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

Piping a swag decoration on a wedding cake is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your big day. A swag is a decoration of frosting or fondant that looks like strings of pearls draped along the sides of a cake. This article will teach you how to make a swag for a wedding cake, including the tools and steps you need to take. By following these instructions, you can create a beautiful and elegant wedding cake that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

How to pipe a swag decoration

Piping a swag decoration onto the sides of a wedding cake is a great way to add an elegant, decorative touch. The swag design is made up of dots of frosting that resemble strings of pearls. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pipe a swag decoration:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before you begin piping, ensure that your cake is fully assembled and chilled. This will make it easier to handle and decorate.

Step 2: Measure and Mark

Start by measuring and marking the placement of your swag decoration. You can use a ruler, but it's often better to eye the measurements to avoid making marks on the finished frosting. Place a dot anywhere on the side of the cake as a starting point. Then, go directly across from that point and place another dot. Turn slightly and mark the centre between these two dots. Repeat this process for each tier of the cake, offsetting the dots on consecutive tiers.

Step 3: Create Guidelines

Use the dots as a guide to create a quadrant on each tier. Mark the centre between each pair of dots, both vertically and horizontally, creating a cross.

Step 4: Find the Lowest Point

The final and most crucial measurement is finding the lowest point of the swag. A helpful technique is to use your thumb as a guide. Place the piping bag at the bend of your thumb, touching the lowest dot, and mark this spot.

Step 5: Connect the Dots

Once you have all the necessary dots in place, it's time to pipe the swag. Connect the dots with frosting, ensuring you keep the line on a curve and space them evenly apart. Remember to make the dots the same size for a consistent look. Repeat this process for each tier, adjusting the angle as needed.

Tips:

• If you make a mistake with the dots, you can easily scrape them off if the cake is cold.
• Don't worry about minor flaws, as they won't be noticeable once the cake is finished.
• Always work in front of yourself so you can clearly see the curve and adjust as you pipe.
• When decorating a multi-tiered cake, remember to add teardrops between each tier to create a seamless look.

How to measure a cake for swag decorations

To measure a cake for swag decorations, you don't need to use a ruler, but if you do, be careful not to make any marks on the finished frosting. It's almost better to eye it. Start anywhere as a starting point and put a dot. These dots are not going to show at the end. The flower will go on top. Put another dot directly across from the first one and then turn it slightly and centre between the two.

On the next tier, do the same but offset it between the two dots. You are marking this tier into quadrants using these two dots as a guide. Go to the centre of each quadrant and put another dot. You can see already that it's nice and even.

On the bottom tier, use the top as a guide or the dots from the tier above. Turn 45 degrees for the next tier and then back for the next tier. The last part you have to be careful to measure is the point, the lowest point of this swag. The easiest way to do this is to use your knuckle as a guide. Put the piping bag at the bend of your thumb and put a dot there.

When you are ready to do your swags, these are the two points you are going to connect. Remember to keep it on a curve and space them evenly apart. Make sure the dots are the same size as each other. When you go up the other way, keep it in front of you so you can see your curve. When you do the next tier, open the angle a little bit.

How to attach swag to a wedding cake

To attach a swag to a wedding cake, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to assemble the cake and ensure it is fully covered in fondant or frosting. If using fondant, you will need to mix it with gumpaste and let it stand for an hour. Then, you should make equal markings on the cake using a garland marker to get the best results.

Next, roll out a small amount of the fondant-gumpaste mixture, using a little powdered sugar, and cut out a rectangle. Place this against the cake to measure the width, ensuring it is equal to the distance between the two markings.

Now, you can begin to attach the swag. Slide the first skewer under the fondant and gently slide your fingers over it. Repeat this process with two more skewers, placing them a little further away each time. After placing all the skewers, let the fondant stand for about a minute. Then, gently bring the skewers closer together before slowly sliding them out. Bring the drapes closer and squeeze the ends.

Finally, apply a small amount of water to the top edge and ends of the swag. Attach the ends at the markings on the cake and ease out the swag between the markings. Repeat this process all around the cake.

You can decorate the top end of the swags with royal icing or buttercream, using techniques such as beads, shells, stars, or zigzags.

How to create fondant swags

Fondant swags are a popular decoration for wedding and anniversary cakes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create them:

Firstly, you will need 3 to 4 wooden skewers (or knitting needles/chopsticks), a garland marker (optional), and some fondant and gumpaste. Begin by mixing equal amounts of fondant and gumpaste and letting the mixture stand for an hour. In the meantime, you can make equal markings on the fondant-covered cake. For the best results, use a garland marker.

Next, roll out a small amount of the fondant-gumpaste mixture with a little powdered sugar and cut it into rectangles. Place a rectangle against the cake between two markings to measure the width; the width should be equal to the distance between the two markings.

Now, it's time to start creating the swag drapes. Slide the first skewer under the fondant and gently slide your fingers over it. Slide the second skewer a little away from the first, and slide your fingers over both. Repeat this process with the third skewer, placing it a little further away from the second. After placing all the skewers under the fondant, let it stand for a minute. Gently bring the skewers closer together, then slowly slide them out. Bring the drapes closer together and squeeze the ends.

Place the swag against the cake between the two markings to measure. If it's slightly bigger, cut out a small piece at one end and squeeze the end again. Turn the swag over, and on the reverse side, apply a small amount of water to the top edge and the squeezed ends. Attach the swag ends at the markings on the cake, then ease out the swag between the markings.

Repeat these steps all around the rest of the cake. To finish, decorate the top ends of the swags with royal icing or buttercream. You can use a variety of techniques, such as beads, shells, stars, or zigzags, or get creative and decorate them however you like!

Some bakers choose to pre-make the fondant swags, wrapping them in plastic and storing them flat before attaching them to the cake on-site. Others prefer to assemble the entire cake, including the swags, before transporting it to the wedding venue.

How to decorate a swag with icing

Decorating a swag with icing is a great way to add a simple yet elegant design to a wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to decorate a swag with icing:

Prepare the Cake and Icing:

Before you start decorating, ensure your cake is assembled and chilled. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the icing from melting. Prepare your icing by making buttercream or royal icing. Buttercream is a popular choice for swags and will hold its shape on the side of the cake. If you want a darker colour, like black, royal icing may be easier to achieve the desired colour.

Measure and Mark:

Start by measuring where you want the swag to drape on the sides of the cake. You can use a ruler, but it's often better to eye it to avoid making marks on the finished frosting. Place a small dot of icing to mark the starting point. Then, go directly across for the next mark, turn slightly, and centre between the two dots. Repeat this process for each tier of the cake, offsetting the dots as you go.

Create Guidelines:

Use the dots as a guide to create quadrants on each tier. Connect the dots to form guidelines for your swag design. Remember to keep the lines on a curve and space them evenly apart. Turn the cake as you work to ensure the lines are consistent and smooth.

Pipe the Swag:

Now it's time to pipe the swag! Using your chosen icing, connect the dots to create a curved line. Remember to keep the piping in front of you so you can see the curve and adjust as needed. Open the angle slightly as you move up the tiers to create a draping effect.

Add Final Touches:

Once you've piped the swag, you can add any final touches, such as flowers or other decorations. If you're not happy with your dots or lines, simply scrape them off if the cake is cold. Minor flaws can also be covered up as they won't be noticeable when the cake is finished.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and elegant swag design on your wedding cake, adding a unique touch to your special day.

Frequently asked questions