Crafting A Pop-Up Wedding Card: Creative Steps Unveiled

Pop-up wedding cards are a creative way to celebrate a couple's special day. They can be used as invitations, thank-you cards, or congratulatory messages. With a variety of designs, from elegant floral arrangements to fun modes of transport, pop-up cards are a unique way to commemorate a wedding. You can even make your own pop-up wedding cards with templates available online.

Choosing a ribbon for the cake sides

When making a pop-up wedding card, you can use ribbon for the sides of the cake. This ensures that when the card is opened, it opens completely round. If the sides are made of paper, creases can prevent the cake from opening fully, making it look oval.

Type of Ribbon

Use cloth ribbon, such as satin or silk, instead of the cheap ribbon used for wrapping presents. Cloth ribbon will give your card a more elegant and luxurious look, and it will also be more durable.

Ribbon Thickness

The ribbon can be either 5/8" or 7/8" thick. This is a good thickness for the ribbon to be visible and create a nice impact without being too bulky for the card.

Ribbon Colour and Pattern

There are many pretty ribbons to choose from, allowing you to customize your cake design. You can choose a ribbon colour and pattern that complements the colour scheme of the wedding or the bride's and groom's attire. For example, if the wedding colours are blush and gold, you could choose a ribbon with those colours or a simple gold ribbon.

Ribbon Quality

When choosing a ribbon, test it by folding it to see if the crease stays. A small crease is okay, but you want to avoid ribbons that crease deeply and easily, as this can affect the functionality of your card.

Ribbon Length

For a two-tiered cake pop-up card, you will need two strips of ribbon measuring 6.25" and 10.5" (16cm and 27cm) in length. Cut the ribbon to the appropriate length, and remember to leave a small gap of about 1mm between the ribbon and the cake when attaching it to the card. This will ensure that the ribbon does not hang on the edges of the cake when the card is opened.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect ribbon for the cake sides of your pop-up wedding card, creating a beautiful and functional design.

Assembling the cake pieces

The cake pieces are labelled A to F. Assemble the pieces in alphabetical order. You may want to gently write the letters on the pieces to keep track. First, assemble piece B into the centre slot in piece A. Then, carefully slide piece C over the legs of pieces A and B, followed by piece D.

Next, fold piece E along the dotted line and slide it over the legs of piece B. This piece keeps the cake stable and helps the ribbon stay vertical when the card is opened. Attach piece F over the legs of pieces A, B and D. Carefully pull the tabs through piece F. One tip is to carefully "pinch" the tab while pushing piece F over the tabs, rolling it between your fingers.

Insert all of the tabs from the cake legs into the inside card. Be careful to make sure that the tabs of piece E line up with the holes in the inside card. Make sure that all of your holes are cut through cleanly. Use the same "pinching" motion to pull the tabs through the inside card.

Tape the tabs down to the inside card.

Attaching the ribbon

Choosing the Right Ribbon

Select a cloth ribbon, preferably made of satin or silk, instead of the cheap ribbon used for wrapping presents. The ribbon should be either 5/8” or 7/8” thick. To test the ribbon, fold it gently to see if it holds a crease. A small crease is acceptable, but avoid using ribbons with deep creases.

• Cut two strips of ribbon: one measuring 6.25” and the other 10.5” (16cm, 27cm) long.
• Use double-sided tape to attach one end of the ribbon to the back of the cake. Alternatively, you can use glue, but be cautious as it can get messy if not fully dried.
• Secure the loose ends of the ribbon to the backside of the card with double-sided tape. Ensure there is a slight gap of about 1mm between the ribbon and the cake. This will prevent the ribbon from catching on the cake's edges when the card is opened.
• Close the card halfway and gently push the ribbon aside from the cake. Attach another piece of double-sided tape between the ribbon and the front of the cake. This step may be easier with tweezers or by placing the tape on the end of a pen for more precision.
• Close the card and press firmly on the tape to ensure the ribbon is securely attached to the cake.

Final Steps

Open and close the card to ensure the mechanism works smoothly and the ribbon does not catch on the cake sides. If necessary, loosen the ribbon slightly to create a larger gap between the ribbon and the cake. Your pop-up wedding cake card is now complete!

