Displaying A Wedding Cake: Tips For A Perfect Presentation

how to display a wedding cake

The wedding cake is a centrepiece of the reception, so it's important to display it well. The cake table should be covered with a clean, ironed tablecloth that reaches the floor, and the cake should be lit, but not so much that the icing melts. The cake should be placed higher than other desserts, and you can add candles or a creative cake stand to make it stand out. You could also match the stand to your wedding theme, for example, a tree stump stand for a rustic wedding.

Characteristics Values
Table Round or square, covered with a tablecloth that reaches the floor
Tablecloth Clean, ironed
Lighting Soft, not harsh enough to melt icing
Cake stand Geometric wire, glass, or rustic (e.g. tree stump)
Candles Yes
Cake placement Higher than other desserts

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Choosing a cake stand

When choosing a cake stand, it's important to consider the size and style of your wedding cake. If your cake is particularly ornate or detailed, a simple cake stand will allow it to shine. A glass stand is a good choice as it is durable and won't distract from the cake.

If you want your wedding cake to stand out, a creative geometric wire cake stand can add interest and be accented with additional lighting. You could also consider a stand that matches your wedding theme, such as a tree stump stand for a rustic wedding.

The height of your cake stand is also important. Placing your wedding cake higher than the other desserts will make it a focal point, and you can add candles for extra impact. However, be mindful of the overall size of your display table in relation to your cake. A large table can overwhelm a small cake, and you don't want to be leaning across it to cut the cake.

Finally, consider the lighting. While you want to illuminate your cake, be careful not to use harsh lighting that could cause the icing to melt.

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Table and tablecloth

The table and tablecloth are essential elements of displaying a wedding cake. Firstly, the table should be the right size for the cake. A six-foot trestle table is unnecessary for a three-tier cake, and leaning across a large table to cut the cake is not an attractive look. Instead, opt for a table that is no more than a foot or so away from the edge you will be cutting. Visually, round tables work better, but square ones are also a good idea.

The tablecloth should be clean, ironed, and long enough to reach the floor all the way around the table. If you want to get creative, you can bring your own special table, such as a moss-covered one with blooms. However, most venues will provide a table and tablecloth, plus a cake knife.

When it comes to the cake stand, consider your wedding theme and match the stand to it. For example, a tree stump stand would be perfect for a rustic wedding. A glass stand is always a good idea as it is durable and doesn't attract much attention. If your cake is a show-stopper, a simple cake stand will let it shine on its own.

Finally, don't forget that the cake area of your wedding reception can be a gorgeous grazing table for your guests to fuel up and make memories.

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Lighting

You can add small, battery-operated LED lights to the cake stand or table to illuminate the cake from below, creating a stunning visual effect. Alternatively, you can use a spotlight directed at the cake table from the side to highlight the cake's beauty and create a dramatic effect.

Consider using candles or fairy lights to add a touch of romance. If you are placing the cake by a window, natural light will make for better pictures.

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Matching the wedding theme

The wedding cake display should complement the theme of the wedding. For example, a rustic wedding might feature a tree stump cake stand, while a more modern wedding could use a creative geometric wire stand. The cake stand can also be used to elevate the cake, making it stand out from the other desserts.

The tablecloth for the wedding cake display should be clean, ironed, and long enough to reach the floor all the way around the table. A linen-covered table is a good choice if the cake is particularly eye-catching, as it will let the cake shine without being overwhelming.

Consider adding additional lights to highlight the cake, but be careful not to use harsh lighting that could cause the icing to melt. Candles can also be used to create a romantic atmosphere and draw attention to the cake.

The cake display should be well-thought-out and stylish, as it will be a focal point for guests to gather around, take photos, and create sweet memories.

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Grazing table

The cake area of your wedding reception can be a gorgeous grazing table for dancing fuel. This little island of joy is the space your guests will snap, post, visit and re-visit to fuel up throughout the party for dancing, celebrating and memory-making.

Your display furniture must serve its purpose, and that is to support the cake you will cut, not overwhelm it. You do not need a six-foot trestle table for a three-tier cake, and having to lean across a huge table with a cake knife is not an attractive look. Neither is standing with your back to your family while you do the honours, so try to be placed alongside or behind the cake, and no more than a foot or so away from the edge you will be cutting.

The tablecloth for the wedding cake display should be clean, ironed and long enough to reach the floor all the way round the table. Light up your wedding cake but not too much: make sure that the light is not harsh enough to cause the icing to melt. If you have a special table in mind, like a moss-covered one with blooms, bring it with you.

Frequently asked questions

Place your wedding cake on a stand that is higher than the other desserts. You could also add candles, or use a creative geometric wire cake stand.

A simple linen-covered table is a good option, and visually, round tables work better than square ones. However, make sure the table is the right size for your cake – you don't want to be leaning across a huge table to cut it!

You can light up your wedding cake, but make sure the light isn't too harsh, as this could cause the icing to melt.

You could use a simple cake stand if you want your cake to shine on its own, or you could add other sweet treats like doughnuts or desserts to create a grazing table for your guests.

Your venue will usually provide a table and tablecloth, but if you have something special in mind, you can bring your own.

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