Creating A Grand Wedding Cake With Pillars

Wedding cakes are often tiered, with the individual cakes stacked on top of one another or separated by pillars. The pillars can be made of plastic or crystal, and they come in different heights and styles. When using pillars, it is important to use a two-plate system, with one plate on top of the cake tier and the other on top of the pillars, to ensure stability. The height of the tiers does not matter in this case, as the pillars are available in different sizes. Fresh flowers, sugarpaste flowers, or other decorations can be placed between the tiers to enhance the look. It is also important to use cake boards between the tiers to provide additional support, especially for larger cakes.

Characteristics of a Wedding Cake with Pillars

Choosing pillars: Grecian or Roman, 2-plate or push-in

When choosing pillars for your wedding cake, you have a few options. Firstly, you can opt for Grecian or Roman-style pillars. Grecian pillars are elegantly scrolled and ribbed, adding a touch of ancient Rome to your cake design. They are available in different sizes, such as 3, 5, and 7 inches, and typically come in packs of four. Roman pillars, on the other hand, often come in sets of 12 or 24 and are designed to resemble Roman columns. They are usually white and made of plastic.

Another important decision is whether to use the 2-plate or push-in pillar system. The 2-plate system involves using two plates to separate the tiers of your cake, with pillars that fit onto the 'feet' of the plates. This option provides a sturdier structure and allows for more space between tiers, which is ideal if you plan to add decorations like flowers. The push-in pillar system, on the other hand, involves pushing the pillars directly into the cake, with a plate placed on top. While this method may be simpler, it has been advised against by some bakers due to stability concerns.

Using cake boards to support each tier

When creating a tiered wedding cake, use a cake card that is the same size as each tier. For example, if you have a three-tier cake with 15-inch, 11-inch, and 7-inch layers, you will need three cake boards of corresponding sizes.

Cake boards are typically made of cardboard, and they should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the cake without bending. Thicker cake boards are used for the bottom tier to bear the weight of the entire cake. Only the bottom cake board should be visible, with the others hidden between the tiers.

To ensure your cake tiers are secure, you can use wooden dowel rods or plastic straws for additional support. These are placed in the centre of each tier, towards the middle, leaving a gap of 1-2 inches around the outside of the cake. You will need around 6-8 dowels per tier, and they should be level with the top of the cake. Trim any excess dowel that protrudes from the top.

Hot glue can also be used between the cardboard rounds and the platter or stand to prevent the cake from sliding during delivery.

Assembling the cake: poking and stacking pillars

Assembling the cake is a crucial step in the process of creating a wedding cake with pillars. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Poking the Pillars:

Before you begin, mark the spots on the base cake where you plan to insert the pillars. Then, take each pillar and poke it into the cake until you feel it touching the cake board at the base. It is important to ensure that the pillars are firmly inserted into the cake. The following tier can be placed on top of the pillars once all the pillars are securely in place.

Stacking the Tiers:

Repeat the process of poking and stacking for each additional tier. Ensure that each tier is level and securely stacked before moving on to the next one. It is recommended to use cake boards between the tiers, especially for heavy cakes or cakes larger than 6 inches in diameter. This will provide extra support and prevent the cake from sinking or becoming uneven.

Additionally, hot glue can be used between the cardboard rounds and the platter or stand to ensure that the cakes do not slide during delivery. Each tier should also have a support structure, such as wooden dowel rods or plastic straws, to distribute the weight and prevent the lower tiers from being crushed.

For a stable and elegant finish, take your time when poking and stacking the pillars, ensuring that each tier is secure and level before moving on to the next step.

Decorating the cake: adding flowers, shells or sugarpaste

Decorating a wedding cake with flowers, shells, or sugarpaste is a great way to add a personal touch to your cake and make it stand out. Here are some tips to help you decorate your cake like a pro:

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a lovely way to decorate a wedding cake and can be used to fill spaces between tiers, giving your cake extra height and elegance. When using fresh flowers, be sure to choose varieties that are safe for use on cakes and will not wilt easily. You can also make sugar or gumpaste flowers, which can be time-consuming but will ensure your flowers are food-safe. When adding flowers to your cake, be sure to arrange them symmetrically and allow them to spill out between the tiers for a romantic, cascading look.

Shells

If you're having a beach-themed wedding, consider using shells as a unique decoration for your wedding cake. Collect clean shells in various sizes and colours and use them to decorate the borders of each tier or spell out the couple's names or initials. You can also use sugarpaste to create shell shapes and add them to your cake for a more subtle effect.

Sugarpaste

Sugarpaste, also known as fondant, is a versatile medium that can be used to create a variety of decorations for your wedding cake. You can use it to cover your cake for a smooth, elegant finish, or mould it into shapes like flowers, leaves, or even the couple's monogram. Sugarpaste is easy to work with and can be coloured and flavoured to match your wedding theme. When using sugarpaste, be sure to give yourself enough time to create and attach the decorations, as it can be delicate work.

Remember to consider the overall design of your wedding cake and choose decorations that complement the style and colour scheme. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can create a stunning wedding cake that will be the centrepiece of your reception.

Transporting the cake: using hot glue to secure cake boards

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but using hot glue to secure the cake boards is an effective way to ensure your cake stays put during travel. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use hot glue to secure your cake boards for safe transportation:

Supplies:

• High-temperature glue gun: Look for a glue gun that can reach higher temperatures, as this will create a stronger bond.
• Glue sticks: Ensure you have enough glue sticks for your glue gun, as you don't want to run out halfway through.
• Cake boards: Use sturdy cake boards that are slightly larger than your cake tiers.
• Work surface: Choose a flat, stable work surface to assemble your cake.
• Safety gloves: Optional, but recommended to protect your hands from hot glue.

Instructions:

• Prepare your work surface: Clear a large enough area to accommodate your wedding cake and all its tiers. Make sure the surface is clean and free of any debris.
• Assemble your cake tiers: If you haven't already, assemble your cake tiers on their respective cake boards. Place each tier on a cake board that is slightly larger than the tier itself, centring it as much as possible.
• Heat up your glue gun: Plug in your high-temperature glue gun and allow it to heat up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply hot glue to the cake board: Wearing safety gloves, apply a generous amount of hot glue to the back of the cake board, covering the entire surface. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Secure the cake board to the transport surface: Quickly but carefully place the glued cake board onto your transport surface, such as a sturdy cake drum or a thick cardboard box. Press down firmly to ensure a strong bond.
• Repeat for each tier: Repeat the process for each tier of your wedding cake, stacking them on top of each other if using pillars, or placing them side by side if transporting them separately.
• Transport your cake: Once all the tiers are secured, carefully transport your wedding cake to its destination. Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns or abrupt movements to minimise the risk of your cake shifting during transport.
• Remove the cake from the boards: After your cake has been safely delivered and set up, you can remove the cake from the boards. Use a knife or a flat tool to gently pry the cake away from the dried glue. If necessary, you can also flip the board over and gently tap it to release the cake.

Using hot glue to secure your cake boards is a reliable method for transporting your wedding cake, ensuring that it arrives safely and securely at its destination. Just remember to work quickly but carefully when handling hot glue, and always make sure your work surface is stable and clear of any obstacles.

Frequently asked questions