate options. The third type is the square filigree pillar. These pillars are often made from plastic and can be cut to the height of the cake.

When using pillars to assemble a wedding cake, it is important to start with the tier above the base tier. Place the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings and continue adding tiers in the same way until the cake is fully assembled. It is recommended to use only a two-plate/pillar setup and to avoid using clear, pointed pillars that are intended to be pushed into the cake.

How to use a two-plate system

When assembling a pillar wedding cake, it is recommended to use a two-plate system. This involves using two plates with pillars separating them, rather than pushing the pillars directly into the cake. The height of the tiers does not matter when using this system.

To use a two-plate system, start by positioning the push-in pillars at the marks and inserting them into the tiers. Push straight down until the pillars touch the cake board. Then, place the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings. The separator plate will have a raised edge, which will help to keep the cake in place.

Continue adding tiers in the same way until the cake is completely assembled. Make sure that the pillars are inserted securely into the cake and that the plates are level before adding each new tier.

Some people prefer to use a single-plate system, as they feel that the double plates cover the cake too much. However, others find the two-plate system easier to work with, especially when using decorations such as gumpaste flowers, which can be laid directly on the cake.

Overall, the two-plate system provides a stable and secure way to assemble a pillar wedding cake, ensuring that the cake tiers are properly supported and that the cake remains intact.

How to use a single-plate system

To assemble a pillar wedding cake using a single-plate system, you will need to cut wooden dowels to the height of the bottom layer of the cake. Place the second cake on top of the wooden dowels. You can then cut the pillars to the height of the cake and stick them into a plastic plate. Push the structure into the cake.

It is recommended that you use only a two-plate/pillar setup. There are two types: Grecian or Roman, or a third option of square filigrees. The Grecian and Roman pillars come in either push-in or two-plate varieties. When using two plates with pillars separating them, the height of your tiers does not matter.

To assemble the cake, start with the tier above the base tier. Place the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings. Continue adding tiers in the same way until the cake is completely assembled.

How to cut pillars to the right height

To cut pillars to the right height, you should first place the cake on the upper part of the plates. Then, add the dowels inside the cake for the next set of plates. You can cut the pillars to the height of the cake, stick the pillars into the plastic plate, and push the structure into the cake.

When using two plates with pillars separating them, the height of your tiers does not matter. However, it is important to note that the type of pillars you use is important. Avoid using clear (crystal-look), pointed (spike) pillars that are intended to be pushed into the cake with a plate put on top. Instead, opt for a two-plate/pillar setup with either Grecian or Roman pillars.

To assemble the cake, start with the tier above the base tier. Place the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings. Continue adding tiers in the same way until the cake is completely assembled.

It is also worth noting that some people prefer to use a single plate system, where they cut wooden dowels to the height of the bottom layer of the cake and place the second cake or cake cardboard round on top.

How to cover plates with decorations

To assemble a pillar wedding cake, you will need to use a plate and pillar set-up. There are two types: Grecian or Roman, and a third option is square filigrees. The Grecian and Roman pillars come in either push-in or two-plate varieties. The height of your cake tiers does not matter when using two plates with pillars separating them.

To assemble the cake, start by decorating the individual cake tiers on separator plates, which fit the stand. Position the cakes in the stand, placing the feet of the separator plate securely inside the bars of the cake stand, so that the plate surface rests on the bars.

Mark the tier for push-in pillar placement. Use the separator plate for the next tier above, gently pressing it onto the tier, feet down, making sure it is centred. Lift the plate away. The feet will leave marks on the icing to guide the position of pillars when you assemble the tier. Repeat this process for each tier, working from largest to smallest.

To cover plates with decorations, you can use gumpaste flowers. These can be laid directly on the cake, or used to cover the cake plates that rest in the middle of the cakes. You can also fill some cake pillars with flowers, confetti, or other decorations that match your event's theme and colours.

Frequently asked questions