Choosing The Perfect Cake Board Color For Your Wedding Cake

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are many factors to consider, from the flavour to the colour scheme. But don't forget about the cake board! Cake boards are essential for supporting and transporting your cake, and they can also add a decorative touch. There are various types of cake boards available, including cardboard, foam, and wooden options. Cardboard cake boards, for instance, are typically thin and round, while foam boards are dense and naturally grease-resistant. If you're looking to add some colour to your wedding cake, consider covering your cake board in fondant or custom decorations. Popular cake board colours include silver, gold, and white, but you can also choose a shade that matches your wedding theme or colour scheme. So, whether you're having a rustic mountain wedding or a bold and adventurous celebration, don't neglect the cake board – it's an important part of your wedding cake design!

Cake board materials

Cake boards are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a detailed overview of the different materials used for cake boards:

Corrugated Cardboard

Corrugated cardboard is the most common material for disposable cake boards. It consists of layers of fluted paper pressed between two outer layers, providing both rigidity and insulation. Cardboard cake boards are usually available in single-wall or double-wall corrugated styles. Single-wall cardboard is sufficient for cupcakes or lighter single-layer cakes, while double-wall cardboard offers extra rigidity for heavier cakes. Cardboard cake boards are also customizable, with options for different colours and designs to match any theme or style.

Laminated Chipboard

Laminated chipboard is made of pressed paperboard, resulting in a lightweight yet sturdy material. The laminated finish prevents grease from seeping into the board, making it suitable for supporting cakes and cupcakes. However, laminated chipboard is only strong enough to support smaller desserts.

Melamine-Coated Wood

Melamine-coated wood, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF), is a sturdy and break-resistant option for cake boards. The melamine coating acts as a sealant, making the board easy to clean and grease-resistant. This type of cake board can maintain its polished appearance through multiple uses, making it a cost-effective choice.

Foam

Dense foam is another material used for cake boards, naturally resistant to grease. However, foam cake boards still need to be covered, and care must be taken not to cut into the foam when slicing the cake. Foam cake boards can be decorated with acrylic and fake diamonds, making them a stylish option for holiday or wedding cakes.

Masonite

Like melamine-coated wood, Masonite is also made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF). It is a durable and reusable option, resistant to breakage. The surface coating of Masonite makes it easy to clean and maintain its appearance. However, it needs to be covered with foil, wrap, or fondant before each use to protect against grease, which can be inconvenient. Therefore, Masonite boards are typically used between cake tiers for structural support rather than as a base.

Cake board styles

When it comes to choosing a cake board for a wedding cake, there are a few things to consider, such as the colour, size, and material of the board. Here are some ideas and styles to help you choose the perfect cake board for your wedding cake:

Colour and Design

The colour and design of the cake board can be chosen to match the wedding theme and style. If the wedding has a specific theme, such as a rustic mountain wedding or a tropical destination wedding, the cake board can be designed to complement it. For a more elegant and sophisticated wedding, simple and elegant colours like black and white could be chosen. Nature-inspired weddings could feature colours found in nature, like green or yellow. Bold and adventurous weddings could feature bright and vibrant colours like purple or red.

Type of Board

There are a few types of cake boards that can be used for wedding cakes, each with its own advantages:

• Cardboard rounds: These are the cheapest and most widely available option. While a single cardboard round may not be enough to support a tiered cake, gluing a few together can create a sturdy base.
• Cake drums: These are thicker and sturdier than cardboard rounds and come in various colours like white, gold, and silver. They are perfect for single cakes or as a base for tiered cakes.
• Wooden boards: Wooden cake boards are ideal for cakes that require more structure, such as sculpted cakes, gravity-defying cakes, or tall tiered cakes.

Finishing Touches

To give the cake board a complete and professional look, it can be covered with fondant and finished with a ribbon. Adding "feet" to the cake board, such as cupboard door stops, can also make it easier to pick up and give it a more elegant touch.

