Creating A Wedding Cake From Cardboard: A Step-By-Step Guide

A cardboard wedding cake is a great DIY option for those who want to save money or add a creative, personalised touch to their wedding. This type of cake can be made using recycled or new cardboard boxes, which are stacked and decorated to resemble a tiered cake. The number of boxes used can vary, but typically three boxes of different sizes are needed to create a tiered effect. The exterior of the boxes can be painted with acrylic paint, wrapped in gift paper, or left as is, depending on the desired look.

To assemble the cake, each box is glued to a flat cardboard sheet or cake board, with the largest box on the bottom and the smallest on top. Decorative elements such as lace, ribbon, beads, and flowers can be glued to the boxes to enhance the overall appearance. A slot can also be cut in the back of the largest box to hold greeting cards or envelopes.

For those seeking an edible wedding cake, a small real cake can be placed on top of the cardboard structure, providing a symbolic cake for the couple to cut and enjoy.

Sourcing materials

Next, decide how you want to decorate your cake. You can paint the exterior of the boxes with pastel-coloured acrylic paint and a paintbrush. Alternatively, wrap the boxes with gift paper or wallpaper. You can also cover the base with gift wrap or use a cake board.

To add extra flair to your cake, consider gluing on some decorative elements. You can use ruffled lace, ribbon, trim, beads, silk flowers, or satin rosebuds. These can be glued to the cake with a hot glue gun.

Finally, you will need an adhesive to assemble the cake. A glue gun will work well for this.

With these materials, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful and affordable wedding cake!

Assembly

Now that you have all your materials, it's time to start assembling your cardboard wedding cake! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the cardboard circles: Using your compass or ruler, draw and cut out three cardboard circles with diameters of 6, 8, and 10 inches. These will form the tiers of your wedding cake. You will need two circles for each size, so you should have a total of six circles.
• Create the cake tiers: Take your empty soda cans and rinse them out. Let them dry completely. Apply hot glue to the top of one soda can and place it in the center of one of the 6-inch cardboard circles. Add extra glue where the can and cardboard meet for extra stability. Then, add glue to the bottom of the can and place the other 6-inch cardboard circle on top. Repeat this process for the 8-inch and 10-inch circles.
• Measure and cut the cake sides: Measure the distance between the outer edges of each pair of cardboard circles. This will be the width of the paper that you will use to cover the sides of the cake. Let's refer to this measurement as the "cake side measurement." On a separate piece of poster board or paper, measure one inch from the edge and draw a line. Draw another parallel line that is the "cake side measurement" away from the first line. Finally, draw a third parallel line one inch away from the second line and cut the paper along this line.
• Cut triangles: Cut out triangles from the 1-inch edges of the paper strip. The more triangles you cut, the smoother the outer edge of your cake will be. Aim for triangles that are about 1/3 inch in size.
• Attach the paper to the cardboard: Use tape to attach the paper triangles to the top and bottom edges of the cardboard circles. Start by taping a few triangles, then turn the cardboard over and tape the triangles on the opposite side. Continue rolling the paper around the cardboard, taping the triangles in place as you go. When you've gone all the way around, trim the paper so that it overlaps the seam slightly and secure the seam with a long piece of tape. Repeat this process for the 8-inch and 10-inch cake tiers. For larger tiers, you may need to use two pieces of paper to cover the entire circumference.
• Create the cake toppers: Using the same templates you used for the cardboard circles, cut out three circles from the poster board (one of each size). These will be the toppers for each tier of your cake. Hot glue these pieces to the top of each cake tier.
• Stack the tiers: Place the three tiers on a cake plate or stand, with the largest tier on the bottom and the smallest on top. Adjust the placement until you are happy with the overall arrangement.
• Add decorations: At this point, you can leave the cake as is or add decorations to enhance its appearance. Consider using paper quilling, paper sculptures, or other creative embellishments to make your cake truly unique.
• Optional: Add icing: If you want your cardboard cake to look even more realistic, you can add icing on top of the paper and cardboard. Use a jar of pre-made icing and apply it to the cake as you would with a real cake. This step will give your creation a delicious and authentic touch.

Your cardboard wedding cake is now complete! Feel free to add any final touches or decorations to make it truly your own. This project is a fun and affordable way to create a memorable centerpiece for your wedding or any other special event.

