Wedding Cake Keepsakes: Ornament Transformation Tips And Tricks

Turning your wedding cake into an ornament is a unique way to preserve the memory of your special day. The process involves sending photographs of your wedding cake to a company that will then create a miniature replica of it. These ornaments are typically hand-sculpted from polymer clay, hand-painted, and sealed, ensuring they last a lifetime. Prices for this service range from $49.99 to $1000, depending on the complexity of the cake design. If you're interested in this creative way to commemorate your wedding, it's essential to plan ahead and allow for a few weeks' turnaround time.

Companies that create wedding cake ornaments

Turning your wedding cake into an ornament is a genius idea. It is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day and can even become a family heirloom. Several companies can create these wedding cake ornaments, and they are mostly found on Etsy.

PerlillaPets

This Etsy seller creates wedding cake ornaments for $110.

Claycutiesbymelissa

Another Etsy seller, claycutiesbymelissa, offers ornaments starting at $55.

Forever Figurines

Forever Figurines creates ornaments for $79.

OrnamentCakes

This Etsy seller creates ornaments for $49.99.

Aberrant Ornaments

Aberrant Ornaments is a company that creates exact replicas of wedding cakes and turns them into Christmas ornaments. The ornaments are hand-sculpted from polymer clay, hand-painted, and sealed. They range in price from $400 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the cake design. The ornaments are approximately 4 inches tall and lightweight, with a flat bottom and a tiny loop at the top for easy hanging. Due to the uniqueness of each cake, the price and timeframe for delivery vary.

How to take photos of your wedding cake

Turning your wedding cake into an ornament is a genius idea! It's a great way to preserve the memory of your special day and can even become a cherished heirloom. To turn your wedding cake into an ornament, you'll need to take some photos of the cake beforehand. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning images that you can send to an ornament-making company or use for your own DIY project:

Photography Equipment:

You don't need fancy equipment to take great cake photos. Your phone camera is absolutely fine! Familiarize yourself with the photo features on your device, such as modes, filters, and lighting options. Play around with the settings and maybe even consider watching some YouTube videos or taking a basic photography course to improve your skills.

Lighting:

Lighting is crucial for capturing the beauty of your wedding cake. Natural light is your best friend! Place the cake near a window or in a room with plenty of natural light. Cloudy days are perfect for outdoor shots as direct sunlight can be harsh and create unwanted shadows.

Backgrounds:

A thoughtful background can make your photos look professional and add character. You don't need to spend a lot; simply use a painted wall, wallpaper samples, white foam boards, or get creative with items you already have, like reclaimed wood, tablecloths, or curtains.

Editing:

Editing is an important step to enhance your photos. Most smartphones come with basic editing software that allows you to adjust lighting, add filters, and more. There are also advanced photo editing apps available for download, such as VSCO, which offer more features.

Storage:

Lastly, create a well-organized catalog of your cake photos. Only keep the best shots, create folders or categories for easy retrieval, and back up your photos on cloud storage or an external hard drive.

Now you're ready to turn your wedding cake into a beautiful ornament! Remember to capture multiple angles and details of your cake to provide a comprehensive reference for the ornament-making process.

How to display your wedding cake ornament

Now that you have your wedding cake ornament, it's time to display it! Here are some ideas on how to showcase this special memento:

Creative Display Ideas:

• Holiday Decorations: One of the most popular ways to display your wedding cake ornament is by hanging it on your Christmas tree during the holiday season. This allows you to reminisce about your special day every year when you decorate your tree. You can even create a wedding-themed section on your tree, incorporating other wedding-related ornaments and decorations.
• Ornament Stands: If you want to display your ornament year-round, consider purchasing an ornament stand. These stands are designed to hold and showcase ornaments on a flat surface, such as a mantel, bookshelf, or tabletop. You can find ornament stands in various materials and styles to complement your home decor.
• Shadow Boxes or Display Cases: For a more protected display, consider framing your ornament in a shadow box or displaying it in a small glass case. This option allows you to showcase your ornament while keeping it safe from dust and accidental breakage. You can even add other wedding mementos, such as dried flowers, your wedding invitation, or a piece of your wedding dress, to create a beautiful display.
• Anniversary Centerpiece: Bring out your wedding cake ornament to serve as a unique centerpiece during anniversary celebrations. Place it on a cake stand or decorative plate, surrounded by flowers or other anniversary-themed decorations. This will create a romantic and memorable focal point for your anniversary dinner or party.
• Gift to Your Children: If you're thinking of passing down your wedding cake ornament as a family heirloom, consider displaying it in your child's room. It can be a beautiful and sentimental addition to their bookshelf or nightstand, reminding them of your love and the importance of family.

