Crafting A Map Wedding: A Guide To Making A Map Wedding Call

A wedding is an important event in a person's life, and many couples strive to make it memorable. One way to do this is by incorporating technology into traditional wedding elements, such as the wedding cake. Projection mapping on a wedding cake involves using a projector to display chosen visuals, such as video fragments, pictures, or animations, directly onto the cake. This technique was popularised by Disney Weddings in 2014 and has since become a unique way to showcase beautiful designs, personalise the cake with names and photos, and even incorporate motion effects. Creating a map wedding cake requires specific equipment, including a projector, software, and a computer, and the process involves ensuring communication between the projector and software, advanced output settings, and designing the desired content. With the right tools and creativity, couples can make their wedding cake a breathtaking and unforgettable part of their special day.

Choose a white cake for the best canvas

A white cake is a perfect blank canvas for a wedding map cake. White cakes are the most common type of cake baked for all types of occasions. They are timeless, elegant, and classic.

Traditionally, white cakes were created for weddings as only the rich could afford white flour and sugar. As such, a white cake was considered a symbol of wealth.

White cakes are usually made with egg whites, butter, sugar, flour, milk, and extracts such as almond or vanilla. The almond extract is clear, and the vanilla extract will give a slightly off-white colour. Using a whiter butter will also result in a whiter cake.

White cakes can be decorated with piped white frosting, sugar flowers, fresh flowers, or edible wafer paper. They can be round or hexagonal, and have multiple tiers.

A white cake is a great base for projection mapping, a technique that involves projecting media onto the surface of a cake. Projection mapping was popularised by Disney Weddings in 2014, and can be used to create an eye-catching centrepiece.

Use a projector to map images

Using a projector to map images onto a wedding cake is a great way to create a unique and eye-catching centrepiece. This technique, known as "cake mapping" or "projection mapping", involves projecting media onto the surface of a cake, often using video mapping to create a 3D effect. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a stunning map-projected wedding cake:

Choose the Right Projector:

Start by selecting a suitable projector for cake mapping. Consider factors such as lens type and brightness. A projector with a short-throw lens is recommended as it allows the projector to be placed closer to the cake, maintaining brightness and avoiding obstruction of the projections. Aim for a projector with at least 2000 lumens to ensure good visibility, especially if you're projecting in a well-lit environment.

Set Up the Projector:

Decide on the placement of the projector. You can mount it on a tripod, place it on a table, or build a free-standing plinth. Alternatively, rig the projector overhead on a truss to avoid people standing between the cake and the projection. Ensure the projector is positioned at the right distance from the cake by using trial and error or calculating the required distance using the projector's throw ratio.

Connect the Projector to Your Laptop:

Use a BLUE wire to connect the projector to your laptop. Adjust your screen resolution settings to ensure the projection is displayed correctly. On Windows, open the Control Panel and select the appropriate display options ("Duplicate" or "Extend") to include the projector in your display setup. On Mac OS X, open display preferences and ensure 'mirror displays' is turned off to treat the projector as a separate display.

Install Projection Mapping Software:

Download and install projection mapping software such as Resolume Arena 4 (which offers a free trial) or other options like MadMapper, HeavyM, or MapMap. These tools will allow you to create, customise, and sequence your projections. Some software also offers advanced features for syncing audio and visuals or interactive customisation.

Design Your Projections:

Use software like Photoshop, After Effects, or Cinema 4D (which offer free trials) to design your visuals. Create graphics, text, and animations that fit your wedding theme and colour scheme. Consider adding personalised touches like names, photos, or custom messages. Save your final designs in a compatible format, such as .MOV, for use with your projection mapping software.

Map and Resize Your Projections:

Import your designs into the projection mapping software and use its tools to map and resize the images to fit your cake perfectly. Utilise features like masking and cropping to ensure the projections align correctly with the shape of your cake. Play around with different effects and transformations to create a dynamic and captivating display.

Finalise and Test:

Before the big day, test your setup thoroughly. Ensure that your cake is properly prepared with smooth icing or fondant to provide a good projection surface. Practice projecting your designs onto the cake to fine-tune positioning and sizing. Make any necessary adjustments to your projections or software settings to ensure a seamless display.

By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning map-projected wedding cake that will wow your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Connect your projector to your laptop

To connect your projector to your laptop, you can use a wired or wireless connection. Wired connections include HDMI, VGA, Mini HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB. Wireless connections include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Selecting the Right Cables and Adapters

First, identify the video output ports available on your laptop. Common ports include HDMI, Mini HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and VGA.

Matching the Video Output Port with the Projector's Input Options

Once you've identified the video output port on your laptop, ensure that the projector has a compatible input option. If your laptop and projector have different ports, you'll need the appropriate cable or adapter to match the two.

Common Types of Cables and Adapters for Laptop-to-Projector Connections

• HDMI Cable: A standard HDMI-to-HDMI cable is commonly used to connect laptops and projectors, providing both high-quality video and audio transmission.
• HDMI Adapter: Depending on your laptop's video output port, you may need an HDMI adapter (e.g. HDMI to VGA, HDMI to DisplayPort) to connect to the projector.
• USB-C Adapter: If your laptop has a USB-C port, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to VGA adapter.
• VGA Cable: For laptops with VGA ports, a VGA-to-VGA cable is used to connect to projectors with VGA inputs.

