Creating Custom Acrylic Wedding Cake Toppers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acrylic wedding cake toppers are a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding cake. You can choose from a variety of designs, such as a simple “Mr & Mrs” topper, a more intricate silhouette design, or even a custom engraving. These toppers are usually cut from shiny, food-safe acrylic and can be customised with your names, wedding date, or other decorations. You can find them on online stores like Etsy, Amazon, and Wedding Collectibles, or you can get them customised by small businesses on these platforms.

Choosing a design

Consider the overall theme and style of your wedding:

If you are having a rustic-themed wedding, for example, you may want to choose a cake topper with a rustic wood burned look or a rustic silhouette design. For a more modern or elegant wedding, you might opt for a sleek acrylic design with clean lines and simple text.

Decide on the level of customisation:

Do you want a simple design with just your names and wedding date, or would you like to include a meaningful quote, inside joke, or even a silhouette of you and your partner? Consider what information you want to include and how you want it to be displayed. You can choose from a variety of fonts, colours, and design elements to create a truly unique topper.

Explore different shapes and sizes:

Acrylic cake toppers come in various shapes, such as circles, hexagons, or custom silhouettes. Consider the size and shape of your cake when choosing a topper, ensuring that it is proportionate and does not overwhelm the cake. You can also find toppers with different thicknesses, ranging from 1/8 inch to 5/8 inch, to add a dimensional element to your design.

Think about the finishing touches:

You can choose from a variety of finishes for your acrylic cake topper, such as mirror gold, silver, black, or clear acrylic. Consider the colour scheme of your wedding and the overall aesthetic you are aiming for. You can also add decorative elements like flowers, rings, or other embellishments to your topper to make it even more special.

Seek inspiration from online sources:

Websites like Etsy, Amazon, and specialised wedding shops offer a wide range of acrylic cake topper designs. Browsing through these options can help spark your creativity and give you a sense of the possibilities. You can also find customisation options on these sites to create a truly unique design.

Remember, your cake topper should reflect your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. With so many customisation options available, you can truly make your cake topper one-of-a-kind.

Selecting materials

Selecting the right materials for your acrylic wedding cake topper is crucial to ensuring its durability, stability, and overall aesthetic appeal. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your materials:

Type of Acrylic

The type of acrylic you choose will impact the final look and durability of your cake topper. Opt for a high-quality, laser-cut shiny acrylic that is food-safe and non-toxic. This will ensure that your topper is elegant, sturdy, and safe to use on edible items.

Thickness and Size

The thickness of the acrylic you select will influence the stability of your cake topper. A good standard thickness is 1/8 of an inch, which provides enough stability to keep the topper upright without being too heavy or bulky.

Additionally, consider the size of your cake when choosing the dimensions of your topper. You don't want it to overwhelm the cake, so aim for a topper that is proportional to the size of the cake.

Color and Finish

Acrylic cake toppers come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize them to match your wedding theme or color scheme. Popular options include clear acrylic, mirror gold, mirror silver, black, and rose gold. Consider a finish that adds a touch of elegance, such as a mirror or glitter finish.

Customization

One of the benefits of acrylic cake toppers is the ability to personalize them. You can choose to engrave or print the couple's names, wedding date, or a meaningful message on the topper. Consider a style that aligns with the overall aesthetic of your wedding, whether it's rustic, modern, or traditional.

Stability

Finally, consider the stability of the cake topper. You want to ensure it remains securely in place, especially if you're transporting the cake or displaying it at an outdoor venue. Opt for a design with a sturdy base that can be easily inserted into the cake without causing damage.

By carefully considering these factors when selecting your materials, you can create a beautiful, personalized acrylic wedding cake topper that complements your special day.

Customising the topper

Customising your acrylic wedding cake topper is a fun and creative process that will give your cake a unique and personal touch. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

Choose your design

Decide on the overall design of your cake topper. You can go for a simple design featuring just the words "Mr" and "Mrs", or you can include your wedding date, initials, or even a custom message. If you want to include more details, consider a double-layered design or a custom silhouette. You can also find cake toppers that feature the couple's names and a heart or a personalised wreath.

