Crafting A Vintage Wedding Cupcake Stand: 3 Tiers Of Elegance

If you're looking to make a 3-tier vintage wedding cupcake stand, you've got options! You can buy a DIY kit online, which includes all the bits you'll need to create your own stand, or you can make one from scratch using items you have at home.

If you're going the DIY kit route, you'll need to provide your own china plates, but the kit will include a heavy crown handle, matching rods, washers, screws, a plate centre locator, and instructions.

If you're feeling more creative, you can make a stand using items from around your house. You'll need a base, such as cardboard, plastic, or a thick cutting board, and lightweight, strong plates and platters that decrease in size to create the tiers. You'll also need pillars to separate the tiers, such as glasses, cups, vases, or sugar bowls. Simply arrange your chosen items into a stand, place it where you'll be serving your cupcakes, and carefully add your cupcakes to each tier.

Choosing a base layer

Selecting the Right Base Plate

The base plate of your cupcake stand should be sturdy and strong enough to support the weight of the entire stand, including the cupcakes. Look for a plate that is made of durable material such as metal, ceramic, or glass. The size of the plate should be large enough to provide a stable base, ideally with a diameter of at least 12 inches. You can choose a plain plate or one with a vintage pattern or design that complements your wedding theme.

Drilling the Plate

If you plan to drill into the plate to attach the hardware for the stand, make sure you have the proper tools and a drill bit that is suitable for the material of your plate. Some plates may require a specific type of drill bit, such as a diamond core drill bit for porcelain or ceramic plates. Always follow safety precautions when drilling, and wear protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves.

Using a Base Layer Kit

If you don't want to drill into your plate, you can purchase a base layer kit that includes all the necessary hardware. These kits typically come with a heavy crown handle, matching rods, washers, screws, and instructions. The rods will serve as the pillars for your stand, so choose a kit with rods that are the appropriate length and colour to match your theme.

Stability and Safety

When choosing your base layer, consider the stability and safety of the final product. The base plate should be flat and level to ensure the stand doesn't wobble or topple over. Avoid using fragile or valuable plates that could break and cause injury. Always handle the stand with care, especially when it's loaded with cupcakes.

Matching the Theme

The base layer should complement the overall aesthetic of your vintage wedding. Consider the colour, pattern, and style of the plate to ensure it ties in with your chosen theme. You can also decorate the base plate with vintage-inspired accents, such as lace doilies, ribbon, or fresh flowers to enhance the overall look.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the base layer sets the tone for the entire cupcake stand. Take your time to choose a plate that is not only functional but also visually appealing and in line with your wedding's vintage style. With a well-chosen base layer, you'll be one step closer to creating a stunning and elegant display for your wedding cupcakes.

Selecting plates and pillars

Choosing the Right Plates:

• Opt for lightweight yet sturdy plates, preferably with a vintage or elegant design that complements your wedding theme. You can mix and match patterns or stick to plain white or silver platters for a neutral look.
• Choose plates that vary in size, with the largest plate as the base and the smallest plate as the top layer. This creates a visually appealing stand with plenty of room for cupcakes.
• If you're feeling creative, consider using unconventional items as plates, such as CDs, strong cardboard rounds, or even a vintage hat box. Just ensure they are strong enough to hold the weight of the cupcakes.

Selecting the Perfect Pillars:

• Choose pillars of varying heights that decrease in size as they go up the stand. This ensures a stable and balanced structure.
• Look for items that are strong, food-safe, and have a small base that doesn't take up too much room on the plate.
• Get creative with your pillar choices! You can use vases, cups, glasses, eggcups, sugar bowls, fabric-covered cans, or even a martini glass for a simple single-layer stand.
• If you want a more uniform look, consider using a DIY kit that includes matching rods and hardware specifically designed for creating a cupcake stand.

Remember to have fun with the process and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of plates and pillars until you find the perfect arrangement for your vintage 3-tier wedding cupcake stand!

