Will These Cake Boards Hold A 3 Tier Wedding Cake?

by Christine
(Doncaster South Yorkshire)

I am making my first 3 tier wedding cake, 16", 12", and 8". I have bought thick cake boards that are 1" larger than the cakes. I am about to put fondant icing on them, and put them together without pillars. Are these boards sufficient to take the weight of the three cakes? How early do you suggest I assemble them before the wedding on 2nd May?

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Answer:

The cake boards will be suitable if you use dowels between your layers to support the weight of the cake. However the boards won’t look quite right if they are wider than the cake. It would be best to purchase boards that are exactly the same size as the cake, then the icing will neatly cover the cake and the board.

1 - To layer the cakes on top of each other insert 5-6 dowels into the bottom layer (iced cake), evenly spread so they will take the load of the cake above. The dowels will need to be cut so they are the exact height of the layer. Then rest the next layer (iced with board) on top, the board with rest on top of the dowels.

2- Insert 5-6 dowels into the next layer in just the same way as the bottom layer, remember to evenly space the dowels so that the top layer (iced with board) will be supported on the dowels. Place the top layer on the cake.

3 - If you want added stability you could drive 2 or 3 longer dowels through all three layers and the boards between (you will need a hammer or mallet for this). This will ensure the cake layers will not come apart, you will also need to add some decoration or icing to cover the dowels at the top of the cake. This isn't absolutely necessary however especially if you are careful during transportation.



4 - Check to see if the dowels are visible and that the joins between the layers look good. If required you can add beading around the layers to disguise the joins or cover up any visible dowels.

I would recommend assembling the cake a few days before (no more than a week) as it will have less chance of being damaged afterward. If you are confident then you could even assemble it at the venue as it will be easier to transport in separate parts, however doing it a few days before will still give you time to correct any little mistakes.