Decorating Wedding Cake Letters: A Simple Guide

A wedding cake is a focal point of the reception, so it's important to think about how to decorate it. One way to make a statement is to include gilded accents, such as the couple's joint initials, and set the cake on a metallic table. For a rustic wedding, dried grasses and pampas grass will emphasise the natural, effortless vibe. For a creative and cost-effective alternative, a cupcake wedding cake is a great option. A semi-naked wedding cake with a layer of frosting is another simple, rustic option. For a unique, modern look, consider a square or hexagonal cake.

Use letter cookie cutters and fill in with frosting

If you're in a hurry, using letter cookie cutters is a great way to decorate a wedding cake with letters. Simply mark the cake with a letter cookie cutter and fill in the indentation with frosting. This method is quick and easy, and you can use any colour of frosting you like to match the theme of your wedding.

If you want to ensure your letters are perfectly sized, you can print out the words you need in your desired font and size on card stock. Cut out the letters and use them as stencils to cut out letters from fondant or gumpaste. Alternatively, you can roll out the fondant or gumpaste and form letters out of the ropes.

Another option is to use letter presses, which can be purchased at craft stores. These are a great option if you don't trust your freehand piping skills, as they ensure your letters are uniform and evenly spaced.

For a more personalised touch, you can also create a mirror image of your desired text using waxed or parchment paper and buttercream, royal icing, chocolate, or icing of your choice. Simply go over the text with your chosen medium, place it in the freezer to harden, and then carefully apply it to your cake.

Use letter-shaped cake presses

Letter-shaped cake presses are a great way to decorate a wedding cake with words or monograms. They are an easy and quick way to achieve perfect lettering without having to measure everything out perfectly. You can purchase letter-shaped cake presses from craft stores like Michaels or online from sites like Globalsugarart.com.

To use letter-shaped cake presses, simply press them into your cake's frosting or fondant. If you're using buttercream or another soft frosting, you may want to chill your cake first to firm up the surface. This will help ensure that your letters come out crisp and clear.

If you want to add some colour to your lettering, you can dust the presses with edible luster dust or petal dust in your desired shade before pressing them into your cake. This will give your letters a sparkly, iridescent finish. You can also pipe over the imprinted letters with frosting to add colour and dimension.

Another option for using letter-shaped cake presses is to create a monogram or word stencil. First, print out the word or monogram in your desired font and size. Tape the paper to a flat piece of cardboard and then tape wax paper over the paper. Trace the letters with melted chocolate or almond bark. Chill the cardboard in the fridge or freezer until the chocolate hardens. Carefully remove the wax paper from the cardboard, and then place the chocolate letters on your cake. You can pipe over the chocolate with frosting if desired.

Letter-shaped cake presses are a versatile and easy-to-use tool for decorating a wedding cake with words or monograms. With a little creativity, you can achieve beautiful and personalised results.

Create a stencil and use it to cut out letters from fondant/gumpaste

Creating letters out of fondant or gum paste is a great way to personalise your wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Create a stencil

First, decide on the font and size of your letters. You can print out the words you need on card stock or regular paper. If you are using paper, tape it to a flat piece of cardboard.

Cut out the letters

Using a sharp craft knife, carefully cut out the letters from your printed sheet. If you are using card stock, you may need to cut them out with scissors instead.

Prepare your fondant or gum paste

Roll out your fondant or gum paste to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You want it thin enough to be pliable but not so thin that it will tear easily.

Place the stencil on the fondant/gum paste

Carefully lay your stencil on top of the rolled-out fondant or gum paste. Make sure it is placed exactly where you want your letters to be. You can tape the stencil in place to prevent it from shifting.

Cut out the letters from the fondant/gum paste

Using a sharp knife or a fondant/gum paste cutter, carefully cut out the letters by tracing the outline of each letter. Be as precise as possible to ensure that your letters are evenly shaped.

Remove the stencil

Gently peel back the stencil to reveal your cut-out letters. If any of the letters stick to the stencil, you can gently nudge them back into place with a toothpick or the tip of your knife.

Let the letters dry

Before placing the letters on your cake, allow them to dry slightly so that they hold their shape. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fondant/gum paste.