Assembly and decoration

The assembly and decoration of your vintage 3-tier cupcake stand can be a fun and creative process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through it:

Materials and Tools:

• China plates (preferably vintage or with a floral design)
• Heavy crown handle and matching rods in your chosen colour (gold, silver, bronze, etc.)
• Metal washer
• Plastic washers
• Flat-head screw
• Plate centre locator
• 6mm diamond core drill bit
• Vintage or decorative plates in descending sizes (dinner plate, side plate, cake plate, saucer)
• Pillars or spacers (martini glass, vase, cups, eggcups, etc.)
• Ribbon, wrapping paper, or fabric for decoration
• Glue or strong double-sided tape

Step-by-Step Assembly:

• Select three vintage plates of different sizes to create the tiers of your cupcake stand. You can mix and match patterns or opt for a cohesive look.
• Using the provided hardware kit, carefully drill a hole in the centre of each plate. Follow the instructions and take appropriate safety measures when drilling.
• Assemble the stand by threading the rods through the holes in the plates. Secure them in place with the washers and screw provided. Adjust the spacing between the plates to your desired height.
• Choose appropriate pillars or spacers for each tier. For example, you could use a martini glass for the bottom tier, a vase for the middle tier, and an eggcup for the top tier. Ensure they are stable and securely placed.
• Decorate the stand with ribbon, wrapping paper, or fabric if desired. You can wrap the ribbon around the edges of the plates or use it to conceal the hardware.
• Place the assembled stand on a sturdy base, such as a flat piece of cardboard, plastic, or a thick cutting board. You can cover the base with wrapping paper, foil, or fabric to enhance its appearance.
• Arrange your cupcakes on the stand, placing heavier cupcakes on the lower tiers for stability.

Tips and Variations:

• When drilling the plates, use a drill bit appropriate for the material (e.g., glass, ceramic, or metal).
• If you prefer not to drill holes in your plates, you can use a glue gun to attach the hardware.
• Ensure that all materials used are food-safe and non-toxic.
• Feel free to get creative with the decoration and theme of your stand to match your wedding style.
• If using a heavy cake stand, consider placing it on a non-slip mat to prevent accidental sliding or toppling.

Using cake dummies and boards

To make a 3-tier vintage wedding cupcake stand using cake dummies and boards, you'll need the following supplies:

• 3 cake boards in descending sizes (for a 3-tier stand, you'll need one 8", one 10", and one 12" cake board)
• 4 cake dummies (foam pillars used in baking), with one pair larger than the other
• Satin ribbon in the colour of your choice
• Pretty wrapping paper that matches your wedding theme or colour palette
• Double-sided tape (strong adhesive)
• Glue stick or hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Pencil

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your vintage cupcake stand:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Dummies

Start by gluing each pair of cake dummies together. Allow sufficient drying time before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Wrap the Cake Dummies with Satin Ribbon

Take the satin ribbon and fasten it to the base edge of one of the glued pairs of cake dummies. Carefully wrap the ribbon tightly around the dummy, using a metal pin or a small piece of double-sided tape to secure it. Repeat this process for the other cake dummy.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Boards

Place each cake board on the wrapping paper and use a pencil to draw around it. Cut out the paper circles slightly larger than the drawn circles to allow for wrapping. Apply glue to the cake boards and attach the paper circles, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles.

Step 4: Assemble the Stand

Now, it's time to assemble your cupcake stand. Use strong double-sided tape to attach the largest cake board to the base of one of the wrapped cake dummies. Centre the dummy on the cake board. Repeat this process for the remaining cake dummies and cake boards, creating a stacked structure.

Step 5: Final Touches and Care

Place your vintage cupcake stand where you plan to serve your cupcakes. While it can be moved when empty, it's best not to move it once the cupcakes are in place. After use, wipe down the stand with a dry cloth to remove crumbs, and spot clean any frosting or sticky residue with a damp cloth. With proper care, your vintage cupcake stand can be reused for future events.

Buying a ready-made stand

If you're looking for a ready-made stand, Etsy and eBay offer a wide variety of three-tier vintage cupcake stands.

Etsy has a range of stands in different materials, including wood, ceramic, resin, and metal. Some stands feature vintage plates, while others offer a more rustic or modern look. Many of the stands on Etsy are handmade and customisable, allowing you to choose colours and styles. Prices range from $7.50 to $412.50, with some sellers offering free shipping.

On eBay, you can find affordable ceramic cupcake stands with vintage floral designs, perfect for afternoon tea or wedding events. These stands are priced between £3.60 and £30, with some including postage costs.

Both Etsy and eBay provide customer reviews, allowing you to make an informed decision about your purchase. With a variety of styles and price points available, you're sure to find the perfect stand for your vintage wedding.

Frequently asked questions