How to Create a Stunning DIY Wedding Cake Using a Ready-Made Base
As more couples take a hands-on approach to make their celebration unique, the DIY wedding trend is on the rise.
As more couples take a hands-on approach to make their celebration unique, the DIY wedding trend is on the rise. From bespoke wedding favours to handcrafted décor, they’re finding creative ways to personalise their big day while keeping costs down.
Creating a wedding cake yourself is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to add a personal touch. Instead of spending hours baking from scratch, why not use a high-quality, ready-made base - like a delicious Sponge Cake - as your foundation? With some creativity and expert decorating tips, you can transform a simple pre-made cake into a breathtaking showstopper that perfectly complements your big day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from decorating a pre-made cake to 2025’s biggest wedding cake trends and even the perfect matching edible wedding favours.
Why choose a ready-made wedding cake base?
A ready-made wedding cake base has many benefits. It saves you time and takes the stress out of the process. You won’t have to worry about baking problems because your professionally made cake will arrive fresh, perfectly baked and ready to decorate.
Ready-made cakes are easy to customise, too, making them fantastic for any wedding theme. Sponge Cake offers wedding cake bases in flavours like classic vanilla and indulgent chocolate, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to create a single-tier design or a multi-layered masterpiece, a pre-made cake makes the process easy and fun.
DIY cake decoration tips
Making a wedding cake that looks as great as it tastes doesn't have to be hard. You can create a spectacular cake for your big day with a few top tips and some creativity.
Buttercream vs. fondant
Your first decision is choosing between buttercream and fondant. If your wedding theme is romantic or vintage-inspired, buttercream can create a soft, rustic, textured look. Fondant, on the other hand, offers a sleek, polished look, ideal for elegant and modern designs. Think about your wedding theme and personal style when making this choice.
Layering & stacking
If your vision is a multi-tiered cake, you must ensure its stable. We recommend using cake dowels to support each layer and keep it secure throughout your celebration. This simple step prevents any unfortunate cake mishaps on your big day and our large whole cake bases include these.
Edible decorations
Simple decorations can really make your cake stand out. Fresh flowers add a natural, romantic feel, while gold leaf gives it a touch of elegance. Sugared fruit creates a beautiful, elegant effect and a personalised topper - whether it’s your initials, a fun phrase, or a classic ‘Mr & Mrs’ - adds a great finishing touch.
Chill before decorating
If you opt for buttercream, it's a good idea to pop it in the fridge before you start decorating. Chilling helps make the buttercream firmer, so it’s easier to spread and pipe without getting too soft or messy. This is especially helpful for detailed designs or decorations that need to stay in place.
2025 wedding cake trends
It's all about keeping things elegant with a personal touch this year. Top trends include pressed flowers and plants, mini cakes for each guest, naked and semi-naked cakes, and soft pastel colours with textured white designs. Couples are also getting creative with unique flavours and sustainable choices to make their cakes truly one-of-a-kind.
Wedding favours
Our baby sponges are a great option if you want something different from the usual wedding favours. These tasty mini cakes make a sweet and practical gift your guests will enjoy. Unlike other favours, which are often left behind, these treats will be eaten up. You can even add a custom sleeve to match your wedding theme.
Final touches
How you present your cake can make a big difference in how special it looks. A pretty cake stand will show it off and a beautiful backdrop will set the mood. Little touches like candles, plants, or fairy lights can make the cake table stand out and become a highlight of your wedding. Consider the whole setup as a way to make the cake even more beautiful and to match it with the theme of your celebration.
Get in touch
Creating a DIY wedding cake with a ready-made base is an easy way to make something memorable while sticking to your wedding budget. With a delicious Sponge Cake as the base, the decorating possibilities are limitless. Explore our wedding cakes and baby sponges today.