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

A map wedding cake is a cake with a map projected onto it. This can be done using a projector, software, and cake materials. The cake can be a dummy cake or a real edible cake. The projector is used to project images or video fragments onto the cake, and the software is used to create the map projection. The cake materials can include a white solid-color cake, which serves as a perfect canvas for motion pictures. The process of creating a map wedding cake is simple and can make your event beautiful and memorable.

Use a projector to display images on your cake

Using a projector to display images on your wedding cake is a unique way to create a spectacle that will impress your guests. This technique, known as "cake mapping", involves projecting media onto the surface of a cake, often using projection mapping software to warp or 'map' 2D media onto a 3D surface.

To get started, you'll need a projector. Even a small projector will do, as long as it has around 50 lumens of brightness. You can purchase one or look for a second-hand option. The Kopykake projector is a well-known commercial product designed for cake decorating, with prices ranging from $225 to $480. Alternatively, you could use a pocket or pico projector, which tends to be cheaper and more powerful.

Once you have your projector, you'll need to set it up in your kitchen. Affix the projector to your cabinets using rare earth magnets, ensuring it is secure and won't fall. Adjust the height of the projector so that the image fits your cake. You can also play around with the distance to make the image larger or smaller.

Now, it's time to prepare your map image. You can use software like Resolume Arena 4 (which has a free trial) to communicate between your projector and computer. Connect your computer to the projector and change the screen resolution to duplicate or extend your display. This will allow you to project your desktop onto the cake.

Finally, it's time to project your map image onto the cake. Ensure your cake has a white or light-coloured icing to make the projection stand out. You can use fondant or apply two layers of icing, with a "crumb coat" as the first layer, for a smoother finish.

With your projector set up and your cake ready, display your map image onto the cake's surface. Adjust the position of the projector as needed to ensure the image is centred and covers the desired area.

And that's it! You've now created a stunning map wedding cake that is sure to wow your guests.

Map visuals onto a 3D cake surface

Mapping visuals onto a 3D cake surface is a multi-step process that requires a combination of hardware and software. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Choose Your Cake Type and Size:

Firstly, decide whether you want to use a real cake, a dummy cake, or a combination of both. Real cakes are edible and perfect for the wedding couple to cut in front of guests, while dummy cakes can be made from styrofoam and covered in fondant icing. If you opt for a dummy cake, consider using icing designed for tropical temperatures to prevent sweating over time.

For a visually impactful and practical cake, a 5-tier square-based cake with straight sides is recommended. Each tier can have the following dimensions: 8" x 8" x 5", 10" x 10" x 5", 12" x 12" x 5", 14" x 14" x 5", and 16" x 16" x 5". These dimensions provide a good balance between impact and stability.

Set Up Your Projector:

Use a projector with a short-throw lens, which allows you to position it closer to the cake while maintaining brightness. A projector with at least 2000 lumens is recommended for clear and bright visuals. Consider the brightness of your environment and choose a brighter projector if you anticipate competing light sources.

Position your projector in front of the cake or use at least two projectors placed on either side to provide an uninterrupted view for the audience. You can mount the projector on a tripod, place it on a table, or build a free-standing plinth, or rig it overhead to avoid people blocking the projection.

Calculate the required distance between the projector and the cake using the projector's throw ratio (the distance from the projector to the surface divided by the width of the projected image). Start with the projector close to the cake and adjust until the image covers the entire cake.

Choose Your Software:

Several software options are available for cake mapping, such as MapMap, MadMapper, Resolume, and HeavyM. Consider your needs and budget when selecting the software. Some software may be more user-friendly or specifically designed for projection mapping, while others offer advanced features and customisation.

Create Your Visual Content:

You can create your own visual content using animation and video editing software. Add personalised text, images, or animations to make your cake unique. If you don't have these skills, consider using beginner-friendly tutorials to learn the basics of animation and video editing.

Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made cake mapping video content designed for specific cake sizes or non-size-specific options. This can include animations, motion graphics, video loops, and templates.

Finalise Your Projection Mapping:

Connect your projector to a laptop and adjust the screen resolution to ensure the projected image fits the cake perfectly. Use projection mapping software to map the visuals onto the 3D cake surface. Fine-tune the positioning, scaling, and rotation of the visuals to create an eye-catching display.

By following these steps and utilising the right tools, you can successfully map visuals onto a 3D cake surface, creating a unique and memorable wedding cake.

