Elevating Small Wedding Cakes: Strategies For A Grand Look

Small wedding cakes can make a grand statement and wow your guests. There are many ways to make a small wedding cake look bigger and more extravagant. One way is to use a tall cake stand, which will add height and create the illusion of a larger cake. Using cake dummies or dummy tiers can also add height and make the cake look bigger, without the cost and waste of extra cake. Separators, hanging jewels, or glass inserts can also be used to create elaborate designs and add height. A backboard or backdrop can make the overall size of the cake appear bigger and more dramatic. For a small wedding cake that stands out, consider adding a light-up cake topper, or a garland of greenery.

Use a tall cake stand

Using a tall cake stand is a great way to make a small wedding cake look bigger. It adds height and grandeur to your cake, giving it a more dramatic overall effect.

A tall cake stand can be an elegant and simple solution to elevate your small wedding cake, both literally and aesthetically. The added height will make your cake appear larger and more prominent, especially when placed on a well-chosen stand that complements the colour scheme and style of your wedding.

When selecting a tall cake stand, opt for one with a slim base and a tall pedestal. This will provide stability while maximising the height of your cake display. Choose a stand made from materials such as glass, crystal, or metal, which will create an elegant and sophisticated look.

To further enhance the appearance of your cake, consider decorating the stand itself. You can wrap the stand with ribbon, greenery, or flowers that match your wedding theme. Adding these decorative elements will not only make the stand more visually appealing but will also draw attention to your cake, making it seem even bigger.

Additionally, you can place the cake stand on a raised platform or pedestal to add further height. This will ensure that your small wedding cake commands attention and creates a stunning focal point at your reception.

Add a backdrop

Adding a backdrop to your wedding cake table is a great way to make a small wedding cake look bigger. Here are some ideas to achieve that:

Rustic-themed Backdrop

Mount a wooden pallet behind the cake table. Decorate the upper area of the pallet with fresh greenery and position string lights around it. This simple, natural, and intimate backdrop will beautifully frame your wedding cake.

Simple Feminine Flow

Create a delicate and romantic backdrop by mounting a tall crossbar and draping a sheer, blush pink curtain from it, allowing it to cascade down to the floor. Hang generous amounts of greenery, such as Italian Ruscus, to give the illusion of vines. You can also match it with a sheer pink table runner for a cohesive look.

Travel Backdrop

If you and your spouse love to travel, create a unique backdrop that reflects your shared passion. Position a blown-up world map on the wall behind the cake table. Hang paper planes from the ceiling with transparent nylon wire, and scatter a few more paper planes around the table. Add a subtle burst of color by placing simple flower bouquets near the cake.

Rich Woodland Blooms

Create a lush and extravagant woodland-themed backdrop by mounting a simple wooden board behind the cake table and draping it with an abundance of greenery and vibrant blooms. Flowers such as myrtle, cafe au lait dahlias, and silver dollar eucalyptus will add texture and color.

Fabric Backdrop

For a simple and elegant backdrop, hang fabric from a wall or structure behind the cake table. Choose fabrics that complement your wedding theme, such as sequins, tulle, or velvet. Look for fabrics that won't show wrinkles and mix and match different textures and colors. You can also add party fans or other decorative elements to the fabric for a pop of color.

Floral Arch

Place your wedding cake within a floral arch display to create a stunning and romantic backdrop. You can use fresh flowers, paper flowers, or a combination of both. The arch can be freestanding or attached to a wall, and you can enhance it with string lights or other decorative elements.

Use dummy tiers

Dummy tiers, also known as imitation tiers or fake tiers, are polystyrene blocks that can be used to make a small wedding cake look bigger. They are commonly used for display cakes at wedding shows, window displays, and photoshoots. They can also be added to a real wedding cake to increase its height and create a more dramatic effect without the need for extra cake. This can be especially useful when the cake is placed in a large room, as it helps the cake stand out and not get lost in the space.

Dummy tiers come in various shapes and sizes, including rounds and squares, with either straight or rounded edges. When used in a wedding cake, they are decorated in the same way as the real cake tiers, so they blend in seamlessly. It is important to note that adding dummy tiers does not necessarily make the cake less expensive, as the same amount of time and work goes into decorating them as real cake tiers.

