Crafting Pop-Up Wedding Cake Cards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pop-up cards are a fun and creative way to celebrate any occasion. In this case, pop-up wedding cake cards are a unique way to celebrate a wedding. These cards can be used as wedding invitations, wedding favours, or thank-you cards. The circular design of the pop-up cake is a fun surprise for the recipient and can be customised with colours and decorations to suit the couple. The cards can be made with cardstock and scrap paper, with optional additions like washi tape, glitter paper, stickers, ribbons, and lace. The cake can be made with flat cardstock, crimped cardstock, or ribbon, depending on the desired effect. The finished product is a fun and interactive way to celebrate a wedding and can be tailored to the couple's style.

Choosing your cake topper

The cake topper is a fun opportunity to add a personal touch to your pop-up wedding cake card. You can go for something playful and unique, or opt for a more elegant and classic style. Here are some ideas to consider:

• A pair of animals: Opt for a pair of adorable animals, usually made from wood, plastic, or china, to represent the couple. Popular choices include bears, birds, owls, rabbits, cats, and dogs.
• Bunting cake topper: If you're going for a rustic or shabby-chic theme, consider a bunting cake topper made from burlap or fabric flags. You can even include a message, such as the word "Love."
• Silhouette cake topper: This vintage-meets-modern twist involves turning an image of the couple into a silhouette and placing it atop the cake. You can even add pets or special items to personalize it further.
• Single letter: A simple yet effective idea is to use a single letter, typically the couple's new shared last initial. You can customise it to fit your style, whether it's glitzy and bejewelled or made from natural materials like moss.
• Wire cake topper: For an industrial-chic vibe, go for a wire cake topper in gold or silver, twisted to spell out words or designs such as your initials or a fun phrase.
• Photo cake topper: Place two photos of the happy couple side by side on top of the cake. For a retro touch, use Polaroid-style images.
• Wooden cake topper: A wooden cake topper is perfect for a nature-themed or rustic wedding. You can find options with messages burnt into the wood or twigs twisted into letters or shapes.
• Adirondack chairs cake topper: This cake topper is ideal for a beach wedding, with a pair of Adirondack chairs evoking a laid-back and romantic vibe. You can decorate the chairs simply or add a bit of sugar sand for a beachy feel.
• Traditional cake topper: For a classic look, choose a cake topper featuring a couple standing side-by-side or embracing in their wedding attire. You can find these in antique stores, flea markets, or even reuse a family heirloom.
• Humorous cake topper: Add a touch of humour to your cake with a custom cake topper that resembles the couple, either in wedding attire or clothing that reflects their shared interests. Include nods to favourite movies, hobbies, or even pets!
• Laser-cut cake topper: This on-trend option features cut-out calligraphed words, usually in gold. Spell out your names, monogram, or a fun phrase like "Just Married" or "Best Day Ever."
• Heart cake topper: A heart-shaped acrylic plaque can be personalised with a photo of the couple, their names, and the wedding date, along with a colourful splash of flowers.

Preparing your card stock

For this pop-up wedding cake card, you will need three 8.5" x 11" sheets of card stock. You can use a Cricut cutting machine to cut your card stock, or cut it by hand. You will also need regular and double-sided tape, as well as glue, to assemble the card.

If you are using a cutting machine, first download the template and upload the file to your design software. You will need to ungroup the main group, then change the layers of scorelines to "Score" in the design software, and then attach the score layer to the cut layer that goes with it.

Once you have attached the score layers with the cut layers, you can click "Make It" and proceed to cutting. Load your fine-point blade and cut your card stock. If you are using a Cricut machine, use Medium Cardstock in your Custom Material Settings.

If you are cutting by hand, print out the template and carefully cut out the pieces using a craft knife or scissors.

Measuring your cake tiers

To make a pop-up wedding cake card, you will need to measure your cake tiers to ensure they are all the same size. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Start by thinking about your cake toppers. Will they be candles, or a bride and groom? Cut these out and have them ready.

Next, take your folded card and line up your cake toppers with the fold. Roughly measure out the top and bottom of the cake, and divide this space into three equal parts along the spine. The bottom rung of the cake should be approximately half the length of the card.

Now it is time to cut your tiers. Make four cuts: two long cuts (approximately 5cm), one medium cut (approximately 3.5cm), and one small cut (approximately 2cm).

After you have made your cuts, create a neat fold along each one, then open the paper and reverse the crease.

Finally, glue each side of your paper into your card stock, pressing down to secure. Your basic pop-up cake is now finished! You can now decorate it as you wish.

Cutting and assembling the pop-up cake

The first step is to cut out the pieces from card stock. You will need six pieces, labelled A to F. Piece A is the base of the cake, and piece F is the top. Pieces B, C, and D are the layers of the cake, and piece E is a support piece.

Start by assembling piece B into the centre slot of piece A. Then, carefully slide piece C over the legs of pieces A and B. Follow this by sliding piece D over the legs of pieces A and B.

Now, we will assemble the support piece, E. Fold piece E along the dotted line and slide it over the legs of piece B. This will keep the cake stable and help the sides stay vertical when the card is opened.

Next, attach piece F over the legs of pieces A, B, and D. Carefully pull the tabs through piece F. You can use a “pinching” motion to pull the tabs through, by carefully pinching the tab while pushing piece F over the tabs with a rolling motion between your fingers.

Now, insert all of the tabs from the cake legs into the inside card. Make sure that the tabs of piece E line up with the holes in the inside card, and use the same “pinching” motion to pull the tabs through.

Finally, tape the tabs down to the inside card.

Decorating your card

Now comes the fun part: decorating your pop-up wedding cake card! You can use any paper and just decorate it using markers, washi tape, stickers, glitter, ribbons, lace, or even buttons! You can also cut out your own candles or a little bride and groom to place on top of the cake.

If you want to add some extra sparkle to your card, consider using glitter paper or stickers. You can also try embossing your paper with a pattern or design to give it a more luxurious feel.

Another idea is to use ribbon or lace to create a border around the edge of your card. This will give it a more polished look and feel.

Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different materials and techniques. You can even add some dried flowers or pressed leaves to give your card a natural, rustic feel.

Remember, this is your chance to personalize the card and make it truly special for the happy couple. So, take your time and enjoy the process of bringing your card to life!

Frequently asked questions