Attach the letters to your cake

Finally, it's time to attach your letters to the cake! Brush a small amount of water or edible glue onto the back of each letter and gently press it onto the cake in your desired location. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure that it adheres properly.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cut-out letters decorating your wedding cake. Feel free to add additional decorations, such as fresh flowers or gold leaf, to complete your design.

Use a piping bag and metal tip to pipe letters

Using a piping bag and metal tip to pipe letters onto a wedding cake is a great way to personalise your cake. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Piping Bag and Tip

Firstly, you will need to select a piping bag. Piping bags come in various sizes, ranging from 12-inch to 18-inch bags. For finer details like piping letters, a 12-inch bag is the best option. You will also need to select a piping tip. For writing letters, a small round piping tip, such as a #3 tip, is recommended. Metal tips are generally preferred for their durability and easy-to-clean design.

Prepare the Piping Bag

Before filling the piping bag, ensure that you have fitted the piping tip or coupler securely at the bottom of the bag. If using a new bag, snip off about half an inch from the tip, being careful not to cut too much, as the tip may slide through. Fold the top half of the bag over your hand to create a "cuff". Use a spatula to scoop and press the frosting into the bag, filling it only halfway to avoid overfilling. Once filled, fold the cuff back up and remove any air bubbles by pressing the filling down into the bag. Finally, twist the top of the bag closed or use rubber icing bag ties to seal it shut.

Practice Piping Letters

Before writing on your cake, practice piping letters on a sheet of parchment paper. This will help you get a feel for the piping technique and ensure that there are no air bubbles in your frosting.

Pipe Letters onto the Cake

Now, you are ready to pipe letters onto your wedding cake! Hold the piping bag with the tip parallel to the cake's surface to avoid any unwanted marks. Apply even pressure and go slowly to maintain control and create neat letters. If you make a mistake, simply scrape off the frosting and try again.

Additional Tips

• Don't squeeze the piping bag too hard, as this can cause the tip to pop out.
• For writing messages, you can use your less dominant hand to squeeze the top of the bag while using your dominant hand to hold the tip and shape the letters.
• Practice makes perfect! The more you practice piping letters, the better your technique will become.

Use a stencil and edible ink to decorate with fondant icing

Using stencils and edible ink to decorate a wedding cake with fondant icing is a great way to achieve a precise pattern. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Choose Your Design

First, decide on the design you want to stencil onto your fondant-covered cake. This could be a floral motif, a geometric pattern, or even a monogram of the happy couple's initials. If you're feeling creative, you can design your own stencil, or you can find ready-made stencils online or at craft stores.

Prepare Your Stencil

If you're making your own stencil, print out your chosen design in the exact size you want it to appear on the cake. Cut out the design with a sharp craft knife, being careful to create clean edges. If you're using a ready-made stencil, simply adjust it to fit your desired size.

Prepare the Fondant

Roll out the fondant to a thickness of about 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Use a rolling pin with raised guides to ensure an even thickness. Place the fondant on a flat surface and smooth it out with a fondant smoother to remove any bumps or air bubbles.

Apply the Stencil

Gently lay the stencil on the fondant, positioning it carefully to ensure it is centred and straight. Secure the stencil in place with a small amount of melted chocolate or royal icing, being careful not to get any on the cut-out areas.

Decorate with Edible Ink

Using a small, soft-bristled brush, carefully fill in the cut-out areas of the stencil with edible ink. You can find edible ink in a variety of colours, so choose one that complements your wedding colour palette. Take your time and be precise to avoid any smudges or mistakes.

Remove the Stencil

Once you've filled in all the cut-out areas, carefully lift the stencil away from the fondant, revealing your design. If any chocolate or icing was used to secure the stencil, gently wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Apply the Fondant to the Cake

Now that your fondant is decorated, it's time to apply it to your cake. Carefully lift the fondant and drape it over your cake, smoothing it out with a fondant smoother to remove any air bubbles. Trim away any excess fondant from the base of the cake.

Using stencils and edible ink with fondant icing is a great way to add a personalised and precise design to your wedding cake. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can create a stunning cake that will wow your guests.

Frequently asked questions