Creating A Wedding Pop-Up Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pop-up wedding cards are a unique and creative way to celebrate a couple's special day. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift, a memorable wedding invitation, or a simple way to say congratulations, a handmade pop-up card is sure to impress. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make a stunning pop-up wedding card, from choosing the right materials to assembling the intricate details. With a bit of creativity and patience, you'll be able to craft a card that will be cherished for years to come.

Choosing a template

There are many pop-up card templates available online, and some are even free! You can find them on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and Creative Pop-Up Cards. Some templates are more basic, while others are more intricate and detailed. The level of complexity you choose will depend on your crafting skills and how much time you want to spend on this project.

• Theme: Do you want a simple "Congratulations" card, or do you want to incorporate a specific theme like a wedding cake, a car, or a bouquet of flowers?
• Complexity: How intricate do you want the pop-up element to be? Basic templates will have one pop-up element, while more complex ones may have multiple layers or moving parts.
• Customisation: Some templates allow for customisation, such as adding your own message or photo.
• Materials: Consider the materials you will need for the template. For example, the wedding cake pop-up card from Creative Pop-Up Cards uses ribbon for the sides of the cake, which you will need to purchase separately.
• Format: Will you be printing the template at home, or do you need to download it and have it printed elsewhere?

Once you've considered these factors, you can start browsing for a template that suits your needs. Take some time to read through the instructions and reviews before purchasing or downloading to ensure that you have all the necessary materials and skills to complete the project.

Using ribbon for the cake sides

When selecting a ribbon for your wedding pop-up card, opt for cloth ribbons made of satin or silk. Avoid the cheap ribbon used for wrapping presents, as it tends to crease easily. Test your ribbon by folding it; if the crease stays, it's best to choose an alternative ribbon. The ribbon can be either 5/8" or 7/8" thick.

Once you've chosen your ribbon, cut two strips measuring 6.25" and 10.5" (16cm and 27cm). Use double-sided tape to attach one end of the ribbon to the back of the cake, and then tape the loose ends to the card's backside. Ensure there is a gap of about 1mm between the ribbon and the cake so that the ribbon doesn't catch on the cake sides when the card is opened and closed.

Close the card halfway and attach another piece of double-sided tape between the ribbon and the front of the cake. Press firmly to ensure the ribbon is securely attached. Now you can open and close the card to check that everything functions properly and the ribbon doesn't get caught. If the ribbon does get caught, simply loosen it and increase the gap between the ribbon and the cake.

Assembling the cake pieces

The cake pieces are labelled A-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. 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, using a rolling motion 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 cake topper

Now it's time to choose your cake topper! If you're making a birthday cake, you can use single candles or numbers. You could also cut out flames to place on top of the candles. If you're making a wedding cake, you can use a heart or bride and groom toppers.

Take your chosen cake topper and insert it into the hole at the top of the cake. If you want to make it permanent, use some glue to fix it in place.

If you're feeling extra creative, you can cut out some flames to place on top of the candles for a birthday cake. Or, for a wedding cake, you could even cut out a small paper bouquet to place on top for an extra special touch.

Once you're happy with your cake topper, it's time to move on to the next step of assembling your pop-up card. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of bringing your card to life!

If you're happy with how your cake looks and you don't want to add a topper, feel free to skip this step and move on to the next one. The great thing about making your own pop-up card is that you can customise it however you like!

Attaching the ribbon to the card

Choosing the Right Ribbon

Select a ribbon that complements your card design and colour scheme. It is recommended to use cloth ribbon, such as satin or silk, instead of cheap wrapping paper ribbon. The ideal thickness for the ribbon is either 5/8" or 7/8". Ensure that the ribbon folds without leaving a deep crease, as this can affect the overall appearance of your card.

Cutting the Ribbon

You will need two strips of ribbon for each card: one measuring 6.25" and the other 10.5" (16cm and 27cm). If you are unable to find ribbon, you can cut thin strips of paper to use instead, although ribbon is preferable as it creases less.

• 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 back of the card, ensuring there is a gap of approximately 1mm between the ribbon and the cake. This will prevent the ribbon from catching on the cake 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. Firmly press the tape to ensure a good hold.
• Close and open the card to check that the ribbon does not catch on the cake sides. If it does, loosen the ribbon and increase the gap between the ribbon and the cake.

By carefully following these steps, you will be able to attach the ribbon securely and elegantly to your pop-up wedding card.

Frequently asked questions