Pick your colour

Acrylic cake toppers come in a variety of colours, including gold, silver, black, and rose gold mirror acrylic. You can also find clear acrylic toppers that you can customise with your chosen colour scheme. If you're feeling creative, you can even paint your own acrylic cake topper by hand.

Select your font

The font you choose for your cake topper will also affect the overall look and feel of your design. A script font will give your topper a classic and elegant appearance, while a block font will create a more modern and contemporary look. You can also find cake toppers that feature a combination of fonts, such as a script font for the couple's names and a block font for the wedding date.

Add personal touches

To make your cake topper even more unique, consider adding personal touches that reflect your personality and style. For example, you can include a silhouette of your pet or add a meaningful quote or phrase. You can also find cake toppers that feature a custom illustration of the bride and groom, complete with personalised hair and outfit colours.

Consider special features

Finally, you can add special features to your cake topper to make it truly stand out. For example, you can find cake toppers that feature a built-in light-up function or those that are hand-painted with intricate details. You can even opt for a double-layered design that combines wood and acrylic for a unique, rustic look.

Remember to plan the overall design of your cake topper before placing your order, as any changes to the design may affect the stability of the topper. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can create a custom acrylic wedding cake topper that will be the perfect finishing touch to your big day.

Sizing the topper

Firstly, determine the size of your cake. The topper should be proportional to the cake's size. Measure the width and length of the cake to get an idea of the topper's ideal dimensions. If you have a small cake, consider a topper that is relatively smaller to avoid overwhelming the dessert. Conversely, for a larger cake, you can opt for a more prominent topper.

The width of the topper is a crucial factor. A typical width range is between 5 and 6 inches, as seen in some examples. However, the exact width will depend on factors such as the length of the couple's last name, as a longer name will require a wider topper to ensure legibility.

The height of the topper is also important. A taller topper will naturally require a taller cake to support it. The standard height for a wedding cake tier is typically between 4 and 6 inches. Aim to have your topper be slightly shorter than the cake tier to create a sense of balance and proportion.

Consider the number of tiers on your wedding cake. If you have multiple tiers, you may want to opt for a taller topper that extends beyond the height of the top tier to create a more dramatic effect. Alternatively, for a more subtle look, choose a topper that sits comfortably within the top tier's height.

Lastly, think about the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. A delicate, minimalist topper can be paired with a smaller cake, while a more elaborate topper with intricate details or extensions (such as a backdrop or hanging elements) may be better suited for a taller or wider cake.

Remember, the sizing of your acrylic wedding cake topper will depend on various factors, including the cake's size, the length of the couple's name, and the desired aesthetic. Taking these considerations into account will help you create a beautiful and well-proportioned topper for your special day.

Ordering and shipping

When ordering an acrylic wedding cake topper, you can choose from a variety of options offered by different sellers on Etsy and Amazon. The ordering process typically involves selecting the desired product, customising it according to your preferences, and placing the order. Some sellers may also provide a preview of the customised topper before finalising the order.

In terms of shipping, many sellers on Etsy offer free standard shipping for orders over a certain amount, typically $35 USD. The shipping timeframes may vary depending on the seller and your location, with some offering fast delivery options. For example, Amazon provides estimated delivery dates for each product listing, with options for free delivery or faster shipping for an additional cost. It's important to check each product page for specific shipping information, as delivery times and costs can differ based on your location and the seller's policies.

It's worth noting that some acrylic cake toppers may be handmade or made-to-order, which can affect the shipping timeframe. In such cases, the seller will usually provide an estimated production or processing time, which is separate from the shipping time. This information can be found on the product page or by contacting the seller directly.

Additionally, some sellers may offer expedited shipping options for an additional fee, allowing you to receive your order more quickly. It's recommended to review the shipping policies and estimated delivery dates before placing your order to ensure that your topper arrives on time for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions