Creative Ways To Use Wedding Cake Stands

Wedding cake stands are an essential part of any wedding celebration, providing a stylish and elegant way to display the wedding cake. From simple and elegant DIY stands to extravagant and luxurious store-bought options, there are numerous ways to showcase the cake. Whether you're looking for a rustic wooden stand or a glamorous gold-tiered display, the options are endless. With a bit of creativity and craftsmanship, you can even personalise your stand with engraved details or decorative elements that reflect your style and theme. So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a couple seeking the perfect stand for your big day, exploring the various options for wedding cake stands is an exciting part of the wedding planning process.

DIY Cake Stand with Dollar Store Supplies

A DIY cake stand is a fun and easy project that can be done on a budget. You can make a gorgeous cake stand with just a few simple supplies from your local dollar store. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own cake stand:

Supplies:

• A plate
• A bowl
• Glue (such as Amazing Goop or Modpodge)
• Spray paint (optional)
• Wax paper (optional)

Instructions:

• Choose your supplies: Select a plate and bowl from the dollar store that fit your desired style and colour scheme. You can opt for a textured design or a solid colour, depending on your preference.
• Prepare the pieces: If you're happy with the colour of your plate and bowl, proceed to the next step. If you want to change the colour or add texture, spray paint the plate and bowl in your desired colour. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
• Assemble the stand: Flip the bowl over and apply a generous amount of glue to the bottom. Quickly place the centre of the plate on top of the bowl. Ensure that the plate is centred and secured in place.
• Seal and finish: Once the glue is completely dry, seal the paint with Modpodge if you painted your stand. This step will ensure that your stand can be washed without damaging the paint. And there you have it—a brand new, budget-friendly cake stand!
• Optional tip: If you plan to place food directly on the stand, it is recommended to use wax paper as a barrier between the food and the painted surface. This is especially important for unwrapped food items. Cut out a circle of wax paper to place on the stand before arranging your treats.

With this DIY project, you can create a beautiful and affordable cake stand for any occasion. Get creative and experiment with different colours, patterns, and heights to suit your unique style. Happy crafting!

How to Make a DIY Wooden Cake Stand

A DIY wooden cake stand is a simple project that can be made by gluing wood together. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

Materials:

• One unpainted wooden candlestick (4.5″–10″)
• Two small unpainted wooden plaques, one 4″ wood base, and one 5″ wood base
• One large round wood plaque for the top, 8″–12″, 8″ wood round
• One bag of 3/8″ wooden beads
• White paint or stain and a paintbrush
• Wood glue
• Polycrylic protective finish
• Wood conditioning mineral oil
• Sandpaper
• Vice, wood clamps, or a makeshift clamp
• A compass
• A saw (band saw, table saw, or miter saw)
• A drill
• A ruler
• Wire

Instructions:

• Gather all your materials.
• Decide on the size of your cake stand. Typical diameters for cake stands range from 8″ to 14″.
• Cut the wooden plaques and candlestick to the desired size. You can use a saw to cut the wood, and a drill to make holes.
• Sand down the pieces of wood to achieve a smooth surface. Wash off the sawdust with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of soap.
• Assemble the cake stand. Stack the pieces and use a ruler to draw circles to line them up.
• Glue the pieces together. Start by gluing the 5″ piece to the candlestick, then glue the 4″ piece on top.
• String wooden beads onto wire and measure them to fit around the bottom edge of the candlestick.
• Lift the round wooden beads, apply wood glue, then press and hold until adhered.
• Attach the base to the top piece with wood glue.
• Add beading around all edges.
• Once the beads are dry, pull out the wire and get ready to paint.
• Apply paint thinly to all areas of the cake stand. If it’s too thick, wipe it off.
• Once dry, cover with a polycrylic protective finish.
• Condition the wood with mineral oil.

Your DIY wooden cake stand is now ready to use!

