Creating A Wedding Cake Stand Riser: Diy Guide

A wedding cake stand is an essential part of the overall decor and can even be the centrepiece of the event. There are many ways to make a DIY wedding cake stand, from using wood to repurposing old china. One way to make a wooden cake stand is to use an unpainted wooden candlestick, two small wooden plaques, a large round wooden plaque for the top, wooden beads, white paint or stain, wood glue, and a polycrylic protective finish. You can also make a tiered wedding cake stand using simple wood cutting, sanding, hole drilling, and painting or staining.

Choosing the right materials

• Type of Wood: The type of wood you choose will impact the overall strength and appearance of your cake stand. For a sturdy and durable option, consider using hardwoods such as oak, maple, or walnut. Softer woods like pine or poplar are easier to work with but may not provide the same level of strength. Plywood is also an option, as demonstrated in the tiered donut wedding cake stand tutorial, but ensure it's at least 1/2" thick for stability.
• Wood Finish: You can opt for a natural wood finish, showcasing the beauty of the grain, or add a touch of elegance with paint or stain. If you plan to use the stand for food, ensure the paint or stain is non-toxic and sealed with a food-safe finish. A polycrylic protective finish is a popular option, and for light paint colours, consider a water-based polyurethane.
• Adhesives: Wood glue is essential for joining the pieces of your cake stand together. Look for a strong adhesive designed for woodworking projects. Some options include Beacon Power-Tac or any other wood glue recommended for your specific type of wood.
• Hardware: Depending on the design of your cake stand, you may need screws, dowels, or dowel screws to secure the pieces together. For the DIY tiered donut wedding cake stand, the author used both wood screws and dowel screws. The dowel screws were used to attach the risers and tiers, providing stability and allowing for easy disassembly.
• Decorative Elements: To add a touch of glamour to your wedding cake stand, consider incorporating decorative elements such as wooden beads, metal accents, or crystal embellishments. These details can elevate the overall design and make your stand truly unique.
• Size and Proportions: Before selecting your materials, carefully plan the size and proportions of your cake stand. Consider the number of tiers, the desired height, and the size of the cakes or desserts you plan to display. This will help you determine the required amount of wood, paint, glue, and other materials.
• Budget: The cost of materials can vary, especially with the recent increase in wood prices. Create a budget for your project and compare prices for the different types of wood, hardware, and decorative elements. Opt for recycled or repurposed materials to save money, but ensure they are safe and suitable for food use if necessary.

Remember, the key to choosing the right materials is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Select materials that are sturdy, food-safe, and within your budget, while also considering how you can incorporate decorative touches to make your wedding cake stand riser truly special.

Assembly instructions

Materials:

• One unpainted wooden candlestick (4.5″ – 10″)
• Two small unpainted wooden plaques, one 4″ Wood Base, and one 5″ Wood Base
• One large round wood plaque for the top, 8″ – 12″, 8″ Wood Round
• One bag of 3/8″ wooden beads
• White paint or stain and paintbrush
• Wood glue
• Polycrylic protective finish

Steps:

• Gather all the materials listed above.
• Stack the pieces in the following order: 5″ circle on the bottom (right side up), candlestick (right side up), 4″ circle (upside down), and top wood circle.
• Stack the pieces and use a ruler to draw circles to line them up on the piece below.
• Glue the 5″ piece to the candlestick and then glue the 4″ piece on top.
• String some wooden beads onto a wire and measure them to fit around the bottom edge of the candlestick.
• Once you have the correct number of beads, string one side of the wire through the next bead and pull tightly.
• Lift the round wooden beads and apply some wood glue. Press and hold until adhered.
• Attach the base to the top piece with wood glue.
• Add beading around all edges for a total of three.
• Once the beads are dry, pull out the wire and get ready to paint.
• Apply paint thinly to all areas on the cake stand. If it’s too thick, wipe it off.
• Once dried, cover with a polycrylic protective finish.

Additional Tips:

• You can decide what size cake plate you want to make. Most wooden materials come in all sizes, so choose the one that suits your needs.
• If you're making a tiered cake stand, you'll need to cut plywood into squares and blocks for the tiers and risers. Sand and paint/stain the wood before assembling.
• For a smooth finished edge on plywood boards, use iron-on wood veneer band edge. Cut it 1/2″ longer than the side you're covering and use a hot iron to adhere it.
• To assemble the tiered stand, find the center of each board and mark with a pencil. Drill holes and attach the pieces using wood screws and/or dowel screws.
• You can seal painted surfaces with Minwax Polycrylic to make them food-safe. Alternatively, use parchment paper or wax paper to add another layer of protection.

Painting and finishing

Once you have assembled your wedding cake stand, it's time to paint and finish it! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Sanding

Start by sanding the entire surface of the wood, including the edges, with 100-grit sandpaper. This will help to smooth out the wood and create a uniform surface for painting. Once you've sanded the entire stand, go over it again with 220-grit sandpaper to ensure an extra smooth finish. After sanding, use a damp rag or tack cloth to remove any remaining sanding grit.

