Attaching Tiers To Wedding Cakes: Using Pillars For Support

Wedding cakes are often tiered, with pillars used to separate the layers. The pillars are inserted into the cake until they touch the board at the base, and the next tier is then placed on top. This process is repeated for each tier. It is important to use pillars and dowels to support the weight of the cake and prevent the bottom tiers from being compressed by the weight of the top tiers.

Using pillars to tier a wedding cake

Tiered wedding cakes are a stunning centrepiece for any wedding reception. They can be created in a variety of ways, with or without pillars. When using pillars, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the cake is stable and secure. Here is a guide on how to use pillars to tier a wedding cake:

Prepare the Cake Tiers

Before assembling the cake, each tier should be prepared. Each tier should be placed on a cake board or separator plate. Cake boards are usually made of cardboard and should be the same diameter as the cake it is holding. Separator plates are used for cakes stacked on pillars and have knobs to secure the pillars. The base tier should be placed on a thick cake board to support the weight of the entire cake.

Mark the Pillar Points

For cakes with pillars, the placement of the pillars needs to be marked. To do this, place the separator plate of the next tier on the base cake and gently press down. This will leave marks on the icing to guide where the pillars should be placed. Repeat this process for each tier, working from the largest to the smallest.

Insert the Pillars

Once the pillar points are marked, it is time to insert the pillars. Push each pillar straight down into the cake until you feel it touching the cake board. It is important to use pillars that are the correct length and can bear the weight of the tier above.

Stack the Cake Tiers

After the pillars are securely in place, the cake tiers can be stacked. Place the separator plate of the next tier on top of the pillars, ensuring the pillars are secured to the knobs underneath. Repeat this process until all the cake tiers are stacked.

Additional Tips

• It is recommended to use a combination of pillars and dowels or straws for extra support, especially for heavy cakes.
• For a seamless look, use pillars and separator plates that are the same diameter as the cakes.
• When transporting a tiered cake, it is best to assemble the cake on-site to avoid any damage during travel.
• To add height and elegance, consider filling the spaces between the tiers with decorations such as flowers, seashells, or sugarpaste flowers.
• Hot glue can be used between the cardboard rounds and the platter to prevent the cake from sliding during delivery.
• For large wedding cakes, products like Cake Stackers can help centre and align the cakes, making transportation easier.

How to assemble cakes without pillars

To assemble a cake without pillars, you will need a base cake board, cardboard cake circles for each layer, and dowel rods and/or bubble tea straws.

• Place each tier on a cake board. Place the lowest cake tier on the base cake board, and the rest of the layers on their respective cardboard circles. Ensure that the cake boards for all tiers (except the base) are the same diameter as the cake it is meant to hold.
• Insert bubble tea straws/dowel rods into the base cake tier. Take one straw or rod and poke it into the cake towards the centre (but not in the centre). Press the rod/straw down until it touches the cake board. Mark the rod/straw to the height of the cake.
• Cut the straws/rods. Remove the rod/straw from the cake tier and cut it at the marking. Use the measured straw to cut a few more straws/rods to the same length.
• Insert the cut rods/straws into the cake tier. Poke the cut straws/rods into the base cake in a circular pattern, leaving a gap of 2 to 3 inches apart, but within the diameter of the top tier cake. These should not be visible once the top tier cake is placed on the base cake.
• Repeat steps 2 to 4 for all cake layers except for the topmost one.
• Stack the tiers. Once you have inserted the rods/straws into all the layers, you can start stacking the cakes on top of one another.
• Secure with a long dowel rod in the centre of the cake. Make sure the cakes are well-centred. Sharpen one end of the dowel rod and poke it through the centre of all layers until it touches the bottom cake board. It should go through the holes in each of the cake circles.

If you intend to leave the top of the cake plain, cut the dowel rod so that its length stops a few inches short of the full height of the whole stacked cake. Poke it through the centre of the second tier before adding the topmost tier.

Make sure the dowel rod that is protruding goes through the cake from the bottom through the centre of its cake circle.

How to assemble cakes with pillars

To assemble a cake with pillars, you will need a base cake board, cake separator plates, and pillars.

