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Find the best fit for your big day.
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner with expertise in wedding orders, as well as a former event planner. She is now a freelance writer focused on lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.
Photo by Erich Mcvey; Cakes by Nicole Bakes Cakes
If you’ve decided to serve a cake at your wedding, one of those tiny-yet-crucial details is deciding what type of display it will sit on. After all, your wedding cake has the potential to be one of the most statement-making elements of your reception!
Setting up your cake display table requires a bit of thought, as you consider the type of table or structure that will serve as the base. In addition, it’s important to think ahead and consider the type of cake stand or plate your wedding day sweet will sit on.
To learn more about choosing the best stand for your wedding cake, we turned to two wedding cake pros. Below, find helpful tips and tricks to find the best cake stand to hold your wedding cake and match your overall aesthetic.
The most important step in choosing the right cake stand is to consider your wedding cake size first. According to Ashley Lattier, owner of Ashley Cakes, it’s important to never use a stand that is too small in diameter. You always want to utilize a cake stand that’s larger in diameter than your cake. For example, if the cake drum or board at the base of your wedding cake is 10 inches, you’ll want a cake stand that’s 10 inches or 12 inches to be sure there’s plenty of room. The last thing you want to do is to choose a cake stand that’s too small. Having your cake overhang on the stand will cause it to be unsteady.
Nicole Redd-McIntosh, owner of Nicole Bakes Cakes, says it’s important to consider the weight of the cake stand as well. “Make sure your cake stand has some weight to it. Wedding cakes are heavy, so you want to make sure the stand will hold the weight of the cake and is not flimsy,” she says.
Once you’ve confirmed the perfect cake stand size with your baker, think about shape and aesthetics. How will the cake stand look when it’s paired with your cake? And how will it look in your venue and match your overall wedding design? According to Redd-McIntosh, the most common cake stand shape is a pedestal cake stand. “They will give your cake elevation and are also clean and classic in design,” she says. Solid colors such as black, white, clear, metallic, or wood are all great options.
If you don’t wish to add even more height to your display, especially if you have a four-tier or five-tiered cake, consider a cake plate instead. “Traditional silver and gold plateaus are beautiful and timeless as well,” says Lattier.
Keep other cake table design elements in mind as you choose your cake stand shape and material. If you’re planning to deck out the table in florals or include textiles or candles, you may want a simpler cake stand.
If you want to go with a more unique choice, don’t be afraid to explore that option! Redd-McIntosh says using a clear floating pillar or even hanging your cake from the ceiling are all achievable options. Just be sure to check with your cake baker to make sure the concept will work, while keeping your cake secure. “You want your stand to make your cake stand out or for it to be a ‘frame’ for your cake. Make sure the stand fits the vibe of your wedding,” she says.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect aesthetic, size, material, and color, it’s time to source your cake stand! Luckily, there are plenty of options for where to look. “Most bakeries will have a selection of stands to rent, but you can also find some unique things on places like Etsy,” says Lattier. “We have also had clients use heirloom cake stands that have been passed down in their family for years, so don’t forget to check with grandma to see if she has something special to use!”
Be sure to double-check with your baker before purchasing a cake stand. They may have a specific type of stand they always use for their custom cakes.
Redd-McIntosh suggests looking at stores such as Home Goods and Crate and Barrel. She says Home Goods may require a bit more hunting, but you’re likely to find great options there. She also suggests online retailer Prop Options for unique stands. “They have super fast shipping and I am obsessed with all of their stands,” she adds.
Ultimately, it’s all about working with your baker and finding the best fit to securely and beautifully display a stunning cake on your wedding day.
Courtesy of S and C Parties
This black melamine cake stand is sleek and modern, making it the perfect fit for a variety of wedding themes. It's 11.5-inches, giving plenty of room for a wedding cake with a 10-inch tier as the base.
Hoping to fit a glam or boho vibe? Opt for something different with this fun gold geometric pattern. It's incredibly strong and sturdy, and you can choose from three different sizes for the best fit.
This cake stand is a great fit for a rustic or garden-style wedding, and it would be even more beautiful surrounded by fresh flowers. Made with walnut, it can be ordered in four different sizes.
Go for a timeless option with clear glass. The ridged edge detailing dresses up the design of this 12 1/4-inch cake stand to make it entirely wedding-worthy.
courtesy of crate and barrel
Keep things simple with a classic, white pedestal stand. This porcelain option is 11.5-inches, making it the perfect fit for many wedding cakes.
Elevate the look of your cake table with marble. This stunning stone cake stand is 12 1/2-inches, or you can opt for a smaller version if you're planning to serve a mini single-tiered cake.
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