Care and Maintenance:

• Handling with Care: Wedding cake ornaments, especially those made from polymer clay or other delicate materials, should be handled with care. Avoid dropping or placing heavy objects on them, as they may break or become damaged.
• Cleaning: To maintain the beauty of your ornament, occasional cleaning may be necessary. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any dust or dirt. If needed, you can lightly dampen the cloth with water, but be sure to dry the ornament thoroughly afterward. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning agents, as they may damage the ornament's surface.
• Storage: When it's time to store your ornament, choose a safe and protected space. Wrap it carefully in acid-free tissue paper or cotton and store it in a box specifically designed for ornament storage. This will help prevent breakage and maintain its condition for years to come.

Your wedding cake ornament is a precious memento, and displaying it creatively will ensure that you and your loved ones can enjoy it for years to come. Whether you choose to showcase it during the holidays, display it year-round, or pass it down as a family heirloom, your ornament will always hold a special place in your heart.

Wedding cake ornaments as gifts

Wedding cake ornaments are a unique and thoughtful gift for couples, preserving the memory of their special day. These ornaments are handmade, miniature replicas of the couple's wedding cake, often crafted from polymer clay and hand-painted with intricate details. They can be hung on a Christmas tree or displayed on a flat surface, becoming a cherished heirloom.

The process of creating these wedding cake ornaments involves sending photographs of the cake to the artist, who then meticulously sculpts and paints a replica. The price of these ornaments varies depending on the complexity of the cake design, typically ranging from $80 to $200 or more. Some companies offering this service include Aberrant Ornaments, with prices from $160 to $300, and Etsy sellers such as PerlillaPets ($110), claycutiesbymelissa ($55+), and OrnamentCakes ($49.99).

These ornaments make exceptional gifts for anniversaries or other special occasions, allowing couples to relive their wedding day memories. They can be ordered as a surprise for the couple by providing pictures of their wedding cake, ensuring a personal touch that the couple will undoubtedly appreciate.

When considering a wedding cake ornament as a gift, it is essential to plan ahead due to the time and craftsmanship required to create these intricate replicas. The waiting list for such ornaments can be quite long, so advance planning is necessary to ensure timely delivery for that special occasion.

A wedding cake ornament is more than just a decoration; it is a tangible reminder of the love and joy shared on a couple's wedding day. It is a gift that celebrates their union and becomes a cherished keepsake for years to come.

How to preserve your wedding cake

Preserving your wedding cake as an ornament is a unique way to commemorate your special day and can even be passed down as an heirloom. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

Step 1: Take Detailed Photos of Your Wedding Cake

Capture multiple photos of your wedding cake from different angles. Ensure you get clear shots of all the intricate details, decorations, and colours. These photos will serve as a reference for creating the ornament.

Step 2: Choose a Company or Artist

Several companies and artists specialise in crafting wedding cake ornaments. Popular options include Aberrant Ornaments, PerlillaPets, claycutiesbymelissa, Forever Figurines, and OrnamentCakes. Compare prices, lead times, and review their previous work to find a vendor that suits your preferences and budget.

Step 3: Send the Photos and Place Your Order

Contact your chosen company or artist and provide them with the photos of your wedding cake. They will use these images to create an exact replica. Discuss any specific requirements, such as size, materials, and any personalisations.

Step 4: Await Your Ornament

Depending on the complexity of your cake design and the artist's lead time, it may take several weeks or even months to receive your ornament. Be sure to plan ahead, especially if you intend to gift the ornament for a special occasion, such as an anniversary.

Step 5: Care and Display

Once you receive your wedding cake ornament, handle it with care. These ornaments are typically made from polymer clay and hand-painted, so they require gentle handling. Display your ornament proudly during the holidays, or find a special place to showcase it year-round.

Turning your wedding cake into an ornament is a unique way to preserve the memories of your special day. With careful planning and the help of skilled artisans, you can cherish this keepsake for a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions