Wedding Cake Toppers: Essential Or Unnecessary Addition?

Wedding cake toppers are a fun way to add a personalised touch to your special day. But are they necessary? The short answer is no. While some couples may enjoy the creative freedom of choosing a cake topper that reflects their interests, hobbies, or wedding theme, others may prefer the simplicity of a topper-free cake. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget constraints.

In the past, it was trendy to use plastic miniatures of a generic newly married couple as a cake topper. However, today's couples are more likely to opt for something unique and personalised, such as monograms, crowns, quotes, or small trophies. Some couples even choose to forgo the topper entirely, leaving the top tier bare or using flowers as a natural decoration.

So, if you're wondering whether to include a wedding cake topper, remember that it's entirely up to you. There are no rules when it comes to your big day, and you should feel free to embrace the traditions that resonate with you while leaving the rest behind.

Cake toppers are unnecessary if your cake looks fantastic without one

Firstly, a well-designed cake can be a fabulous culinary masterpiece in its own right, without needing any additional accessories. A minimalist design or a cake with intricate details, elegant tiers, or gorgeous colouring may be best left unadorned so as not to distract from its beauty.

Secondly, if your wedding decor already includes many decorative items, a simple cake can provide a nice balance. A fresh, unfussy cake without a topper can add a chic and stylish touch to your wedding ceremony.

Thirdly, if you're on a tight budget, a cake topper is an optional extra that can be cut from your shopping list. You could save money by forgoing the topper and spending more on your honeymoon or other important wedding items.

Finally, if you're having a simple wedding cake, a topper may detract from the design. Leaving the cake topper-less will allow your guests to appreciate the cake's details and design without any distractions.

Ultimately, the decision to have a cake topper or not is a personal one. If you feel your cake looks fantastic without one, then go for it!

They can be an unnecessary expense

Wedding cake toppers are not always necessary. Firstly, they can be an unnecessary expense. If you are on a tight budget, a cake topper may not be the best use of your money. You could save money by forgoing the topper and using those funds for your honeymoon or other important wedding items.

Additionally, if your wedding decor already includes many decorative items, a cake topper may be too much. A simple, fresh wedding cake without a topper can balance out all the other accessories and be a chic choice.

Furthermore, if your cake looks fantastic on its own, a topper may detract from its beauty. Some cakes are best left alone, especially if you have a minimalist design or a couture cake. A topper may also be unnecessary if you have a themed wedding, as you can incorporate the theme into your cake design without needing a topper.

Finally, traditional plastic or porcelain bride and groom figurines may not feel right for you. You can skip these and opt for a bare top tier or use flowers, fresh or sugar, as a timeless alternative.

Flowers are a popular alternative to traditional cake toppers

Fresh flowers can be a lovely way to echo the blooms in the bride's bouquet or the floral arrangements at the wedding. Just be sure to avoid toxic varieties such as hyacinths and Calla lilies. Sugar flowers are another option and can be made from materials like gumpaste or fondant. These can be purchased ready-made or custom-made to resemble the flowers in your bouquet. Artificial flowers made from materials like silk or foam are also an option and can be a cost-effective choice.

When choosing flowers as a cake topper, consider the overall design of your cake and wedding. Flowers can be a simple and elegant way to top off your cake, especially if you have a minimalist cake design or are looking to cut back on decorative items. They can also be a more budget-friendly option than traditional cake toppers, allowing you to save money for other important wedding expenses.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a traditional cake topper or opt for flowers is a personal one. As with any wedding tradition, you can choose to adopt the ones that resonate with you and leave the rest.

Cake toppers can be customised to match your wedding theme

Cake toppers are a great way to add a personalised touch to your wedding cake and can be customised to match your wedding theme. Whether you're having a rustic, vintage, modern, or whimsical wedding, there is a cake topper that can complement your style and decorations.

For a rustic or vintage wedding, consider a wooden cake topper. Companies like Thistle and Lace offer customisable wooden cake toppers in a variety of styles, including elegant botanical, rustic, modern, geometric, Art Deco, or celestial themes. You can also opt for a sanded wood finish or add your own finishing touches for a DIY look.

If you're having a modern wedding, acrylic cake toppers are a great option. Acrylic toppers come in a variety of colours and finishes, such as glitter, metallic, or lustrous rose gold, blush, and champagne shades. They can also be customised with your names, initials, or wedding date.

For a whimsical touch, consider a silhouette cake topper. These toppers are usually made from acrylic or wood and can feature silhouettes of balloons, words, pets, or other items that represent you as a couple.

If you want to showcase your hobbies and passions, there are custom cake toppers for golfers, motorcyclists, dog lovers, beach lovers, and more. These toppers come in a range of materials, including porcelain, wood, acrylic, and plastic.

Don't feel limited to traditional bride and groom cake toppers. Get creative and choose a topper that reflects your unique style and wedding theme. Whether it's a monogram, crown, quote, or a miniature representation of your favourite hobby, a customised cake topper will add a memorable touch to your special day.

They can be reused for other occasions, like Christmas

Wedding cake toppers are not just for weddings. They can be reused for other occasions, like Christmas. For example, a couple of newlyweds can use their wedding cake topper as a Christmas tree topper, as some couples have done. This is a creative way to commemorate the wedding day and add a unique touch to the Christmas tree.

In addition to Christmas, wedding cake toppers can be used for other occasions, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and post-wedding dinners. They can also be passed down through generations and reused by family members, becoming a family heirloom.

When choosing a wedding cake topper, consider its potential for reuse. Acrylic or wooden laser-cut words, phrases, or silhouettes are modern and trendy choices that can be easily customised with names, initials, or quotes. These toppers can later be displayed in the couple's home as keepsakes or used for future celebrations.

Wire cake toppers are another popular choice, offering a casual, modern vibe. These toppers can spell out words, monograms, or names in a fun, twisted script, adding a unique touch to any celebration.

Ultimately, the decision to have a wedding cake topper is a personal one, and couples should choose what feels right for them. Whether it's flowers, a monogram, or a traditional figurine, the topper can be a wonderful way to infuse creativity and charm into the wedding day and future occasions.

Frequently asked questions