Creative Cupcake Picks: Diy Wedding Cupcake Toppers

Wedding cupcake picks are a fun and creative way to add a personalised touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to save money, showcase your baking skills, or simply want something unique, making your own wedding cupcake picks is a great option. You can create elegant and professional-looking cupcake picks with minimal effort by using materials such as hot glue guns, silicone moulds, paint, and art. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide range of wedding cupcake picks, from rustic designs to gold glitter, but with a bit of time and creativity, you can make your own completely customised picks that will wow your guests.

Choosing a design

Theme and Colour Scheme:

Match the design of your cupcake picks to the theme and colour scheme of your wedding. This will help to tie together the overall look of your wedding decor. Consider the style of your wedding, such as rustic, elegant, or whimsical, and choose a design that complements it. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the picks by using coloured paper, paint, or other decorative elements.

Personalisation:

Add a personal touch to your cupcake picks by incorporating your names, initials, or wedding date. Etsy offers customisable options, such as monogrammed acrylic cupcake picks or personalised flags. You can also find sellers who will create custom designs based on your specifications. This adds a unique and special element to your wedding cupcakes.

Seasonality:

Take inspiration from the season of your wedding when choosing a design. For example, opt for floral or leaf motifs for a spring or summer wedding, or incorporate festive elements for a winter wedding. You can also use seasonal colours, such as pastels for spring or rich jewel tones for autumn.

Interests and Hobbies:

Incorporate your and your partner's interests, hobbies, or cultural background into the design. For instance, you could include a favourite quote, a reference to a shared hobby, or a nod to your heritage. This will make your cupcake picks even more personal and meaningful.

Complementary Toppings:

Consider how your cupcake picks will work with the rest of your cupcake decorations. For example, if you plan to use fresh flowers, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles, choose a pick design that complements these toppings without overwhelming the cupcake. You want the overall effect to be elegant and cohesive.

Reusable Picks:

If you're interested in creating reusable cupcake picks, consider designs that can be easily removed from the toothpick or skewer. This way, you can use them for multiple occasions or give them as keepsakes to your wedding guests. Designs made with hot glue or washi tape can be detached and reused.

Selecting materials

Type of Pick

The first thing to consider is the type of pick you want to make. There are a variety of options available, including:

• Wooden picks: These are a great option if you're looking for something simple and rustic. You can find plain wooden picks at most craft stores, which you can then decorate with paint, glitter, or other embellishments.
• Toothpicks: For a more subtle approach, toothpicks can be used as the base for your picks. Look for longer toothpicks that will be sturdy enough to hold up your decorations.
• Food picks: These are typically made of plastic or metal and are designed to be inserted into food items. They usually have a sharp point at one end and a decorative top at the other.
• Skewers: If you're planning on making larger or heavier decorations, skewers can provide a strong and durable base. However, be sure to cut them down to an appropriate size for your cupcakes.

Decorations

Once you've chosen the type of pick, it's time to select your decorations. This is where you can really let your creativity shine! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle to your picks by using glitter in your chosen wedding colours. You can find glitter in a variety of colours and sizes at most craft stores.
• Paint: Paint your picks in your wedding colours or use paint to add intricate details and designs. Acrylic paint is a good option, as it dries quickly and is available in a wide range of colours.
• Ribbons: Attach ribbons to your picks for a elegant and romantic touch. Choose ribbons that complement your wedding colour scheme and use them to create bows, streamers, or simply wrap them around the picks.
• Flowers: Whether fresh or artificial, flowers can add a beautiful and delicate touch to your cupcake picks. Small blooms such as baby's breath or roses would work particularly well.
• Personalised touches: Consider adding personalised details such as the bride and groom's names, the wedding date, or a meaningful quote. You can use stickers, stamps, or even hand-lettering to add these special touches.

Adhesives

When attaching your decorations to the picks, you'll need a strong adhesive to ensure they stay in place. Here are some options to consider:

• Hot glue: A hot glue gun is a versatile tool that can be used to attach a variety of decorations to your picks. Just be sure to use glue sticks that are suitable for the material you're working with.
• Washi tape: For a less permanent option, washi tape can be used to attach lightweight decorations. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns, so you can find one that complements your wedding theme.
• Mod Podge: This all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish can be used to attach paper or fabric decorations to your picks. It dries clear and can also be used as a sealant to protect your creations.

