Projection Mapping Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Projection mapping is a unique way to spice up a wedding cake. The technique involves projecting media onto the surface of a cake, which can be done on both real and fake cakes. This method was popularised by Disney Weddings in 2014 and has since captured the imagination of people worldwide. The cost of this technology varies, with basic packages starting from $500 and custom content costing upwards of $1500. To create a projection-mapped wedding cake, you will need a projector, software, and cake materials. The process involves connecting the projector to a laptop, adjusting the screen resolution, and using software to map the projection onto the cake surface. This guide will take you through the steps to create a breathtakingly beautiful and memorable wedding cake.

Choosing a projector

To make a projection-mapped wedding cake, you'll need a projector, and choosing the right one can be a little intimidating. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a projector for your wedding cake projection mapping:

Throw Ratio

The throw ratio determines the size of the projected image based on the distance between the projector and the surface. Most projectors have a throw ratio of about 1.5:1, meaning for every 1.5 feet of distance, the image will be about 1 foot wide. For larger cakes, you may need a short-throw projector, which typically has a throw ratio of about 0.5:1, allowing for a larger image with less distance.

Resolution

The resolution of the projector refers to the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal projection directions, and it determines the sharpness of the image. Look for the term native resolution when checking the specifications. For clear results, choose a projector with a resolution of at least 720p (HD). If you want to future-proof your projector, consider a 4K resolution, but be aware that these models can be more expensive and harder to find, especially with short-throw options.

Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens, and it is crucial for ensuring a clear and crisp image. The higher the lumens, the brighter the projector. For projection mapping, it is recommended to have at least 3,000 ANSI lumens, especially if there is ambient light in the room. If the room is very dark, you may be able to get away with 2,000 lumens.

Lamp Life

Keep in mind that projectors are essentially lamps and can wear out quickly. Manufacturers typically guarantee a lamp life of 1,000 to 4,000 hours. LED and laser projectors tend to last longer, with tens of thousands of hours of use. Laser projectors are a good option as they do not lose brightness over time, but they are more expensive.

Connectivity

The quality of the projection can be improved by using digital connections such as HDMI, DVI, or USB cables. Additionally, some projectors offer wireless connectivity via Bluetooth, allowing for cable-free control.

Intended Use

Consider the purpose of your projection, the environment (indoor or outdoor), the size of the projection area, and the type of content you will be using. These factors will help you choose a projector that is suitable for your specific needs.

Using a dummy cake

Choose the Right Cake Size and Shape

The size and shape of your dummy cake can vary, but some work better than others for projection mapping. It is recommended to use a 5-tier cake with the following dimensions: 8" x 8" x 5", 10" x 10" x 5", 12" x 12" x 5", 14" x 14" x 5", and 16" x 16" x 5". These dimensions offer a good balance between visual impact and practicality. Using square-based tiers with straight sides is also recommended, as they are easier to map than curved surfaces.

Select Your Cake Materials

For a dummy cake, you can use styrofoam covered in white fondant icing. If you plan to keep the dummy tiers for an extended period, consider using icing designed for tropical temperatures, as fondant icing can sweat over time. The white colour is ideal for projection mapping, providing a perfect canvas for motion pictures.

Set Up Your Projector

Positioning your projector is crucial. You can mount it on a tripod, place it on a table, or build a free-standing plinth. Using a projector with a short-throw lens is recommended, as it allows the projector to be closer to the cake, maintains brightness, and prevents people from blocking the projection. Ensure the projector is far enough away to cover the entire cake with the image.

Use Projection Mapping Software

Software is essential for projection mapping. You can use programs like Resolume Arena, Photoshop, After Effects, or Cinema 4D. These tools allow you to create and map visuals, animations, and effects onto your cake. Some software offers free trials, so you can experiment and find the one that suits your needs.

Design Your Content

This is where you can let your creativity shine. Design visuals, animations, or even a photo slideshow to project onto your cake. You can purchase exclusive visuals or create your own using animation and video editing software. Consider adding motion effects, such as spinning cake levels, to make your cake truly come alive.

Final Tips

To ensure the best sharp image on the cake, use high-quality photos, pictures, or videos. Additionally, if you plan to have a real cake tier for the couple to cut, the top tier is usually the one used for this tradition.

Mapping software

Firstly, it's important to understand the basic principle of projection mapping software. This software allows you to warp or 'map' 2D media onto a 3D surface, in this case, the surface of your wedding cake. The software plays a crucial role in ensuring that the visuals you choose align perfectly with the shape and dimensions of your cake.

When selecting mapping software, consider using platforms like Luma Box, which offers a comprehensive guide to cake mapping, including recommendations for software, equipment, and materials. They also provide video content, animations, and templates specifically designed for cake projection mapping, making it a one-stop shop for your creative needs.

Another option for mapping software is TABULA FaçadeSignage, a user-friendly software made in Italy. This software promises simplicity and ease of use, allowing even those without a technical background to create stunning projections. With just a projector and a few minutes of setup time, you can bring your wedding cake to life with motion pictures and visual effects.

If you're looking for ready-to-use visuals, consider purchasing video mapping loops designed specifically for wedding cake projection. Websites like Video Mapping Store offer high-quality Full HD video mapping loops with various effects, including abstract falling petals, strobe maps, motion lines animation, and more. These loops can be easily mixed into any VJ software to create a captivating display.

Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You can use exclusive visuals, such as video game characters or architectural compositions, to make your wedding cake truly unique. With the right mapping software and some imagination, you can transform your wedding cake into a breathtaking and unforgettable masterpiece.

Creating visuals

There are many options for the visuals themselves. You could use a photo slideshow, for example, made up of your favourite photos as a couple. You could also use video clips, such as a clip of fireworks, or even a video of the cake itself with motion effects added. Cartoons or film clips can also be used to add a romantic, warm atmosphere to your wedding.

If you want to keep things simple, you could use a custom monogram, or a static image, which is projected onto the cake. This could be a still image, or a short animation, such as a spinning cake. You can also add movement to static images by using software to create a "virtual spotlight" effect, as one couple did by projecting a glass slipper, which had been used in the proposal, onto their cake.

You can also purchase exclusive visuals, created by professionals, to make your cake unique and unforgettable. These could include video games, such as Pacman, or popular architectural compositions in HD.

The best results are achieved with a white, solid-colour cake, and using high-quality visuals.

Setting up the display

Equipment and Software

Firstly, gather your equipment and ensure you have the necessary software. You will need a projector, and while you can use any preferred model, Epson and Acer are two common options. Additionally, you will require software such as Resolume Arena 4 (which offers a free trial) and design software like Photoshop, After Effects, and Cinema 4D (also with free trials available).

Communication Between Your Projector and Software

Establish effective communication between your projector and the Resolume software. Start by connecting the BLUE wire to your laptop and adjusting the screen resolution. On Windows, open the Control Panel and select the appropriate display settings, ensuring you have at least two displays visible and active. On Mac OS X, open display preferences in System Preferences and ensure 'mirror displays' is turned off, giving you two separate displays.

Resolume Composition Settings

Now that your displays are set up, launch Resolume and access the composition settings menu by pressing Ctrl+Shift+C. Here, you will be able to adjust the size to match your projector's output and select the specific computer display you want to use for the main output.

Advanced Output Settings

To fine-tune your setup, access the Advanced Output Settings by selecting Output > Advanced. Here, you can assign the correct output to each screen, ensuring proper slicing and masking. This step is crucial for controlling the content displayed on each projector, especially if you are using multiple projectors.

Screen Warping and Masking

In the Output Transformation mode, you can utilise screen warping to adjust the position and geometry of the projected output. This feature is particularly useful for mapping the projection to irregularly shaped surfaces or when using multiple projectors for a spanned output. Additionally, you can apply masking to create holes in the projected image, allowing for more complex compositions.

Design Content and 3D Modelling

Finally, it's time to create your visual content. Use 3D modelling software like Cinema 4D and 3D Max to generate animations and visuals. You can also use Photoshop to design graphics and text, saving your work as a .PNG file. Once you're happy with your content, import the files into Resolume, ensuring they are in the correct format (.MOV), and begin mapping them to the cake using the advanced transformation menu, masking, cropping, and resizing tools.

Frequently asked questions