DIY Wedding Donut Tower: 5 Steps To Make One From Scratch

Why Choose a Wedding Donut Tower?

The wedding industry has been leaning into personalization big time, with DIY elements becoming increasingly popular. Couples want their big day to reflect their unique personalities and love story—and desserts are no exception. 

A wedding donut tower isn’t just a dessert; it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that brings a modern twist to the traditional cake. Originating from European celebrations, donut towers are now popping up everywhere as an alternative to multi-tiered cakes or candy buffets.



They're eye-catching, delicious, and a hit with guests of all ages. Plus, with donuts offering endless flavors, colors, and decorations, you can match them perfectly to the wedding’s theme.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather these materials and tools to make your DIY donut tower a reality. 



• Donuts (about 100 for a medium-sized tower): Choose a mix of frosted, glazed, and decorated donuts in colors that match the wedding theme. You can even include specialty flavors for a unique touch. 
• A Stable Base: A three-tier cake stand or a custom foam base works best. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of the donuts. 
• Strong Dowels or Rods for support (if you're stacking donuts above the cake stand). 
• Decorative Elements (optional but recommended): Florals, greenery, ribbons, or edible glitter. 
• Serving Tongs/Plates for guests to easily grab their donuts. 
• Transport Supplies: A large box or reusable container to carefully transport the tower.

DIY Wedding Donut Tower in 5 Easy Steps

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves (and maybe take a quick donut break) as we guide you through making your very own wedding donut tower. 



Step 1: Preparing the Base 

Start by prepping a strong and stable base. If you're using a cake stand, choose one with sturdy tiers that won’t wobble.

For a foam base, secure it to a flat surface, such as a cutting board or plywood. Wrap it in decorative paper or fabric that matches the wedding’s theme for an elevated look. 

Attach dowels or rods securely to the base if you plan to stack donuts vertically. Make sure everything feels solid before moving to the next step—you don’t want any wobbly surprises later on! 

Step 2: Stacking the Donuts 

Here’s where the fun really begins! Stack the donuts in layers, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Use the largest donuts for the base of the tower and gradually taper the size as you move higher. 

If you’re stacking on rods, slide each donut down carefully to avoid squishing. If not using rods, layer the donuts in a pyramidal shape by gently overlapping them at the edges. 

Tip: Mix and match colors and frostings for a visually exciting display, but keep the design cohesive to avoid it feeling chaotic. 

Step 3: Decorating Tips 

Time to dress up your creation! Add complementary decor to elevate the tower and tie it seamlessly into the wedding’s aesthetic. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Florals (e.g., roses, eucalyptus): Place these between layers or at the top of the tower for a romantic look.
• Ribbons and Bows that align with the couple’s color palette. 
• Mini Signs or banners with sweet messages saying things like “Donut Worry, Be Happy” or “Love is Sweet!” 

Keep the decor thoughtful but minimal—don’t overcrowd the donuts. They’re the real stars of the show! 

Step 4: Transporting the Tower 

Moving your masterpiece is nerve-wracking, but careful planning will save the day. Disassemble the tower into separate layers for transport. Use a sturdy box or container to avoid crushing the donuts, and pack the decorative elements separately. 

Once at the venue, assemble everything on-site—you’ll thank yourself for reducing the chance of accidents during transit! 

Step 5: Setting Up at the Venue 

Find a high-visibility spot for the donut tower, such as directly next to the wedding cake or on the dessert table. Use ambient lighting to highlight the donuts’ glossy finishes and vibrant colors. Arrange serving tongs or plates nearby and voilà—the donut tower is ready to wow!

Budgeting and Timelines

Creating a DIY donut tower is budget-friendly but requires planning. Here's a basic breakdown of costs and timeframes to help you stay organized:



• Donuts: $150–$300 (depending on quantity and type). 
• Base and Dowels: $20–$50 (or more if custom-made). 
• Decorative Items: $20–$40 (florals, greenery, signs). 

Timeline: 

• 1 Month Before: Confirm the couple’s theme and donut flavors. Order the donuts in advance if using a bakery. 
• 1 Week Before: Prepare and decorate the base. 
• Day Before: Pick up the donuts fresh and pack transport supplies. 
• Day Of: Assemble and set up the tower at the venue.

When Should You Skip DIY?

While a DIY donut tower is a fun project, it can also be time-consuming and requires careful execution—perfect, perhaps, for small and intimate weddings. But if you’re planning a large event or have a packed to-do list, outsourcing is a smart move. 

Companies like Ada Donuts specialize in providing ready-made wedding donut towers, tailored to your needs. They bake fresh, transport seamlessly, and set up everything with care, leaving you with more time to enjoy the day. 



If you’d rather enjoy the wedding planning process without added stress, book Ada Donuts today for a worry-free dessert experience!

Sweet Memories Begin Here

A DIY wedding donut tower is a personal and unforgettable way to sweeten a wedding celebration. With creativity, a little effort, and this guide in hand, you can create a dessert centerpiece that guests will flock to and photograph endlessly. 

Whether you choose to DIY or leave it to the pros, one thing’s for sure—donuts truly make weddings sweeter. 

Feeling inspired? Visit Ada Donuts for everything you need to create a stress-free and delicious wedding experience!