Remember to choose materials that are food-safe and non-toxic, especially if your cupcake picks will be inserted directly into the cupcakes. Happy crafting!

Creating the topper base

First, you will need to gather your supplies: a hot glue gun and glue sticks, and a silicone mold with frames. Squeeze the hot glue into the silicone mold, making sure to fill the mold completely. Wait for the glue to harden before separating the frame from the mold. Use small scissors to trim the edges of the frame, removing any excess glue.

Next, paint your frame. You will need two coats of paint for full coverage, so be sure to let the first coat dry before applying the second. Use a detail brush to get into the small areas of the frame, and don't forget to paint the back as well. Choose a multisurface paint to ensure full coverage.

Now you have your topper base! The next step is to create or download images to fit the frames. You can leave a little extra space around the edge of the image, as you will be gluing it to the back of the frame. Simply glue the art to the back of the frames, and your topper base is complete!

Adding decorations

Fondant and Piping Techniques:

Fondant is a great option for wedding cupcake decorations as it is easy to work with and gives an elegant finish. You can pipe frosting into a tall peak and top it with shimmering sprinkles. Alternatively, use a food-safe paintbrush to create colourful stripes on your frosting or to pipe it into the shape of a rose.

Edible Flowers and Fresh Ingredients:

Candied edible flowers are a beautiful, natural way to decorate your cupcakes. Use a large star tip to pipe the frosting and place the flower on top. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries, lemons or citrus fruits, can also be used to decorate, especially for a summer wedding.

Simple Garnishes:

If you're short on time or decorating skills, there are plenty of easy-to-apply garnishes that will make your cupcakes look professional. Dragees, fresh flowers, and chocolate shavings are classic, elegant choices.

Themed Decorations:

You can also decorate your cupcakes with themed picks and toppers. Etsy offers a wide range of options, including "Mr & Mrs" flags, heart-shaped picks, and even fishing pole cupcake picks!

Glitter and Gold:

A bit of glitter goes a long way in making your cupcakes stand out. Gold glitter heart cupcake picks, or even just plain gold glitter on the frosting, will add a touch of glamour to your wedding cupcakes.

With a bit of creativity and some simple techniques, you can make your wedding cupcake picks truly unique and memorable.

Final assembly

Now that you have all the components ready, it's time to put your wedding cupcake picks together! Here's a step-by-step guide for the final assembly:

• Attaching the Art: If you've created or downloaded images for your frames, it's time to glue them to the back of the frames. Use a small amount of hot glue or any suitable adhesive to secure the art in place. Ensure the image is centred and fits well within the frame.
• Trimming the Skewers: Cut your skewers or toothpicks to the desired length. You want them to be long enough to fit comfortably into the cupcake without being too tall or overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to cut them so they are about half an inch taller than the height of your cupcake.
• Attaching the Skewers: Once your art is in place and the skewers are cut to size, it's time to attach the skewers to the back of the frames. You can use hot glue for a secure hold or opt for a less permanent option like washi tape. Apply a small amount of glue or tape to the centre of the skewer and press it firmly onto the back of the frame. Hold it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond.
• Drying and Storage: Allow the glue to dry completely before handling or packaging your cupcake picks. Store them in a safe place until you're ready to use them. If you're transporting them, consider placing them flat in a box or container to prevent bending or damage.
• Placement on Cupcakes: When you're ready to use your wedding cupcake picks, simply place them on top of your cupcakes. Gently insert the skewer into the centre of the cupcake, ensuring it is secure and doesn't wobble. Adjust the placement as needed to achieve the desired look.
• Presentation Ideas: For a more elegant presentation, consider placing the cupcakes with the picks on a tiered cupcake stand or a decorative platter. You can also arrange them on a table with other desserts or wedding favours to create a stunning dessert display.

Your wedding cupcake picks are now ready to be enjoyed by your guests! These handmade additions will surely elevate your wedding cupcakes and impress your friends and family.

Frequently asked questions