Step 2: Priming and Painting

Before assembling your stand, you can prime and paint the individual pieces. This is an important step to ensure that the paint adheres well to the wood and to prevent any wood tannins from seeping through and discolouring the paint. Choose a primer that is suitable for the type of paint you will be using. If you are using spray paint, look for a product that combines primer and paint in one formula.

Step 3: Iron-On Wood Veneer (Optional)

If you want to give your stand a more finished look, especially if you are using plywood, consider covering the edges with iron-on wood veneer. This will hide the rough edges of the plywood and give your stand a smoother appearance. Cut the veneer to the desired length, leaving about 1/8" past the corner. Then, use a hot iron to adhere it to the edges of the plywood. Trim away any excess veneer using a craft knife or trimming tool.

Step 4: Painting the Stand

Now, you are ready to paint your stand. Apply a thin coat of paint to all areas, wiping away any excess. Allow the paint to dry completely. If desired, you can add a second coat for a more opaque finish.

Step 5: Protective Finish

Once the paint is dry, apply a protective finish to seal the paint and add a layer of protection. A polycrylic protective finish will work well for this purpose. This is especially important if you plan to use your stand for food, as it will create a safe and durable surface.

Your wedding cake stand is now complete and ready to be used! Remember to allow the paint and finish to cure for a few weeks before placing food directly on the surface. Enjoy your beautiful and functional creation!

Making a tiered stand

Planning Your Tiered Stand:

• Determine the size: Decide on the desired size of your cake stand, considering the number of tiers and the size of your cake.
• Choose your materials: Select materials that complement your wedding theme and colour scheme. You can use wood, metal, china plates, or other decorative items.
• Gather your supplies: You will need items such as wooden plaques, candlesticks, beads, paint, glue, screws, and other hardware.

Assembling the Tiered Stand:

• Prepare the wood: Cut your plywood into the desired sizes for the tiers. Sand the wood to smooth the surfaces and edges. You can also apply a finish, such as stain or paint, at this point.
• Create a smooth edge: To give your stand a more polished look, cover the edges of the plywood with iron-on wood veneer banding. Cut and trim the veneer to fit each edge, then use a hot iron to adhere it in place.
• Mark the centres: Find the centre of each board and mark it with a pencil. This will be important for drilling holes and attaching the tiers.
• Drill holes: For the smallest and largest boards, drill holes using a smaller drill bit for the wood screws. For the middle boards, use a larger drill bit to create holes for the dowel screws.
• Attach the feet: Measure 4 inches from each corner of the largest board and mark. Drill holes and attach the wood blocks for the feet using wood screws.
• Add the risers: Use dowel screws to attach the riser blocks between each tier. Place one end of the dowel screw into the pre-drilled hole and tighten it with pliers.
• Secure the tiers: Place the next tier over the dowel screw and add another riser block on top. Repeat this process for all the tiers.
• Finish the top: For the top tier, centre the smallest board over the centre hole on the riser block and attach it with a wood screw from the top down.
• Painting or staining: You can paint or stain your stand to match your wedding colours. Use primer and paint, spray paint, or wood stain, and seal it with a suitable finish.

Finalising Your Tiered Stand:

Once your stand is assembled and decorated, it's time to put the finishing touches in place:

• Test assembly: Before the wedding, practice assembling and disassembling the stand to ensure it fits together securely and you know how to transport it.
• Add decorations: Enhance the stand's appearance by adding flowers, ribbons, or other decorative elements that match your wedding theme.
• Place the cake: On the day of the wedding, carefully place your cake on the stand, ensuring it is secure and well-presented.
• Display: Position the tiered stand in a prominent location at the wedding venue, creating a stunning visual display for guests to admire.

Adding decorations

Ribbons, Flowers, and Greenery

Decorate the base of your cake stand by wrapping colourful ribbons or twining fresh flowers or greenery around it. You can also opt for edible decorations, such as decorative sugar pearls or fresh fruits, for a unique touch.

Beads and Crystals

Adorn your cake stand with wooden or crystal beads to add a touch of glamour. You can string the beads onto the stand or apply them with glue for a secure hold.

Paint or Stain

Consider painting or staining your cake stand to match your wedding colour scheme or theme. You can use white paint for a classic look or opt for a fun colour like pink or grey. Don't forget to apply a protective finish to ensure the paint job is long-lasting.

Candles, Lanterns, and Floral Arrangements

Enhance the overall presentation of your wedding cake by adding decorative elements such as candles, lanterns, or floral arrangements around the cake stand. These additional details will create a romantic and elegant atmosphere.

Matching Table Linens

Coordinate your cake stand with matching table linens or tableware to create a cohesive and elegant tablescape. This will make your cake stand and wedding cake the focal point of the reception décor.

Height and Dimension

Play with height and dimension by using cake stands of varying sizes and heights. This will not only create a dynamic display but also allow you to showcase a variety of desserts, such as cupcakes, petit fours, and cookies, at different levels.

Remember, the decorations you choose should complement the style and theme of your wedding while also reflecting your personal taste. Have fun crafting and decorating your wedding cake stand riser!

Frequently asked questions