Creating A Wedding Cake Box: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding cake is a centrepiece of the reception and a work of art in itself. So, it is only fitting that it should be presented in a box that is equally as beautiful. Creating a wedding cake box can be a fun and easy DIY project that will impress your guests and make for a memorable keepsake. In this guide, we will explore the steps to make a stunning and functional wedding cake box, from choosing the right materials to assembling and decorating the box. We will also discuss the different types of cake boxes available and provide tips on customising your box to match your wedding theme. So, whether you're a bride-to-be, a wedding planner, or simply a craft enthusiast, get ready to unleash your creativity and learn how to make a wedding cake box that is truly unique!

Choosing the right box shape

Firstly, the shape of the cake itself will dictate the box's shape. If you have a traditional round or square-shaped wedding cake, opt for a box that complements its form. Round cakes are best suited for cylindrical or square boxes, while square cakes can be packaged in square or rectangular boxes. It's important to ensure that the box is slightly larger than the cake to accommodate any decorations or additional height.

Additionally, consider the number of tiers your wedding cake has. If you have a multi-tiered cake, you'll need a box with multiple layers or compartments to keep each tier stable and secure. The height of the box should be sufficient to accommodate the tallest tier, with a little extra room to prevent the cake from touching the lid.

For a unique twist, you could opt for a cake box shaped like a pie or a heart. These shapes are perfect for smaller cakes or when you don't need a full cake. They add a creative and charming touch to your wedding cake presentation.

Another factor to consider is the closure of the box. Ensure that the box has a secure closure, especially if you plan to transport the wedding cake over long distances. A well-fitted lid or a box with a secure closure mechanism will ensure that the cake remains safe and stable during transit.

Lastly, don't forget to measure the cake board when selecting the box shape. The cake board should fit comfortably inside the box, allowing for a bit of extra space to handle the cake easily.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right box shape for your wedding cake, ensuring a safe and elegant presentation.

Using inexpensive materials

Creating a wedding cake box using inexpensive materials is a great way to save money without compromising on quality and aesthetics. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started:

Materials Required:

• Cardboard display board
• White foam board
• Batons or beading
• PVA glue or wood glue
• Gaffer tape
• Dowel
• Insulation panels (Insulating Sheathing)
• Wood baseboard
• Box cutter
• T-square or yardstick
• Velcro or packing tape
• Non-slip mat

Instructions:

• Photo Booth: Create a collapsible photo booth to take professional-looking pictures of your wedding cake. Purchase a cardboard display board and a white foam board. Cut and assemble the boards with batons or beading using glue. This will provide a clean and clutter-free background for your photos.
• Insulated Cake Box: To make an insulated cake box, start by taping the bottom of a box together. Cut the door down one side and horizontally, approximately 1.5"-2" above the base.
• Foam Insulation Panels: Measure and cut the foam insulation panels to fit inside the box. Start with the top panel, then measure and cut the back wall panel. Ensure that the panels fit snugly together. You can use Velcro or packing tape to attach the panels to the box walls.
• Stability and Transport: To prevent the cake from sliding during transport, use a non-slip mat or cut a slot from leftover foam to fit between the cake baseboard and box walls.
• Temperature Control: For long trips or hot days, use reusable ice packs or dry ice to keep the cake cool. Place the ice packs in ziplock bags and tape them to the sides of the box.
• Customisation: Decorate your cake box with ribbons, flowers, or other embellishments to match your wedding theme.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and inexpensive wedding cake box that will safely transport your cake and impress your guests.

Customising your box

Now for the fun part: customising your wedding cake box! This is your chance to get creative and make something truly unique. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Choose the right colour: Decide on a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme. You can opt for classic white boxes or go for something more colourful like pink or peach.
• Add some sparkle: Give your box a subtle sheen by brushing on a layer of Mod Podge. This will make your box shine and also help to smooth out any edges.
• Get creative with paper: Use decorative paper to cover your box and give it a unique look. You can find paper with beautiful floral designs or even collage old book pages for a vintage feel.
• Embellish with ribbon: Ribbon is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your box. Choose a colour that matches your theme and use it to wrap around the bottom of each tier and to conceal any edges.
• Add some bling: If you want to go all out, you can glue on some artificial flowers, velvet leaves, or other trims to really make your box stand out.
• Make it personal: Consider adding a special touch like a cake topper with your new married names or the date of your wedding.
• Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to get creative! You can decoupage anything onto your box, so feel free to experiment and make something truly unique.

Remember, this is your special day, so have fun with it and make your wedding cake box something that truly reflects your style. Happy crafting!

Adding decorations

Choosing a Colour Scheme:

Start by selecting a colour palette that complements your wedding theme. This could be classic white, elegant gold and silver, or a combination of colours that match your wedding colours. You can choose coloured boxes or opt to decorate plain boxes with your chosen hues.

Wrapping the Box:

Using wrapping paper is an easy and effective way to add decoration to your cake box. Choose a paper with a beautiful design or a solid colour that complements your colour scheme. Measure and cut the paper to fit each tier of the box, gluing it down smoothly with Mod Podge or a similar adhesive. This will give your box a polished look and can be enhanced with several coats for a richer finish.

Embellishments:

Now for the fun part—adding embellishments to your box! You can select from a variety of trims, including artificial flowers, velvet leaves, ribbons, or any other crafty bits you have on hand. Use a hot glue gun to carefully secure these decorations to your box. You can wrap ribbons around the base of each tier and glue a ribbon along the edge of the bottom tier's lid.

Personalised Touches:

Consider adding personalised touches to your cake box, such as a traditional cake topper or a custom-made one. You could also attach a card with a special message for the happy couple.

Final Details:

Once you're happy with your decorations, it's time to add the finishing touches. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge over any papered surfaces to give it a subtle sheen and smooth out any edges. Allow this to dry thoroughly before handling.

Your wedding cake box is now ready to take centre stage at the wedding! This decorative box will surely impress the guests and make for some beautiful photos.

Making boxes for different-sized cakes

Materials:

• Craft or white cardboard (coloured or plain)
• Clear cellophane
• Double-stick adhesive roller
• Ribbon (optional)

Instructions:

Firstly, decide on the size of your cake. For this example, we will be creating a box for an 8-inch cake with the following dimensions: 10" x 10" x 10".

Using your chosen material, cut out a square with sides of 10 inches. This will form the base of your box. Next, cut out four strips of equal length for the sides of the box. The length of these strips should be the height of your box (in this case, 10 inches) plus the width of your cardboard, to allow for overlap when gluing or taping.

Now, attach the side strips to the base. You can use a strong adhesive or double-sided tape for a neater finish. Join the four corners of the strips to form a rectangular shape, securing them with your chosen adhesive. Ensure the corners are at right angles to create a neat finish.

For the lid, cut out a square that is slightly larger than the base, approximately 10 1/4" x 10 1/4". This will ensure the lid fits snugly over the base. You can then decorate the lid with ribbon or other embellishments if desired.

Finally, to add the finishing touches, line the inside of your box with clear cellophane. This will not only make your box look more professional but will also help to keep your cake fresh.

Adjusting for Different Cake Sizes:

You can easily adjust these instructions to make a box for a larger or smaller cake. Here are the dimensions for other common cake sizes:

• For a 6-inch cake: Base - 8" x 8", Sides - 8" x 3 1/2", Lid - 8 1/4" x 8 1/4"
• For a 10-inch cake: Base - 12" x 12", Sides - 12" x 3 1/2", Lid - 12 1/4" x 12 1/4"
• For a 12-inch cake: Base - 14" x 14", Sides - 14" x 3 1/2", Lid - 14 1/4" x 14 1/4"

These measurements can be further adjusted if you are creating a box for a tiered cake or a cake with a particularly tall decoration.

With these instructions, you can now create custom boxes for cakes of any size, ensuring they are both protected and presented beautifully.

Frequently asked questions