Diy Wedding Cake Plates: A Simple, Personalized Guide

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with a long to-do list that may seem intimidating. One way to make the process more manageable and personalised is by creating your own wedding cake and cake stand. This allows you to showcase your creativity and baking skills, resulting in a unique and memorable addition to your special day. Whether you opt for a traditional tiered cake or a whimsical donut tower, making your own cake plate for your wedding is a fun and budget-friendly option.

Choosing a cake stand

The cake stand you choose will depend on the style of your wedding and the type of cake you plan to make. Here are some options to consider:

DIY cake stands

If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own cake stand out of a variety of materials such as wood, metal, ceramic, or glass. A simple way to do this is to glue a plate to an old candlestick or coffee cup. You can also use melamine plates, candlesticks, and sticky tack to create a tiered cake stand.

Dollar store finds

The Dollar Store or thrift stores are great places to find affordable cake stands or the supplies to make your own. Look for candlesticks and plates, which can be easily transformed into a cake stand.

Ready-made options

If you don't want to make your own cake stand, there are many ready-made options available. You can find simple, elegant cake stands made of glass, ceramic, or metal at homeware stores or online. For a more whimsical option, consider a Mad Hatter-style cake stand, which is topped by a teacup and saucer.

Donut cake stand

If you're planning to have a donut cake, you can create a tower of donuts by stacking them on a cake stand, adding more donuts to each layer. This is a unique and playful option that is easy to transport and set up.

Fresh flowers

No matter what type of cake stand you choose, you can decorate it with fresh flowers to add a special touch. Just be sure to add the flowers the morning of your wedding to prevent them from wilting.

Transporting your cake

When transporting your cake to the venue, it's important to use a sturdy cake box. Moving boxes from hardware stores are a great option, as they are cheap and can support the weight of a wedding cake. You may also want to consider the means of transportation and whether you will be able to hold the cake on your lap during the trip.

Selecting flowers for decoration

Types of Flowers

You can use fresh flowers, candied flowers, sugar flowers, or a combination of these options. Fresh flowers add a natural and elegant touch to your cake, while candied or sugar flowers offer a unique and whimsical element. Sugar flowers, in particular, can be crafted to look incredibly realistic and are a great choice if you want your flowers to be edible.

Colour Scheme

When selecting flowers, consider the colour scheme of your wedding and try to choose flowers that complement or match it. This will help to create a cohesive and stylish look for your special day. You can also use flowers to add a pop of colour and make a bold statement, especially if your cake is more simple or neutral in colour.

Size and Placement

If you're working with a multi-tiered cake, it's best to place larger flowers towards the bottom and smaller flowers towards the top to avoid overwhelming the smaller tiers. You can also use flowers to add height and dimension to your cake by placing them in between the layers or allowing them to cascade down the sides. For a more subtle and elegant look, encircle each tier with greenery and add a few delicate flowers.

Fresh vs Artificial

Both fresh and artificial flowers can be used to decorate your cake, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your preference and budget. Fresh flowers add a natural beauty to your cake but may require more care and attention to ensure they stay fresh throughout your wedding. Artificial flowers, on the other hand, are low-maintenance and can be a great option for flowers that are out of season or for creating more intricate designs.

Toxicity and Safety

It's important to be mindful of the toxicity of the flowers you choose. Avoid using toxic flowers such as poinsettias, lilies, foxglove, delphinium, and yellow jasmine as they can be dangerous to your guests if consumed. Also, be sure to wash your flowers before placing them on the cake to remove any pesticides or bugs.

Combining with Other Elements

You can combine flowers with other decorative elements such as fruit, macarons, or cake toppers to create a unique and personalised design. Adding greenery, such as eucalyptus leaves or ivy vines, can also enhance the overall look and create a natural, rustic feel.

Making the cake layers in advance

Baking and Storing Cake Layers

If you're making a wedding cake with multiple tiers, it's essential to plan ahead and bake your cake layers in advance. This will give you time to focus on assembling and decorating the cake closer to the wedding. Here are some tips for baking and storing your cake layers:

• Bake your cake layers a few days to a week in advance. This will give you a head start and reduce last-minute stress.
• Let the cake layers cool completely before wrapping and storing them.
• If you're storing the cake layers at room temperature, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure they are completely cooled to avoid excess condensation.
• If you're baking more than two days in advance, it's best to freeze your cake layers. Place them in the freezer, properly wrapped, and they can last for up to two months.
• When wrapping cake layers for the freezer, use plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and a ziplock bag or airtight container. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen cake layers by taking them out of the freezer the day before decorating. Keep them wrapped in foil and plastic to avoid condensation.