Feel free to add your own creative touches to the card, such as choosing a different colour or pattern for the ribbon to match the theme of your wedding.

Adding a cake topper

Step 1: Choose Your Cake Topper Design

Decide on the type of cake topper you want to create. For a wedding card, you can opt for a heart topper or a bride and groom topper. If you're making a birthday cake card, you can use single candles or numbers as toppers. You can also cut out small flame shapes to place on top of the candles for a festive touch.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

You will need a template for your cake topper, which you can purchase or design yourself. Print out the template pieces on paper and cut them out carefully. You will also need a ribbon for the sides of the cake, preferably a cloth ribbon made of satin or silk. Avoid using cheap ribbons meant for wrapping gifts, as they tend to crease easily. Additionally, you'll need double-sided tape or glue, scissors, and card stock.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Pieces

Your cake pieces are labeled A to F. Begin by assembling the pieces in alphabetical order, gently sliding them together as per the template instructions. This will form the base of your cake topper.

Step 4: Attach the Ribbon

Cut two strips of ribbon, one measuring 6.25" and the other 10.5" in length. Attach one end of each ribbon strip to the back of the cake using double-sided tape or glue. Be careful not to make the ribbon too tight, as you want to ensure a smooth opening and closing of the card.

Step 5: Secure the Ribbon

Use double-sided tape to secure the loose ends of the ribbon to the backside of the card. Then, attach another piece of double-sided tape between the ribbon and the front of the cake to hold it in place. Close the card halfway and adjust the ribbon as needed to ensure it doesn't get caught in the cake sides.

Step 6: Add the Cake Topper

Now, it's time to add your chosen cake topper! Insert the cake topper into the hole at the top of the cake and secure it with a small amount of glue if you want it to be permanent.

Your pop-up wedding card with a cake topper is now complete! This interactive and whimsical design is sure to delight the recipient and make your handmade card stand out.

Final checks

Now that you've assembled your pop-up wedding card, it's time to do some final checks to ensure everything is perfect and ready to be gifted! Here are some detailed and direct instructions for the final checks:

• Open and close the card multiple times: This is an important step to ensure that all the pop-up elements function properly. Check that the ribbon or paper sides of the cake, if you've chosen to include them, aren't getting caught on the cake sides or any other elements. If they do, adjust the ribbon or paper by loosening it slightly and increasing the gap between the ribbon/paper and the cake.
• Check the stability of the cake: Gently shake the card while it's open to see if the cake remains stable. If it wobbles or seems loose, carefully adjust the pieces to ensure a secure fit.
• Inspect the tabs: Ensure that all tabs are securely taped down and hidden from view. Double-check that none of the tabs are torn, as this can affect the stability of the pop-up elements.
• Examine the cake topper: Confirm that the cake topper you've chosen is securely attached. If it's not, add a small amount of glue to keep it in place.
• Check the message and signatures: If you've included a handwritten message or signatures, review them for any errors or smudges. Make sure the ink is completely dry before closing the card to avoid smudging.
• Test the opening and closing mechanism: Open and close the card a few times to ensure the mechanism is smooth and easy to operate. Check that the card lays flat when closed and that there are no bulges or warping.
• Inspect the envelope: If you're including an envelope, ensure that it's the correct size and that the card fits smoothly inside without forcing it. Check that the envelope flap closes securely, and consider adding a seal or a sticker to keep it closed.
• Final presentation: Take a step back and admire your handiwork! Ensure that the overall presentation of the card meets your standards and that all elements are neatly assembled and secured.
• Prepare for gifting: If you're satisfied with the final checks, your pop-up wedding card is now ready to be gifted to the happy couple! Consider adding some extra decorations to the envelope or including a small gift, such as a gift card, along with the card.

Your pop-up wedding card is now complete, and you can be proud of your creative accomplishment! This unique and thoughtful gift is sure to be cherished and remembered by the recipients. Enjoy the process of crafting and finalizing your card, and don't forget to capture some photos of your masterpiece before gifting it!

Frequently asked questions