Wedding Cake Display Ideas
Wedding Cake Display Ideas
Wedding Cake Display Ideas
Wedding cake display ideas play a crucial role in making the cake-cutting ceremony one of the most memorable and elegant moments of your special day. This ceremony often marks the graceful transition from daytime festivities to an evening of dancing and celebration. Furthermore, for many guests who arrive later, it may be the only ceremonial moment they experience. With that in mind, I’m here to help you explore wedding cake display ideas that will ensure your cake-cutting photos are breathtaking, creating lasting memories to treasure forever.
Styling your wedding cake: Wedding Cake Display Ideas:
Whether it’s a stylish cake stand, beautiful linens, or thoughtful personalised signage, there are plenty of options to make your cake display shine. Even more importantly, small touches and budget-friendly additions can make a huge difference. From the cake’s position in the room to adding flower arches or elaborate backdrops, there are many creative ways to make your wedding cake stand out with simple yet thoughtful styling.
Additionally, you’ll find details about the cake stands I offer for hire and my hire terms below.
You’ve Chosen Your Cake — Ideas on How to Style Your Wedding Cake Display
First, after selecting your bespoke wedding cake design, settling on the flavours, and arranging delivery and setup, the final important step to consider is the display. Below, I cover various cake display ideas that suit every taste and budget. Additionally, I share tips to help you create a stunning cake presentation that complements your wedding theme. Finally, you’ll find details about the cake stands I offer for hire, along with my hire terms.
Cutting the Cake
Here’s a photo of one of my beautiful couples cutting their wedding cake. For example, they added a stunning floral arrangement at the base of the cake stand that perfectly matched the bridal bouquet and venue flowers. So, even just a little thought and some budget-friendly additions can elevate your cake display dramatically.
Cutting The Cake
One of my beautiful couples cutting their wedding cake.
They added a stunning floral arrangement at the base of the cake stand that matched the bridal bouquet and flowers for the venue.
Styling Your Wedding Cake Display
I’m always happy to discuss styling your cake display—whether with you, your wedding planner, or your venue. When I deliver the cake, I can add any pre-agreed details, such as a cake stand, floral arrangements, linens, or props you provide or that you hire from a prop company.
No matter how simple or elaborate your styling plans, it’s important to have an idea in mind before the big day, so everything looks perfect.
Even a small amount of thought and consideration into where the cake will be situated and some small, budget friendly additions can make a huge difference to the cake display.
Luisa x
The Most Important Considerations for Your Cake Display:
Location:
Both practical and aesthetic considerations matter when choosing the cake display location.
Photo Opportunities
The cake-cutting ceremony is a great photo moment. Therefore, check for any unsightly signs or objects that could spoil photos—no fire extinguishers or exit signs behind the cake! Moreover, ensure the cake is easily accessible for the couple and photographer, with enough room to move freely
Look Behind You!
What’s in the background? Neutral backgrounds are a failsafe, but colourful prints can add interest and colour.
Look Behind You!
What is in the background? Neutral backgrounds are a failsafe, but colourful prints can add interest and colour.
Visibility
Is the cake in a spot visible from all areas of the room? For instance, you might want it near the top table, the centre of the room, or by a window to take advantage of the best natural light.
Avoid Heat and Sunlight
Additionally, cakes should never be placed in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as fires or radiators.
1. Is the cake displayed in an area that is visible from all areas of the room? You might also wish to position the cake near the top table, or alternatively in the centre of the room, or even by a window to take advantage of the best natural lighting.
2. Is the cake out of direct heat or sunlight? It is important to consider the practicalities of the location. Your cake shouldn’t be in direct sunlight or placed near any heat sources such as fires or radiators.
3. The cake-cutting ceremony is a great photo opportunity so, it is worth considering the following regarding the cake display;
- Are there any unsightly signs or objects in the shot that could detract from the beautiful photographs? For example, you don’t want to receive cake-cutting photos only to realise there’s a large fire extinguisher or exit sign in the background. Additionally, is the cake easily accessible for the cake-cutting ceremony?
- Furthermore, can the couple reach the cake with enough room for the photographer to capture the moment clearly?
Making Memories
Charlie & Joe had their cake positioned on the dance floor for their cake-cutting ceremony in the evening. Additionally, with the beautiful backdrop of Cowdray House and their personalised initials in lights, it created the perfect setting. The photos reflect their personalities; glamorous, classy and above all fun!
Cake Table
Do you have a dedicated cake table or plinth? Having the cake on its own table makes the display a feature itself, keeps the cake away from crowds or other food to avoid contamination, and ensures it’s ready for cutting without any last-minute rearranging.