Advantages of Making Cake Layers in Advance

There are several benefits to making your cake layers in advance:

• It saves time on the day of the wedding, allowing you to focus on final assembly and decoration.
• Frozen cake layers tend to be more moist and delicious. The freezing process locks in the moisture, resulting in a tastier cake.
• By making the cake layers ahead of time, you can ensure they are properly cooled before decorating, which is crucial for a stable and well-structured cake.
• You can ensure the cake layers are evenly baked and levelled before stacking and decorating, avoiding any last-minute surprises.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavour and texture.
• Plan the number of cake layers and the size of each tier based on your guest count. You don't want to run out of cake!
• Consider the kitchen and oven you'll be using. If it's different from your usual setup, adjust your baking times and temperatures accordingly.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Enlist the support of skilled bakers in your family or friends to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.

Adding supports to the tiers

Firstly, decide on the type of supports you want to use. Some popular options include wooden dowels, plastic drinking straws, and bubble tea straws. Wooden dowels provide strong support but can be challenging to cut, while straws are easier to cut and less expensive. If you opt for straws, choose thicker milkshake or bubble tea straws, as they provide more stability than regular drinking straws.

Next, determine the placement of your supports. As a rule of thumb, place as many supports in each cake tier as the size of the cake it will be supporting. For example, if you have an 8-inch cake at the bottom and a 6-inch cake on top, put six supports into the 8-inch cake to hold the 6-inch cake. Additionally, place the supports as close to the edge of the cake as possible without them showing. This will provide maximum stability and prevent your cake from caving in.

Now, it's time to insert the supports. Using a cake pan or cake board the size of the cake you're supporting, gently press it onto the surface of the cream on the lower cake tier to create a faint guide. At even intervals of about 2 inches from this circular guide, push your chosen supports (straws or dowels) down through the cake layer until they touch the bottom. Mark the supports about 1/8 inch above the surface of the cream, then pull them out slightly, cut them at the pencil mark, and reinsert them into the cake. Repeat this process for each tier, remembering to add a piece of plastic wrap on top of the supports before adding the next layer of cake.

Finally, add a thick central wooden dowel to help keep the tiers centred and stable during transportation. Sharpen one end of the dowel with sandpaper to create a point, then carefully push it through all the tiers and cake boards. You may need to use another small rod to help push it all the way through without damaging the top of your cake. This central dowel will leave a hole in the top of your cake, so be sure to fill it with buttercream, fondant, or a decoration.

Transporting the cake to the venue

Transporting your cake to the venue is one of the most important steps in the entire process, as all your hard work could be ruined if it doesn't arrive in one piece. Here are some tips to ensure your cake gets to the venue safely:

• Contact the venue in advance to confirm details such as the address, delivery times, parking zones, and any other specifics that would be useful to know.
• Make sure you have ample time to get to the venue. It's always better to be early than late, so give yourself plenty of buffer time in case of unexpected delays. Aim to deliver the cake at least 2 hours before the event starts.
• Prepare your vehicle by clearing out the back and vacuuming it to minimise dust and grit. If possible, use an SUV or minivan, as these vehicles have flat, open trunks that provide more space and an even surface for the cake.
• Use non-skid drawer and shelf liners in your vehicle. Place a very large piece of this non-slip material in the centre of the trunk area, and put the cake board directly on top. The weight of the cake will help keep the board in place.
• Drive slowly and carefully. Go well below the speed limit, take turns and speed bumps with caution, and brake early. If possible, have someone else drive while you sit in the back with the cake to ensure it stays stable.
• Keep your car as cool as possible by blasting the air conditioning. This will help prevent the buttercream from melting.
• If you are transporting a tiered cake, use a central dowel to keep the tiers in place. Dowel each individual tier and assemble them around a central dowel, which will hold all the tiers securely in place.
• If your cake is particularly tall, you may need to transport it in separate sections and assemble it at the venue.
• Use a sturdy cake box to protect the cake during transport. You can buy one from a packaging supplier, or make your own by cutting and taping a large cardboard box.
• Bring an emergency cake kit with extra frosting, icing spatulas, and other tools in case you need to make any last-minute touch-ups.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your cake arrives at the venue safely and securely.

Frequently asked questions