Create custom designs with software

Creating a custom map wedding cake design with software can be a fun and creative process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Choose Your Software

Start by selecting the software you want to use for designing your map wedding cake. Options include user-friendly programs such as PowerPoint and Google Maps, or more advanced tools like Photoshop, After Effects, and Cinema 4D. The choice depends on your familiarity with the software and the complexity of your desired design.

Gather Information

Before you begin designing, gather all the necessary information for your map. Decide on the location you want to feature and use Google Maps to find it. Zoom in on the specific area you wish to cover, and take a screenshot for reference.

Design the Map

Using your chosen software, start by tracing the major roads and landmarks you want to highlight on your map. You can use curved or straight lines, depending on your preferred style. Adjust the colour and size of the lines to ensure simplicity and clarity for your guests. Label the streets and rotate the text boxes to align them with the corresponding roads.

Add Additional Details

Include any additional directions or designs to enhance your map. You can insert shapes, such as callouts, to focus on specific areas of the map. Zoom in on these areas, print the screenshot, and paste it into the callout. Trace and label the streets, then delete the map image when you're finished.

Finalize and Save

Once you're happy with your map design, add any finishing touches. You can save your work as a PDF or JPEG file, depending on your preferred format. If you need to print the map, choose a suitable printing service that ensures high-quality results, like VistaPrint.

Project onto the Cake

If you're considering projection mapping for your wedding cake, you'll need software like Resolume Arena, a projector, and your cake. Connect your projector to your laptop, ensuring correct screen resolution and display settings. Use the software to map your design onto the cake's surface, adjusting the size and position as needed.

Creating a custom map wedding cake design with software offers endless possibilities for personalisation and creativity. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you can craft a unique and memorable addition to your special day.

Use a combination of real and dummy cake tiers

Dummy cake tiers, also known as imitation tiers, are made from polystyrene and are often used by wedding cake makers for display purposes. They are decorated just like the layers of sponge cake around them and blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cake.

Using a combination of real and dummy cake tiers for your map wedding cake can offer several advantages. Firstly, it can add height and impact to your cake, especially if it will be placed in a large room or as a focal point in the middle of a dance floor. By adding a couple of imitation tiers, you can increase the level of design and ensure your cake stands out in the venue. This can be particularly useful if you have a smaller number of guests and don't need as many baked layers.

Another benefit of using dummy tiers is that they can provide unlimited design possibilities. You can add depth, detail, and drama to your map wedding cake without compromising its stability. For example, if you want to create a "geode"-style cake, which involves removing sections of the cake to reveal a crystalline interior, using a dummy tier will ensure the structural integrity of the cake is maintained.

It's important to note that dummy tiers may not necessarily reduce the cost of your wedding cake. The price is typically based on the intricacy and detail of the design, and the same amount of time and effort go into decorating dummy tiers as real ones. Additionally, you will still need to serve cake to your guests, so you will need to factor in the cost of additional cake.

When using a combination of real and dummy cake tiers, it's crucial to consider stability and transportation. Dummy tiers need to be properly dowelled and secured to withstand the weight of the real cake tiers, especially during transport. Double-sided tape may not be strong enough, and you may need to use nails, royal icing, or a stacking system for added stability.

Choose a white cake for the best projection

Cake mapping, also known as projection mapping or 3D video mapping, is a technique that involves projecting media onto the surface of a cake. This technique was popularised by Disney Weddings in 2014, and has since become a popular choice for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations. The process involves using a projector, software, and cake materials to create a unique and personalised display.

When creating a map wedding cake, it is important to consider the size and shape of the cake, as well as whether it will be real or fake. While the choice is up to the baker, cakes with square bases, straight sides, and white fondant icing are commonly used for cake projection mapping. A white cake provides the ideal projection surface, allowing for clear and vibrant visuals.

For the best projection results, it is recommended to use a cake with a blocky shape and straight sides. Curved surfaces can be more challenging to work with and may require additional adjustments during the mapping process. White fondant icing is an excellent choice for the cake's covering, as it provides a plain and bright surface for the projections to shine on. The white colour also helps to enhance the colours and details of the projected images, ensuring they stand out and are easily visible.

Additionally, the size of the cake should be considered. Larger cakes, typically with 4-6 tiers, create a more impressive display and provide a bigger canvas for the projections. Each tier can be real or fake, depending on the client's preferences and budget. For weddings, it is customary to have at least the top tier made of real cake so that the couple can cut it in front of their guests.

By choosing a white cake with a blocky shape and straight sides, you will ensure the best projection results and create a stunning visual display for your guests.

Frequently asked questions