Meaningful Moments
Jack & Siala enhanced their cake table with a few simple florals and candles, which beautifully drew attention to the display.
Size Matters
The cake table should be the right size for your cake. A small two-tier cake on a huge table can look lost, while the table should ideally be taller than standard to elevate the cake and make it stand out.
Simple Cake Table
For example, this cake was displayed simply on a table that matched the beautiful Moroccan bathhouse where the wedding was held.
The simple display, with the ornate mirror, meant that the cake could be seen as soon as the guests walked into the room and enjoyed it from all angles before the cake-cutting ceremony.
Simple Cake Table
This cake was displayed simply on a table matching the Moroccan bathhouse where the wedding was held. The ornate mirror and simple display allowed guests to see the cake from all angles as soon as they entered the room.
Tablecloth or Linens
Check if the venue provides a tablecloth for the cake table or if the table looks good without one. Most venues offer white linens, but adding your own fabrics can tie the display into your theme or add a pop of colour. You might also add something sentimental or unique. I’m happy to style the display with linens you provide when delivering the cake.
Materials Add Softness & Contrast
This Four Tier Fondant Wedding Cake with touches of bronze metallics was displayed with a neutral linen tablecloth adding softness and contrast to the strong metallic details.
The addition of the picture frame and rust-coloured backdrop also complements the cake perfectly for a high-end but rustic feel.
Photo Credit: Sarah Carmody Photography
Cake Stand
Whether or not you use a cake stand depends on your personal preference and wedding style. Some couples prefer a simple tablecloth with meaningful items like candles or toppers, while others choose rustic logs or dramatic stands.
Cake stands are an easy way to add height and drama to your display.
Sourcing a Cake Stand
Venue Supplied:
Firstly, I advise that you ask if your venue supplies a cake stand. This is often the simplest and most cost-effective option. If so, check whether the style and size suit your cake.
Borrow from Friends or Family:
Alternatively, borrow a stand from friends or family. However, make sure the stand is sturdy and the right size for your cake.
Hire from Events or Prop Companies:
Additionally, consider hiring from events or prop companies. They offer a variety of stands, blocks, and tables to suit different styles.
Rent from me:
Finally, I offer a small selection of Milk Glass cake stands in white, black, and clear, along with a floral basket stand for dramatic arrangements.
Cake Stand Hire Terms
I charge a small admin fee and a refundable deposit for cake stand hire. The fee covers organising logistics for delivery and return, and the deposit covers replacement if the stand is damaged or not returned on time.
All stands must be returned within 5 days of your wedding/delivery date in their original protective packaging to ensure future hires. Late, damaged, or improperly packaged returns forfeit the deposit.
Stands I Provide:
- White Pedestal Cake Stand
Simple white milk glass, available in 10-inch and 12-inch bases, suitable for single tier to large multi-tier cakes. - Black Pedestal Cake Stand
Classic black milk glass for a modern, alternative look. - Clear Pedestal Cake Stand
Clear glass adds height without detracting from the cake, suitable for larger cakes with a 12-inch base. - Floral Basket Stand
A wire basket is ideal for displaying flowers at the cake base, adding a charming natural touch.
More Cake Stand Ideas
Clients, venues, and prop suppliers offer a range of stands:
- Rustic Wooden Block Cake Stand
Adds rustic charm, perfect for woodland or botanical themes. Available from The Toast. - Vintage Style Stands
Popular at high-end venues but check compatibility with your cake style.
White Pedestal Cake Stand
Simple white milk glass cake stand:
A simple cake stand adds elevation and impact to any cake display.
Available in two sizes; 10-inch and 12-inch base. Making it suitable for both smaller, single tier and 2 tier cakes and larger cakes with three tiers or above.
Black Pedestal Cake Stand
Classic Black Milk Glass Cake Stand:
This stand works well with darker cakes for a more modern and alternative feel.
Clear Pedestal Cake Stand
Clear Milk Glass Cake Stand:
The clear glass cake stand adds height without detracting from the overall display.
With a 12-inch base, it is suitable for larger cakes with three tiers or above.
Stand Out Floral Design
Floral Basket Stand:
A wire basket can be used for displaying flowers at the base of the cake.
More Cake Stand Ideas from venues and prop suppliers:
Clients, venues, and prop suppliers offer a range of stands:
- Rustic Wooden Block Cake Stand
Adds rustic charm, perfect for woodland or botanical themes. Available from The Toast. - Vintage Style Stands
Popular at high-end venues, but check compatibility with your cake style.
