Designing Your Monogram Cake Topper For Your Wedding

A wedding cake topper is a great way to add a personalised touch to your special day. You can make your own monogram wedding cake topper using glitter, wire, card stock, wood, or 3D printing. If you're looking for a simple DIY project, you can create a glitter monogram topper by printing out a template of your initials on card stock, cutting out the letters, spraying them with adhesive, covering them in glitter, and then gluing wire to the back. For a more rustic look, you can use wooden letters, or for a modern approach, you can design a 3D printed monogram using a CAD program and then print it out using a 3D printer. You can also buy customisable toppers online, with options to personalise initials, names, or memorable quotes.

Choosing a font

First, think about the style of your wedding and the impression you want to make. For a classic or elegant wedding, consider a sophisticated font such as Edwardian Script or a standard Windows font with the "wide" option to make the print sturdier. You can also add a fillet to the corners of your font to give it a more elegant look. If you're going for a modern or minimalist vibe, a simple block font could be a better choice.

Another factor to consider is the shape of your initials. If you're using a monogram with multiple letters, you'll want to choose a font that allows the letters to overlap or connect in a visually appealing way. For example, you might choose a font with long, curly tails that can be intertwined, or a font with straight lines that can be stacked or arranged in a pattern.

The size of your cake topper is also important. If you're working with a small topper, you'll need to choose a font that is legible when scaled down. On the other hand, if you're creating a large topper, you'll want to avoid fonts that are too thin or delicate, as they may not be sturdy enough.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative! If you're making a DIY cake topper, you can experiment with different fonts and even combine multiple fonts to create a unique design. Play around with different options and see what looks best. You can also add extra elements, such as glitter or rhinestones, to make your topper truly stand out.

Selecting materials

There are many materials you can use to make your own monogram wedding cake topper. The most popular options include wood, acrylic, metal, and paper card stock.

Wooden cake toppers can be left unpainted or stained, or painted in your choice of colour. They can be cut out by hand or with a laser cutter, and decorated with glitter or rhinestones for a sparkling effect.

Acrylic cake toppers are often cut from a clear, mirrored, or coloured acrylic sheet. They can be customised with glitter, paint, or vinyl lettering. Acrylic toppers are typically more durable than wooden or paper toppers.

Metal cake toppers are another option, with many choosing metallic finishes such as gold, silver, or rose gold. These can be purchased or made by hand and decorated with rhinestones or glitter.

Paper card stock is a cost-effective option for a cake topper, and can be decorated with glitter, paint, or vinyl lettering. This material is less durable than the others and may require additional support to stand upright.

When selecting your materials, consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding, as well as the level of durability and customisation you desire.

Printing/cutting out your monogram

The first step to creating your own monogram wedding cake topper is to print out your initials or monogram. You can do this by using a template or creating your own design. If you're using a template, simply download and print the file, making sure it's the right size for your cake. If you're creating your own design, you can use a program like Solidworks to draw your monogram.

Once you've decided on the size, height, width, and depth of your monogram, you can start trawling through fonts to find the perfect one. Pick a font that's not too thin or fragile, especially if you plan on using the topper as a keepsake after the wedding.

After finalising your design, print it out on heavy card stock or another thick paper that will hold its shape. Cut out the letters carefully, making sure to get into any tight curves or intricate details. If you're happy with the look of your cut-out monogram, you can move on to the next step of decorating it!

If you're using a 3D printer, you'll need to use a program like Solidworks to create a 3D model of your monogram. This process involves making a text sketch, dissolving the text, closing any gaps, moving the letters into position, and then extruding and filleting the design. Once you're happy with the 3D model, you can send the file to your 3D printer.

Decorating your monogram

There are many ways to decorate your monogram cake topper, and it's a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding cake. You can choose from a range of materials, including wood, metal, or acrylic, and then decorate it with paint, glitter, or rhinestones.

If you want to go for a natural, classic look, you can opt for an unpainted wooden monogram. This simple option is elegant and can be made more personal by choosing a font that reflects your style.

For a more glamorous, modern look, you could try a metallic finish. Gold, silver, or rose gold letters can be made from acrylic or metal and decorated with rhinestones for added sparkle. You could also add a wreath or a silhouette for a unique touch.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own monogram topper from wire and glitter. Simply print out your initials in a font you like, cut them out, and spray with adhesive. Cover the letters in glitter and tap off the excess, then glue wire to the back to secure it in your cake.

For a truly unique and modern topper, you could even try 3D printing your monogram. This method allows you to design something entirely personal and choose from a range of materials and colours.

Adding supports/a base

Adding supports or a base to your monogram wedding cake topper is an important step to ensure it stands upright and is secure on your cake. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Wire Supports

One option for adding support to your cake topper is to use wire. You will need a hot glue gun and three pieces of cut wire in identical lengths. The wire should be thick enough to gauge to stand up straight when placed in your cake.

Print out your monogram letters on heavy card stock, cut them out, and spray adhesive onto the letters. Before the glue dries, quickly sprinkle glitter over the letters and tap off any excess.

Once your letters are dry, use the hot glue gun to attach the wire to the back of each letter. This will create a sturdy base that can be inserted into the cake.

3D Printing Supports

If you are creating a 3D-printed monogram cake topper, you can add supports by creating a base plate for the text to "stand" on. In your CAD software, create and extrude a base plate that overlaps slightly with the text at the bottom of the letters. Ensure that you do not merge the results when extruding.

After creating the base plate, you can add additional supports such as grill skewers or spikes by drilling holes into the base. This will provide extra stability and ensure your cake topper stands upright.

By following these steps, you can create a secure and attractive base for your monogram wedding cake topper.

Frequently asked questions