Adding A Cake Topper: Wedding Cake Decoration

Wedding cake toppers come in a variety of styles, from sugar-crafted figurines to wooden or glitter cardstock cut-outs. When placing a topper on a wedding cake, it's important to consider the weight and stability of the topper, especially if it has a narrow base or is heavier. To ensure the topper doesn't sink into the cake, you can use dowel rods, a small circle of cardboard, or a fondant/gum paste base for support. For wooden toppers, cutting against the grain provides extra strength, and attaching the topper to skewers or wood posts allows for easy insertion into the cake. Personalized toppers can be designed using a Cricut machine and attached to skewers with glue.

Choosing the right font for your cake topper

• Consider the style you are aiming for. If you want a chic and modern look, choose some of your favourite script and sans-serif fonts. If you are going for a simple and rustic vibe, a script font like Retro Script could be a good option to connect all the letters for a solid piece.
• If you are using a Cricut machine, be mindful that some fonts with thinner lines may not cut out well in wood. Ensure that the letter lines are at least ⅛" thick.
• If you are creating your own designs, consider adding a stroke to the lettering or underscoring slender fonts with a thick line to provide structure and ensure your topper holds its rigid shape.
• If you are using glitter cardstock, consider adding poster board backing to give your topper a firmer and longer-lasting design.
• If you are using buttercream or royal icing, you may need to mould some white fondant/gum paste to the bottom of your topper and flatten it out so it sits flat on your cake.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a font that reflects your personal style and tastes. Whether you opt for a simple, elegant, or playful font, make sure it represents you and your partner's unique personalities.

Using dowel rods for support

Dowel rods are essential for supporting a wedding cake, especially if it is tall or multi-tiered. They are typically made of plastic or wood and are food-safe. The number of dowel rods you will need depends on the weight of the cake they need to support. For smaller cakes, 3-4 dowel rods are sufficient, while medium-sized cakes may require 4-6, and large or heavy cakes may need 6-8. If you simply want to add stability to a tall cake, a single dowel rod in the centre will usually do the trick.

To insert dowel rods into your wedding cake, follow these steps:

Choose the right type of dowel rod:

Select food-safe wooden or plastic dowel rods that are sturdy enough to support the weight of your cake tiers. You will need a central dowel that runs through all tiers and additional dowels for support in each tier.

Mark and cut the dowel rods:

Measure the height of each cake tier and cut the dowel rods slightly shorter to ensure they do not poke through the top. You will need to space out 4-6 dowel rods for each tier in a circle formation near the centre.

Stack the bottom two tiers:

Place the largest tier on your serving plate or board. Push the central dowel through the centre of the cake, stopping just above the top surface. Then, insert the shorter dowels in a circle within the area where the next tier will sit.

Add the next tier:

Carefully place the next tier on top, making sure it is centred. The dowel rods in the lower tier should provide adequate support for the upper tier.

Repeat for the top tier:

If your wedding cake has a third tier, repeat the previous steps by inserting the central dowel and adding dowel rods in the second tier.

Finish the cake:

Add any desired decorations or frosting to the stacked tiers. If you need to move the cake, use a cake box for support and handle it with care.

Remember to always keep the size and weight of your wedding cake tiers in mind when spacing out the dowel rods. It is better to err on the side of caution and use more dowel rods if you are unsure. Additionally, always use food-safe materials and consider chilling your cakes before stacking to make them easier to handle.

Using cardboard or a support plate

If your cake topper is heavy, it's a good idea to use cardboard or a support plate to help bear the weight and prevent the topper from sinking into the cake.

First, cut a circle from a white, styrofoam plate. The plate should be slightly smaller than the top tier of your cake so that it's not visible. You can also use cardboard for this purpose. Next, insert 2-3 dowel rods into the top tier of the cake. Place the cardboard or styrofoam plate on top of the dowels, and then set the cake topper on the plate. If you're using a particularly heavy topper, you may want to use a stronger material such as wood or acrylic for the support plate.

If you're using a figurine cake topper, you can also try moulding some white fondant or gumpaste to the bottom of the topper and flattening it out so that it sits flat on the cardboard or support plate. Let it dry, and then place it on top of the cake, using dowels for added support if needed.

For an extra touch, you can add flowers or other decorations around the base of the topper to cover any gaps or visible cardboard.

Placing the topper on a circle of clear acetate

To place a cake topper on a circle of clear acetate, you will need to cut the acetate to size. Measure the width and height of the cake, then add the width, height, and height again to determine the size of the acetate needed.

Cut a square from each corner that matches the height of the cake. For example, if the cake is 2" tall, cut a 2"x2" square from each corner. It is recommended to place the acetate on a grid and mark the cuts with a dry-erase marker. Use sharp scissors to make clear square cuts.

Once the acetate is cut to size, fold each flap down and place it over the cake. You can use ribbon to tie around the cake and secure the acetate, or use a dot of glue under each flap.

If the cake topper is heavy, you may need to insert dowel rods into the cake for additional support. Cut a circle from a white styrofoam plate and place it on the dowels, then set the cake topper on top.

For a buttercream or royal icing cake, you can create a small indentation in the icing to make the topper more stable. Alternatively, create a small hump of icing for the topper to sit on.

Using flowers to hide any gaps

Flowers are a great way to hide any gaps between the cake and the cake topper. You can use fresh flowers, dried flowers, or even make your own flowers out of icing or fondant. If you're using fresh flowers, make sure they are organic and haven't been sprayed with pesticides. You can also wash and trim the flowers before use to ensure there are no bugs or dirt on them. When using fresh flowers, it's important to choose flowers that are safe to use on cakes, such as pansies, lavender, roses, and marigolds. Avoid flowers like lilies, daffodils, and azaleas, as these can be toxic.

If you're using dried flowers, you can create a beautiful floral hoop cake topper by attaching the flowers to a hoop with thread or glue. This adds a unique and elegant touch to your wedding cake. Another option is to use edible flowers, which can be found at specialty stores or online. Edible flowers come in a variety of colors and flavors and can be pressed gently into the cake for a unique and tasty treat.

When placing the cake topper on the wedding cake, consider using dowel rods for support, especially if the topper is heavy. You can also cut a circle from a white styrofoam plate and place it between the topper and the cake for added stability. If there are any gaps between the topper and the cake, you can use flowers to hide them. Miniature roses, for example, can be placed around the base of the topper to cover any imperfections.

Remember to add the flowers to the cake as close to serving time as possible, as some flowers may wilt quickly at room temperature. With a bit of creativity and attention to detail, you can use flowers to beautifully hide any gaps and create a stunning wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions