Bake and cool 2-layer cakes (for 10 in. cake, trim two cakes to 2 1/2 in. high to make a 5 in. high cake).
Ice smooth with buttercream.
Position cakes on plates.
Mark bottom tier for push-in pillar placement using 8 in. separator plate.
Pipe tip 3 dots and tip 5 bead bottom borders.
At reception: Position 10 in. cake on stand; insert pillars. Position 6 in. cake with plate. Pipe tip 21 mound where flowers will rest and insert fresh flower stems into mounds.
*The smallest tier is often saved for the first anniversary. The number of servings given does not include the smallest tier.