Rustic wooden block cake stand
Rustic Charm
A rustic wooden log always adds charm to a classic wedding cake. This fits with most cake designs but lends itself especially well to cakes with a woodland or botanical theme.
Available to hire from The Toast – Log stands
Vintage Style
This classic vintage-style cake stand is most common at high-end wedding venues and makes most cake styles stand out.
More modern designs can, however, look out of place on a silver plinth so it is worth checking with the venue that they have a stand that will go with your cake display ahead of time.
Venue and Stand: Pelham House Weddings – Lewes
Those little extras…
Dessert Display
Why not collaborate with other suppliers and add a doughnut wall? Or ask me about dessert menu items I can provide.
This beautiful personalised wine crate stand was provided by the couple.
Signage:
Neon Signage
You could even go all out and have a neon sign behind the cake display.
The incredible people at Signature Moments and Sundown Sounds have a range of neon signs for hire in Sussex.
Custom Signage
Thoughtful and personalised signage can add a unique touch to the cake display.
You can find cake table signage online like these and from local Sussex, wedding hire companies such as To Have and To Hire.
Cake Topper:
Personalised Cake Toppers
Card cake toppers can be sourced from my supplier Clean Cut Laser Studio or I can order you an acrylic topper that can be kept as a keepsake or recycled after your event.
Personalised cake toppers can be added as part of your wedding cake package.
Cake Knife:
Cake Cutting Essentials
You will need a cake knife to cut your cake. Most venues will provide a basic knife for cake cutting but you may wish to have utensils that fit the overall theme.
Some people choose to go all out with engraved cake cutlery and Meghan and Harry Famously cut their wedding cake with a sword!
Dessert Table Styling
Bespoke dessert tables can include chocolate truffles, brownies, baklava, and citrus friands. Stands, pedestals, florals, and other props can make the display show-stopping and inviting.
Outdoor Cake Display: A Word of Caution
Outdoor cake displays benefit from natural light and beautiful backdrops but require careful temperature control, especially for buttercream cakes in summer. If temperatures exceed about 10°C, keep the cake inside until just before cutting. Always avoid direct sunlight and cover the cake to protect it from pests attracted to sugar.
Suppliers That Can Help Bring Your Cake Display to Life
- The Toast — Log stands and tea chests for rustic charm
- Wickerwood Farm — Vintage sofas, chairs, cake tables, and more
- Signature Moments & Sundown Sounds — Neon sign hire in Sussex
- Tony Dunn Flowers — Floral design in Sussex
- Prop Options — Cake separators and spacers
- Dress it Yourself — Cake plinths
Don’t Forget
Always ask your venue what they provide as part of their wedding package. Additionally, personalising your cake display—whether with linens, candles, or flowers—can make all the difference.
Dessert Table Styling
Florals and mismatched stands can make for a beautiful wedding cake display.
Dessert tables can be styled with stands, linens and even blocks and books to elevate the display. You could add florals, vases and other items to make the whole table inviting and opulent. Your guests will want to admire, and then dive straight in to enjoy the delicacies.
Outdoor Cake Display
Displaying your cake outside… A warning!
The cake would also need to be covered if it is to be kept outside extensively. This is to keep away any pests that may be attracted by sugar. Because it’s not only people who love cake!
Suppliers that can help with hired items that bring to life all your Wedding Cake Display Ideas:
The Toast – Log stands and tea chests for a unique and rustic cake display
Wickerwood Farm – Jude has the most amazing boutique hire items, including vintage sofas, Zebra print chairs, cake tables, and so much more.
Signature Moments and Sundown Sounds – Neon signs for hire in Sussex.
Tony Dunn Flowers – For amazing floral design in Sussex
Prop Options – Cake separators and spacers
Dress it Yourself – Cake Plinths
More Wedding Cake Display Idea Tips:
Don’t forget to ask your venue what they can supply as part of their wedding package. I do, however, suggest personalising the cake display in some way, as even a piece of linen or some candles can make the whole display pop.
Photo Credit: Sarah Carmody Photography
If you’re ready to make your wedding cake display truly unforgettable, I’m here to help with styling ideas, cake stands for hire, and personalised touches that will wow your guests. Feel free to contact me to discuss your wedding cake display needs or to book a consultation bu filling out my wedding cake enquiry form. You can also explore more about my designs, services and browse cake stand options on my website. Let’s create those perfect, picture-ready moments that you and your loved ones will cherish forever!