Size

Cake boards come in various sizes, ranging from 4 inches to 16 inches or more, to accommodate different cake sizes. For a tiered cake, it is recommended to have a separate cake board for each tier to ensure sufficient support.

Cake board shapes

When it comes to cake boards, there are a variety of shapes to choose from, each offering a unique look for your wedding cake. Here are some popular options:

Round Cake Boards

Round cake boards are a classic choice for wedding cakes. They are available in various sizes, including standard cardboard rounds, as well as thicker cake drums that provide a sturdy base for tiered cakes. Round cake boards can also be made from materials like wood or compressed cardboard, which offer more support for heavier cakes.

Square Cake Boards

Square cake boards offer a modern and unique alternative to the traditional round shape. They are easier for caterers to cut and yield more slices, making them a practical choice for weddings. Square cake boards can be stacked symmetrically or mixed with other shapes for a bespoke design.

Heart-Shaped Cake Boards

Heart-shaped cake boards add a romantic touch to your wedding cake. This trendy shape is perfect for couples who want something unique and playful. You can even display multiple heart-shaped cakes for a whimsical and charming dessert table.

Rectangular Cake Boards

Rectangular or sheet cake boards are another modern option that can create a "wow" moment at your wedding. These boards are available in various sizes and can be stacked to create a tiered effect. However, not all bakers can master the sharp angles of rectangular cakes, so be sure to choose a skilled baker for this style.

Custom Shapes

If you want to think outside the box, you can opt for a custom-shaped cake board that reflects your personality and interests. For example, a cake shaped like a hamburger could be a fun choice. Custom shapes might be trickier to calculate serving sizes, but your baker can help you with that.

No matter which shape you choose, be sure to consider the overall design of your wedding, including the venue, dress, and colour scheme, to create a cohesive and memorable dessert that your guests will adore.

Cake board colours

Cake boards come in a variety of colours and materials. The colour and type of cake board you choose will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve, the weight of the cake, and your budget.

Cardboard Cake Boards

Cardboard cake boards are the cheapest and most widely available option. They are usually sold in packs of 6, 12, 25, or more. They come in various colours, including white, silver, gold, and black. Cardboard cake boards can also be coated or corrugated. Corrugated cardboard cake boards are perfect for using between cake tiers or as a base for a single cake. They are bleached white on one side with a greaseproof finish and have smooth edges.

Wooden Cake Boards

Wooden cake boards are necessary for cakes that require structure, such as gravity-defying cakes or tall tiered cakes. They are usually thicker and sturdier than cardboard cake boards and can be found in various colours, including natural wood, gold, and silver.

Masonite Cake Boards

Masonite cake boards are strong and sturdy, making them suitable for supporting heavy cakes or tiered cakes. They come in different colours and patterns, such as marble, black, white, and brown.

Scalloped Cake Boards

Scalloped cake boards have a strong, reliable, and easy-to-stack design. They are suitable for heavy cakes, birthday cakes, pastries, small cakes, and muffins. Scalloped cake boards come in various colours, including silver, gold, and white.

Cake board sizes

Cake boards are available in a variety of sizes, with the most common ones ranging from 4 inches to 16 inches in diameter. They are typically sold in packs of 6, 12, 25, or case size.

Round cake boards are usually available in sizes from 4 inches to 16 inches. For example, you can find 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch cake boards sold individually or as part of a tiering kit. There are also larger sizes available, such as 14-inch and 16-inch cake boards.

In addition to the standard round cake boards, there are also rectangular cake boards. These are typically thicker than the round ones and are available in sizes such as 12 inches by 18 inches, 14 inches by 20 inches, and 16 inches by 22 inches.

Some sources also offer quarter and half sheet cake boards, which can be useful for larger cakes or for cakes with multiple tiers.

When choosing a cake board size, it's important to consider the size of your cake and the number of tiers. It's also a good idea to leave some extra space around the edge of the cake board to make it easier to handle and decorate the cake.

Frequently asked questions