Decoration

Now for the fun part: decorating your cardboard wedding cake! The first step is to decide on a colour scheme. Do you want to go for a traditional white cake, or something more colourful? Once you've chosen your colours, you can start thinking about the decorations themselves.

One option is to use paper quilling or other paper decorations. This can add a unique and creative touch to your cake. You could also try adding some lace or ribbon around each tier to give it a more elegant look. If you want to add some sparkle, you can use beads or rhinestones. Flowers are always a popular choice for wedding cakes. You can use fresh flowers, or make your own out of paper, fabric, or even sugar paste.

Another idea is to drape fabric or tulle over each tier, or use edible gold leaf for a touch of luxury. If you want to get really creative, you could try using a patterned roller to add a design to your cake. You can also use different types of icing to create texture and give your cake a unique look. For example, you could use a piping bag and basket weave tip to create a woven pattern, or use mesh to add patterned details.

Don't forget the finishing touches! You can add a cake topper, such as a traditional bride and groom figurine or something more modern and whimsical. You could also use fresh or sugar flowers, or even edible gold leaf, to decorate the top tier.

Transport

Vehicle Preparation:

• Choose a suitable vehicle with a large, flat back or spacious floorboard, such as an SUV. Ensure there's enough room for the cake and it's on a level surface. Avoid placing the cake on laps or car seats, as they are unstable and slanted.
• Keep the vehicle cool by blasting the air conditioner. This is crucial for preventing the buttercream from melting, especially on hot days.
• If possible, have someone accompany you to hold the cake steady during the drive.

Cake Packaging:

• Place the cake on a sturdy cake drum or heavy-duty cake board that's slightly larger than the cake. This provides a stable base.
• Use a wooden dowel or cake support to secure the cake to the board and prevent sliding.
• Put the cake inside a sturdy cardboard box that's the same width as the cake drum/board, forming a snug fit. This will protect the cake from damage during transport.
• If you're transporting multiple tiers separately, use individual cake boxes for each tier.
• Place non-slip drawer liners or yoga mats at the bottom of the box or vehicle to prevent sliding.
• If you need to transport the cake over long distances or in hot weather, consider using dry ice or a makeshift cooler to keep it chilled.

Driving Tips:

• Drive slowly and carefully, taking turns and speed bumps at a reduced speed. Avoid abrupt stops and sharp turns.
• If possible, avoid routes with windy two-lane roads, opting for less distracting paths.
• If you need to make stops, keep them brief and maintain a cool car temperature throughout the drive.

Final Preparations:

• Check with the baker about any specific transportation requirements, including measurements and refrigeration needs.
• If the cake needs refrigeration, confirm with the venue that they have fridge space. Alternatively, time your delivery closer to the reception start time.
• Bring a cake repair kit with extra frosting, icing spatulas, and other decorating tools for touch-ups upon arrival.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Consider doing a trial run by transporting a smaller cake to gain confidence before the big day. With these tips in mind, you can successfully transport your cardboard wedding cake and ensure it arrives in pristine condition.

Display

Now that your cake is assembled, it's time to put it on display! Here are some tips to make sure your cardboard wedding cake looks its best:

• Choose an appropriate base: Depending on the formality of your event, you can use either a cake drum or a cakeboard as the base for your cake. A cake drum is more formal, while a cakeboard is simply made of cardboard.
• Add some height: Consider placing your cake on a raised platform or stand to give it a more dramatic effect. This will also make it easier for guests to see.
• Surround it with flowers: Flowers can add a touch of elegance and colour to your display. Choose blooms that complement the colour and theme of your cake.
• Use props: If you want to create a more whimsical or themed display, consider using props such as a cake topper, bunting, or other decorative items.
• Light it up: Consider adding some lighting to showcase your cake. Fairy lights, candles, or spotlights can all be used to create a beautiful and romantic effect.
• Keep it secure: Make sure your cake is stable and secure, especially if it is a tiered cake. Use sturdy supports and consider adding extra reinforcement if needed.

Remember, the display is just as important as the cake itself! So take the time to plan and set up your display to make sure your cardboard wedding cake looks stunning and impresses your guests.

Frequently asked questions