Selecting and Preparing the Wood

When selecting wood for your DIY wedding cake stand, you have a variety of options to choose from. You can opt for wooden circles cut from Baltic Birch or Routed MDF, ranging from 8 to 22 inches in diameter and ¾" thick. Baltic Birch is a high-quality furniture-grade plywood with a natural wood grain, making it ideal for staining. On the other hand, Routed MDF is an engineered wood composite with a smooth face, making it better suited for painting.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even create your own wooden cake stand from scratch. For this, you'll need wooden plaques and candlesticks of varying sizes, wooden beads, white paint or stain, paintbrushes, wood glue, and a polycrylic protective finish.

Regardless of the type of wood you choose, it's crucial to ensure food safety, especially if you plan to place food directly on the stand. Avoid using materials like polyurethane, and instead, opt for food-safe treatments such as butcher block oil. Keep in mind that preparing and treating the wood may take time, so start this process well in advance of your wedding.

Additionally, consider using a cake board between the cake and the stand to further ensure food safety and protect your creation.

Adding Leather Elements

Choosing the Right Leather

Select a nice piece of leather that complements the overall style of your wedding. Consider the colour, texture, and finish of the leather to ensure it ties in with your theme. Keep in mind that some types of leather can be difficult to cut, so choose a variety that is suitable for engraving or laser cutting.

Engraving or Personalization

Engraving your names, initials, or wedding date on the leather is a beautiful way to personalize your cake stand and make it a memorable keepsake. You can use a laser engraver or laser cutter to etch your desired design onto the leather. If you don't have access to a laser engraver, you can also score the leather with a sharp tool and then carefully cut along the line with a utility knife.

Attaching the Leather

To attach the leather to your cake stand, consider using decorative tacks or upholstery tacks. Bronze or gold-toned tacks can add a touch of elegance, while clear or discrete tacks will make the leather the focal point. When securing the leather, start by tacking down two corners on one side, leaving the tacks slightly loose to allow for adjustments. Then work your way across, smoothing out any lumps or bumps, before securing the opposite side.

Cleaning and Maintenance

To clean the leather, avoid using rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol, as these may discolour the material. Instead, opt for buffing the surface with a clean, cotton cloth. This is especially effective for leather with a smooth finish. For leather with a dull or textured finish, you may need to test different cleaning methods on a small area first.

By incorporating leather into your wedding cake stand, you can create a unique and elegant display that reflects your personal style. Whether you choose to engrave your names, initials, or a special design, adding leather elements will surely make your cake stand a memorable part of your wedding day.

Choosing a Display Style

Consider the Type of Cake

The type of cake you plan to serve will play a crucial role in choosing the right cake stand. For example, a multi-tiered wedding cake will require a different display style than a single-tier cake. Tiered cake stands can add height and drama to your display, while a simple pedestal stand may be more elegant for a single-tier cake.

Match the Wedding Theme

Your wedding cake stand should complement the overall theme and style of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, a wooden cake stand with a natural finish might be ideal. On the other hand, a glamorous or modern wedding could call for a metallic or crystal cake stand. Think about the colours and materials used in your wedding decor and try to find a cake stand that ties in with the overall aesthetic.

Choose the Right Size

The size of your cake stand is also an important consideration. It should be large enough to accommodate your cake comfortably, with some extra space for decoration. If you plan to have multiple cakes or desserts, you might opt for a multi-level stand or several stands in varying sizes to create a visually appealing display.

Play with Heights

Adding different levels to your dessert table can create a stunning visual effect. Consider using cake stands of varying heights to add dimension to your display. This works especially well if you have a variety of desserts, such as cupcakes, macarons, or other treats, in addition to your wedding cake.

DIY Options

If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own DIY cake stand. This allows you to personalise your stand to match your wedding colours or theme. There are many online tutorials that can guide you through the process of making a cake stand using materials like wood, glass, or ceramic. You can often find budget-friendly supplies at craft stores or thrift shops.

Frequently asked questions