To use dummy tiers effectively, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, they should be securely attached to the cake board, either with double-sided tape or by using royal icing as glue. Additionally, it is recommended to dowel the dummy tiers for extra stability, especially if the cake needs to be transported. The dowels should be cut to match the height of the bottom cake and inserted into the dummy tier to provide support.

Dummy tiers can be a great way to add height and impact to a small wedding cake without having to bake additional cake layers. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of using polystyrene, which takes a long time to biodegrade. An alternative option could be to use an acrylic spacer or a floating tier to achieve a similar effect.

Place on a tiered cake stand

A tiered cake stand is a great way to make a small wedding cake look bigger and more impressive. Here are some tips and ideas to help you achieve this:

Select the Right Size

It is important to choose a cake stand that is larger in diameter than your cake. The stand should be at least as big as the base of your cake, if not slightly bigger, to ensure the cake doesn't overhang, which can make it unstable. A good rule of thumb is to opt for a cake stand that is 2 inches bigger than the base of your cake. For example, if your cake has a 10-inch base, go for a 12-inch stand.

Consider Weight

Wedding cakes can be heavy, so it's crucial to select a stand that can bear the weight of your cake. Stands made from sturdy materials like metal or wood are ideal. Avoid flimsy materials that might buckle under the weight.

Think About Shape and Material

The most common shape for a cake stand is a pedestal, which adds height and has a classic, elegant design. However, if your cake already has multiple tiers, you might prefer a simple cake plate, which will still look beautiful without adding extra height. When it comes to materials, solid colours like black, white, clear, metallic, or wood are all excellent choices.

Get Creative

If you want to make a statement, there are plenty of unique cake stand options available. Consider a clear floating pillar or even hang your cake from the ceiling, ensuring it is secure, of course! You could also try a hanging cake stand or a stand with a unique shape, such as a crown or a birdcage.

Source Your Stand

You can find cake stands at many places, including specialty bakeries, Etsy, and even passed down as heirlooms from family members. Other places to look include Home Goods, Crate and Barrel, and online retailers like Prop Options, which offer a wide variety of stands in different styles and materials.

Enhance Your Stand

To make your cake stand even more impressive, consider adding some decorative touches. Fresh or fake flowers, ribbons, or other embellishments that match your wedding theme can add a special touch to your cake display. You could also incorporate LED lights or candles around the base and tiers for an evening wedding.

By following these tips and getting creative, you can make a small wedding cake look bigger and more impressive with the right tiered cake stand.

Use a light-up cake topper

Using a light-up cake topper is a great way to make a small wedding cake stand out and look bigger. Here are some tips and ideas to create a stunning light-up cake topper:

Choose the Right Design

Select a light-up cake topper that complements the overall theme and style of your wedding. It can be a simple design, such as a romantic "Just Married" sign, or something more elaborate, like a light-up monogram of the couple's initials. You can also opt for a fun and whimsical design, such as a light-up silhouette of the couple's favourite animal or a symbol that represents their love story.

Customisation

Consider customising your light-up cake topper to make it even more special. You can personalise it with the couple's names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. Adding details such as the wedding colour palette or incorporating the couple's hobbies and interests can also make the topper more unique.

LED Lights

LED lights are a popular choice for light-up cake toppers as they are bright, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. You can find LED lights in various colours to match your wedding theme. Warm white or yellow lights can create a soft, romantic glow, while colourful LEDs can add a fun and vibrant touch to your cake.

Power Source

Ensure that your light-up cake topper has a reliable power source. Battery-operated toppers are a convenient option, as they eliminate the need for wires and provide flexibility in placement. Rechargeable batteries are a sustainable choice, ensuring that your topper stays illuminated throughout the celebration.

Size and Proportions

When choosing a light-up cake topper, consider the size and proportions of your cake. A topper that is too small may get lost on a large cake, while a topper that is too big can overwhelm a small cake. Aim for a design that is visible and makes a statement without detracting from the overall aesthetics of the cake.

Safety Considerations

Finally, keep safety in mind when using a light-up cake topper. Ensure that the lights and electrical components are protected from direct contact with the cake and frosting. This can be achieved by using a cake board or placing the topper on a separate stand above the cake. Additionally, opt for LED lights that remain cool to the touch to prevent any potential fire hazards.

Frequently asked questions