Firstly, place your base cake on the largest cake board. Then, for each tier, place the separator plate on the cake and gently press it down to mark where the pillars will go. Remove the separator plate and, on the marks you've made, poke each pillar until you feel them touching the cake board. Repeat this process for each tier. Once all the pillars are securely in place, stack the next tier on the pillars. Make sure the pillars are well secured to the knobs underneath the separator plate.

Continue this process until all cakes are securely stacked on the pillars.

How to transport a tiered cake

Transporting a tiered cake can be a stressful experience, but with careful preparation, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed instructions on how to transport a tiered cake:

Prepare the Cake for Transport:

Before you begin transporting your tiered cake, it is essential to ensure that it is structurally sound and secure. Here are the steps to follow:

• Use pillars and separator plates: If your cake has pillars, place each tier on a separator plate. Ensure the pillars can fit securely into the knobs at the bottom of the separator plates for stability.
• Insert a central dowel: Insert a long dowel rod through the centre of the cake to hold all the tiers together. This is especially important for cakes without pillars.
• Use bubble tea straws or additional dowel rods: To support the weight of the cake and prevent compression, insert bubble tea straws or dowel rods into each layer before stacking another cake on top. Mark the height of each layer, cut the straws or rods, and insert them into the cake in a circular pattern.
• Use cake boards: Place each tier on a cake board. For cakes without pillars, use cardboard cake circles for each tier, ensuring they are the same diameter as the cake. For cakes with pillars, use separator plates.
• Chill the cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake overnight to make it firmer and easier to transport.

Transporting the Cake:

Once your cake is prepared, here are some tips for the transportation process:

• Use a suitable container: Transport the cake in a box specifically designed for cake transport, such as the Sugarworks Cake Porter. This will protect the cake and keep it cool during transport.
• Secure the cake: Place the cake on a non-slip mat or rubber drawer liner in your vehicle to prevent it from sliding. If there is extra space in the box, add large pieces of styrofoam around the cake to prevent movement.
• Drive carefully: Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns or sudden brakes. Use your blinkers and consider using car magnets that say "Handle with Care" or "Caution: Cake on Board."
• Transport in parts: If you are nervous about transporting the fully assembled cake, consider transporting the tiers separately and assembling them at the venue.
• Bring a trolley: Ensure you have a trolley or cart at the venue to help move the cake from your vehicle to its final location.
• Have a helper: Bring a friend to assist you with lifting and positioning the cake.

How to choose pillars and plates for your cake

When choosing pillars and plates for your cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the stability of the cake is crucial, especially for taller cakes or those on pillars. To prevent the cake from toppling, a mechanism such as a long dowel rod inserted through the centre of the cake can be used to hold all the tiers together.

Secondly, the weight of the cake needs to be considered. Cakes, especially those covered in fondant, can be heavy, and the weight of the top tiers can compress the bottom tiers. To avoid this, each cake tier, except the top one, should have an internal structure to support the weight above. This can be achieved by using bubble tea straws or dowel rods cut to match the height of each cake tier.

When choosing pillars and plates, here are some specific considerations:

• Pillars: There are many different types of cake pillars available in various shapes and colours. Each tier typically requires four pillars, so for a three-tiered cake, you will need two sets of pillars. Ensure that the pillars can fit securely into the knobs at the bottom of the separator plates for stability.
• Separator plates: These are essential for tiered cakes using pillars and have special knobs underneath to secure the pillars. They can be slightly larger in diameter than the cake or the same size, depending on your design.
• Dowel rods: These are long and thin wooden or plastic rods used to provide internal support for individual cake tiers. They are inserted into each layer before stacking another cake on top to prevent compression.
• Bubble tea straws: These are fat straws used for drinking bubble tea and come in various colours. They serve the same purpose as dowel rods and are easy to cut and surprisingly sturdy.
• Base cake board: This should be thick and sturdy enough to hold the weight of the entire tiered cake. It should also be a few inches larger than the lowest tier cake.
• Cake boards: In addition to the base cake board, you will need one cake board for each cake tier, preferably made of cardboard for ease of poking a dowel rod through the centre. These boards should have the same diameter as the cake they are meant to hold.

By considering the stability and weight of your cake and choosing the appropriate pillars, plates, and supports, you can create a beautiful and stable tiered cake.

Frequently asked questions