Using Cake Pillars For Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cake pillars are a great way to support and elevate tiers of cake, creating an impressive display. They also ensure that the cake is properly balanced and secure. There are a variety of options to choose from, including Grecian and Roman cake columns, as well as hidden cake pillars. These pillars can be used to create shorter or taller cakes and can even be filled with decorations to match the event's theme. When using pillars with separate dowels on a fondant-covered cake, it is important to ensure that the dowels are secure and do not feel loose.

Using pillars with separate dowels on a fondant icing cake

Prepare the Cake Tiers:

Before you begin assembling, ensure your fondant-covered cake tiers are completely chilled. This will make the tiers firmer and easier to handle. Measure the height of each tier accurately, as you will need this information when cutting the dowels to size.

Cut the Dowels:

Cake dowels are essential for providing support and maintaining the structural integrity of your tiered cake. Cut the dowels to the appropriate length, making sure they are slightly shorter than the height of each cake tier. This will prevent unsightly gaps between the tiers.

Insert the Dowels:

Insert the dowels into each cake tier to provide stability and distribute the weight evenly. Place them straight down into the cake layers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for balanced support. The number of dowels per tier may vary depending on the size and weight of the tier, but generally, you will need at least 4-6 dowels for each layer.

Prepare the Pillars:

The pillars will create a stunning visual effect and provide additional support to your wedding cake. Choose pillars that match the style and colour of your cake. You can find pillars in various materials, such as plastic or metal, and in different heights to create unique designs. Some pillars come with plates or locks that attach to the legs, providing extra stability.

Assemble the Cake:

Place the bottom tier on a sturdy cake board. If using pillars with plates, attach the pillars to the plate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gently lower the next tier onto the pillars, ensuring it is centred and secure. Repeat this process for each tier, checking that the pillars and dowels are securely in place.

Final Touches:

Once your tiered cake is assembled, you can add any desired decorations, such as flowers, fondant details, or a cake topper. If you are transporting the cake, it is advisable to assemble it on-site to avoid any potential damage during travel.

Using pillars to assemble a cake made from sponge

Assembling a sponge cake using pillars is a great way to create a stunning tiered cake. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Choosing the Right Tools:

• Pillars and Separator Plates: Choose pillars and separator plates that fit securely together. The plates have knobs that the pillars lock into, providing stability. Ensure you have enough pillars for each tier—typically, each tier needs four pillars.
• Dowel Rods: These provide internal support and prevent the cake from compressing under its weight. You can use wooden or plastic dowel rods, or even bubble tea straws.
• Base Cake Board: Use a sturdy base cake board that's a few inches larger than the lowest tier of the cake.
• Cake Boards for Tiers: For each tier, you'll need a cake board that's the same diameter as the cake it will hold.

Assembling the Cake:

• Prepare the Cake Tiers: Place each cake tier on its respective cake board.
• Mark the Pillar Points: Place the separator plate of the next layer on the bottom tier and gently press to mark where the pillars will go.
• Insert the Pillars: Remove the separator plate and poke the pillars into the bottom tier until they touch the cake board.
• Stack the Cake Layers: Securely stack the next tier on the pillars, ensuring the pillars lock into the knobs on the separator plate.
• Repeat: Continue this process until all cake tiers are securely stacked.

Remember, it's important to handle the cake gently and avoid applying too much pressure to avoid damaging the cake's structure and design.

Using pillars and plates to support a cake

Choosing the Right Pillars and Plates:

• Select pillars that are specifically designed for supporting cakes, such as those made from plastic, metal, or acrylic. These come in various styles, including Roman columns, crystal pillars, and hidden pillars.
• Choose plates that are the appropriate size and shape for your cake tiers. They should be slightly smaller than the cake tiers to remain discreet.
• Consider the number of tiers you plan to have. You will need one pillar and plate set for each tier, plus an additional plate for the base.

Assembling the Cake:

• Start by placing the bottom tier of the cake on the base plate.
• Measure the circumference of the plate and mark a circular pattern about half an inch inside this circumference on the cake.
• Insert the dowels into the cake, following the circular pattern you marked. The dowels should be cut to the height of the cake so that they provide a stable foundation for the plate above.
• Place the next plate on top of the dowels. You may need to adjust the height of the dowels to ensure the plate is level.
• Repeat this process for each additional tier, stacking the cakes and plates securely.
• Finally, place the top tier of the cake on the final plate.

Additional Tips:

• It is recommended to assemble tiered cakes on-site rather than transporting them pre-stacked, especially if they are particularly tall or delicate.
• Always handle the cake gently and ensure that each tier is secure and level before proceeding to the next one.
• For added stability, you can use a combination of pillars, plates, and dowels, depending on the design of your cake.
• Practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of stacking tiered cakes, so don't be afraid to give it a try!

Using hidden pillars to support cake tiers

Hidden pillars are a great way to support your wedding cake tiers while keeping the overall construction invisible. These pillars are designed to separate cake tiers slightly, creating a floating illusion. They are pushed into the tiers like dowel rods and fit onto all white separator plates except the Tall Tier.

You can buy hidden pillars in packs of four, usually measuring around 6 inches, and they are made from hollow plastic that can be easily cut to size. When using hidden pillars, it is important to ensure that all pillars are the exact same height, so the tier above stays level.

Some bakers prefer to use a combination of pillars and dowels for added support, especially when creating a large, multi-tiered cake. However, others find that hidden pillars are extremely stable and can hold a lot of weight on their own.

When assembling your cake, it is recommended to use a separator plate between the tiers. The plate sits on top of the pillars, providing a stable surface for the tier above. The separator plate can be the same size as your cake tier or slightly smaller, depending on your preference.

If you want to add some extra decoration to your cake, you can cover the pillars in sugarpaste or ribbon, or even add some piped detail and flowers.

Using pillars to fill with flowers, confetti or other decorations

There are a few different types of pillars that can be used to achieve this look. One option is to use a two-plate system, where a plate sits on top of the bottom tier of cake, with pillars fitting onto the plate, and then another plate on top of the pillars to support the next tier. The flowers, confetti or other decorations are then placed around the pillars, between the two plates. This system is very secure, but it is important to ensure that the pillars are cut to the correct height before assembly.

Another option is to use push-through pillars, which are inserted directly into the cake, with no plates. This method leaves more room for decorations between the tiers but requires very straight insertion to be secure.

When filling the space between the tiers, it is important to consider the height of the pillars and the size of the decorations. Fresh flowers, for example, will take up more space than piped buttercream flowers, so adjust the height of the pillars accordingly.

Additionally, when assembling a wedding cake with pillars, it is best to stack the tiers on-site rather than transporting the cake in one piece, as this can be unstable.

Frequently asked questions