Does anyone out there make their own stacking system. It's for a wedding cake and each layer will be about 5" high. So the material needs to be strong and not flimsy. Would you use wood or plastic or what do you recommend ? I don't have time to buy something since this cake is for this weekend.

If there is absolutely no cake supply or Michaels, AC Moore, etc. or other craft store, that may carry a plate & column system, I would use wodden dowels. Lowes & Home Depot sell a variety of sizes. I would use at least 3/4" diameter.

I don't have any Michaels or other cake decorating carrier with in an hour and a half from where I live. Would you just use cardboard for the plate? These are pretty big cakes and Ii'm afraid it would be too weak.

What sizes are these cakes? What is considered big to one isn't to others
You can use double or even triple cake boards OR foamcore boards OR masionite boards OR even wood that's well covered. I suppose even the right kind of plastic could work if it's strong (thick) enough.

The largest tier is 14" square and at least 5" high.