Bling Wedding Cakes: Sparkling Ideas For Your Big Day

Adding bling to your wedding cake is a great way to make a statement and add a touch of glamour to your special day. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the look you want to achieve and whether you want the bling to be edible or not. Edible rhinestones are made from sugar, gelatin, or isomalt, and while they are safe to eat, they may not be as sparkly as non-edible options. Non-edible rhinestones are purely decorative and must be removed before the cake is eaten. They are usually made from plastic, glass, or crystal.

One way to add bling to your wedding cake is to use rhinestone banding or mesh, which can be wrapped around each layer of the cake and secured with edible glue. You can also attach rhinestones to a ribbon or food-safe band and wrap that around the cake. Another option is to use individual rhinestones placed directly on the cake with a non-toxic adhesive. This method requires more skill and patience but allows you to express your creativity.

When designing your blinged-out wedding cake, consider the size and shape of the cake, as well as the overall colour palette and theme of your wedding. Larger cakes can handle more bling, while smaller cakes may require a more subtle approach. Clear rhinestones, opals, and white/ivory pearls are perfect for a traditional white wedding, while soft pinks, forest greens, and golds complement a rustic theme. Bold jewel tones like sapphire, emerald, ruby, and amethyst make a statement, and calm neutrals like coffee, mauve, cream, and gold offer a contemporary style. Vintage pastel shades of blue, pink, lilac, and yellow are always popular for springtime weddings.

Edible rhinestones vs. non-edible rhinestones

Adding rhinestones to a wedding cake is a great way to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to the wedding celebration. When it comes to choosing between edible and non-edible rhinestones, there are a few things to consider:

Edible Rhinestones

Edible rhinestones are made from sugar, gelatin, or isomalt, making them safe to consume. However, one downside is that they are not as sparkly as non-edible rhinestones since the facets are not machine-cut to the same precision. When applying edible rhinestones, it is important to use a clean and smooth surface. Use a small brush or beading tool to apply edible glue or royal icing where you want the rhinestones, ensuring the adhesive is smaller than the rhinestone. Then, carefully pick up each flatback rhinestone with tweezers or a gemstone pick-up tool and place it onto the adhesive. Let it set completely before moving the cake.

Non-Edible Rhinestones

Non-edible rhinestones are made from plastic, glass, or crystal and are purely decorative. They must be removed before consumption, and it is important to communicate this clearly to clients. There are two main methods for using non-edible rhinestones on cakes: the ribbon method and individual placement. The ribbon method involves attaching rhinestones to a ribbon or food-safe band that can wrap around the cake. Individual placement requires more skill and involves using a non-toxic adhesive to place rhinestones directly on the cake. Ensure they are large enough not to pose a choking hazard and are easily removable.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between edible and non-edible rhinestones, consider the following:

• Sparkle: Non-edible rhinestones made from glass or crystal will have a more precise machine-cut that creates a sparkly effect.
• Safety: Edible rhinestones are safer as they can be consumed, while non-edible rhinestones must be removed before eating the cake.
• Application: Both types of rhinestones can be applied in different ways, so consider which method you prefer.
• Aesthetics: While non-edible rhinestones may be sparklier, edible rhinestones can still be used to create symmetrical designs, thoughtful patterns, and intricate shapes.
• Theme and Colour Scheme: Choose rhinestones that match the wedding's theme and colour scheme. For example, traditional weddings typically use clear rhinestones, opals, and white/ivory pearls, while rustic weddings may use soft pinks, forest greens, and golds.

Cake display stand

Adding bling to your wedding cake is a great way to glam up your wedding. Here are some ideas on how to do this with a cake display stand:

Rhinestone Cake Stand

Use a rhinestone or faux-rhinestone diamond wrap to create a beautiful cake display stand. You can buy these online or make your own by wrapping a 12” cake form with wide diamond wrap and gluing a 12” mirror to the top. You can even make it rotate by putting it on a lazy Susan. If you want to add some extra bling, consider gluing some rhinestones to the outer cake pan.