Wired Connections

HDMI

The HDMI connection is the most common option for casting video content on a modern projector.

• Find the HDMI ports: Locate the HDMI port on your laptop and the HDMI input on the projector.
• Connect the HDMI cable: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your laptop's HDMI port and the other end into the projector's HDMI input.
• Adjust display settings: Open display settings on your laptop and choose the appropriate display mode (extend or duplicate) to enable the connection with the projector.

VGA

• Locate the VGA ports: Identify the VGA port on your laptop and the VGA input on the projector.
• Connect the VGA cable: Plug one end of the VGA cable into the laptop's VGA port and the other end into the projector's VGA input.
• Adjust display settings: On your laptop, go to display settings (usually found in the control panel or system preferences) and select the option to extend or duplicate the display to the projector.
• Adjust projector settings: If the projector doesn't automatically detect the input, use its remote or on-screen menu to select the VGA input source.

USB

• Check laptop and projector compatibility: Ensure your laptop supports USB connectivity for video output.
• Get a USB video adapter: Purchase a USB video adapter that matches your laptop's video output port (e.g. USB to HDMI or USB to VGA).
• Connect the USB adapter: Plug the USB end of the adapter into your laptop's USB port and the other end into the projector's HDMI or VGA input.
• Install drivers (if necessary): Some USB adapters require drivers to be installed on your laptop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install any required software.
• Adjust display settings: Go to display settings on your laptop and configure the display mode to extend or duplicate to the projector.

Wireless Connections

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

• Check wireless compatibility: Ensure both your laptop and projector support wireless connections via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Connect wirelessly: Access the projector's wireless settings and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to your laptop.
• Screen mirroring: On your laptop, enable screen mirroring or casting through the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings to project your laptop's display onto the projector wirelessly.
• Adjust display settings (if needed): Depending on the wireless connection method, you might need to adjust display settings on your laptop to optimize the projection.

Use Photoshop, After Effects, and Cinema 4D

Although there are no step-by-step guides for creating a wedding invitation map using all three of these programs, there are guides for Photoshop and After Effects. Cinema 4D is a 3D modelling, animation and rendering software, so you could use this to create a 3D map of your wedding venue.

Photoshop

You can use Photoshop to create a wedding invitation map by following the steps outlined in the sources. First, open Photoshop and create a new document. Then, use Google Maps to find a view of the area where your ceremony and reception will be held. Copy the image from Google Maps and paste it into your Photoshop document. You may need to resize the image to fit your document.

Next, use the drawing tools to trace over the major roads and interstates. You can use the curve tool to create smoother lines, and play with the thickness, colour, and style of the lines to differentiate between different types of roads, rivers, etc. Once you're done tracing, add labels to identify the roadways using the "Text Box" tool.

After Effects

After Effects allows you to create video wedding invitations. You can choose from a variety of templates, such as the Floral Wedding Slideshow template, and customise them with your own text, images, and more. You can import your own media by going to File > Import > File, or by dragging and dropping the files into the Project Panel.

To adjust the size of your images, click on the photo or photo layer and press the 's' key. You can also change the colour of your images by going to the colour folder, double-clicking on the composition, and highlighting the layer. Go to the effect controls to find more editing options.

Cinema 4D

As mentioned, Cinema 4D is a 3D modelling software, so you could use this to create a 3D map of your wedding venue. There are a variety of tutorials available online to help you get started with the program.

Create custom visuals or use video games

Create Custom Visuals

If you're looking to create a unique and personalised experience for your wedding, you can design custom visuals to be projected onto your wedding cake. This method, known as projection mapping, allows you to map custom animations and visuals onto a 3D surface, such as your wedding cake. While it may sound complex, it can be achieved with free or inexpensive software and some creativity.

To get started, you'll need a dummy cake and a projector. You can then use software such as Resolume Arena 4, Photoshop, After Effects, or Cinema 4D, which often offer free trials. Connect your projector to your laptop and adjust the screen resolution to suit your setup. You can then begin designing your visuals, which can include text, graphics, and animations. This process allows you to transform your wedding cake into a dynamic and eye-catching display.

Using Video Games

Incorporating video games into your wedding is a fun and unique way to add a personal touch. If your partner is a gamer, this can be a great way to showcase their personality and interests. Here are some ideas to elegantly incorporate video games:

• Set up a gaming station during your cocktail hour. Use a projector screen so that everyone can see and join in on the fun.
• Decorate with gaming-themed ornaments or cake toppers. ThinkGeek.com and Etsy offer a variety of elegant options.
• Incorporate gaming controllers into your decor. You can find decorative controllers or even controller-shaped Christmas ornaments.
• Create a gaming-inspired photo booth with a projector or flat-screen TV.
• Use gaming-themed names for food and drink stations, such as "health pack."
• For a Super Mario-themed wedding, you can have fun with a comically large ring and guests can dress up as characters from the game.
• If you're a fan of The Witcher, you can incorporate a simple yet memorable wedding option, bolstering a happy ending to your special day.
• For a more light-hearted and whimsical approach, look to Stardew Valley or Skyrim for inspiration, where you can decide who takes part in the wedding ceremony.

By using a combination of custom visuals and video game-inspired elements, you can create a wedding that is truly reflective of your interests and personalities.

Frequently asked questions