Rhinestone Cake Banding

Amp up the bling on a minimalist white cake with rhinestone cake banding. Using edible glue, you can wrap each layer of your fondant cake with shiny rhinestones. You can also use different coloured rhinestone mesh to match the colours of your wedding theme.

Crystal Beads Cake Stand

Another option for a cake display stand is to use a crystal beads cake stand. These stands are usually made of metal with a round base and a mirror or crystal top. They often have a chandelier-style design with crystal beads or pendants hanging from the top. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake.

DIY Cake Stand

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own DIY bling cake stand. One idea is to use a roll of diamond mesh, which you can find at craft stores or online. You can also use glittery fabric or ribbon to add some sparkle to your stand. For the base, you can use wood, paint it, and add some bling.

Acrylic Cake Stand with Crystal Bling Pendants

For a more modern look, you can choose an acrylic cake stand with crystal bling pendants. These stands are usually clear or transparent, allowing your cake to take centre stage while still adding some sparkle and shine. They often come in a set of 3 or more stands of varying heights, perfect for displaying multiple tiers of your wedding cake.

Rhinestone banding

Before applying the banding to the cake, it is recommended to gently hand wash the rhinestone mesh in cold water using a small amount of liquid dishwashing detergent. Then, cut a strip of wax paper or parchment paper to the length and width of the banding required for each tier. Apply a thin line of non-toxic clear craft glue along the top and bottom edge of the paper strip, then lay the rhinestone banding on top, with the rhinestones facing up. Allow the glue to dry, then apply the strip to the cake. This method will ensure that the icing doesn't come through the mesh and cover the rhinestones.

You can also attach rhinestones to a ribbon or food-safe band and wrap it around the cake. This method is especially suitable for non-edible rhinestones, which must be removed before the cake is consumed.

Applying non-edible rhinestones

When applying non-edible rhinestones to a wedding cake, it is important to remember that these rhinestones are purely decorative and must be removed before the cake is consumed. There are two main methods for applying non-edible rhinestones: the ribbon method and individual placement.

The ribbon method involves attaching rhinestones to a ribbon or food-safe band that can be wrapped around the cake. This method is a great option if you want to add a continuous band of rhinestones around the cake. First, cut a ribbon or food-safe band to the appropriate length to fit around the cake. Then, using a non-toxic adhesive, attach the rhinestones to the ribbon. Finally, wrap the ribbon around the cake and secure it in place.

Individual placement allows for more creativity and customisation in the arrangement of rhinestones. For this method, use a non-toxic adhesive to carefully place each rhinestone directly on the cake. Ensure that the rhinestones are large enough to be easily removable and do not pose a choking hazard. Practice this technique beforehand, as it may require some patience and skill to master.

When applying non-edible rhinestones, it is crucial to prioritise safety and clearly communicate to your clients or guests that these rhinestones are decorative only and must be removed before eating.

Combining with other decorations

Combining rhinestones with other decorations can create a multi-textured look for your wedding cake.

Complementary Elements

Pair rhinestones with other decorative elements like pearls, flowers, lace, or fondant details. For example, you could use a combination of rhinestones and pearls to create a delicate, luxurious, and regal look.

Colour Balance

If using coloured rhinestones, balance them with the overall colour palette of the cake. For instance, if you're going for a traditional white wedding theme, use clear rhinestones, opals, and white/ivory pearls. For a rustic vibe, soft pinks, forest greens, and hints of gold will complement the woody look. Bold jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, ruby red, and amethyst purple can express your bold side.

Other Ideas

You could also add pops of bling to your wedding decor, such as crystal chandeliers, glittering or gold and silver painted table arrangements, and sequined table runners. These small touches will make for a jaw-dropping display and create stunning photo backdrops.

Frequently asked questions