Renting Cake Stands For Weddings: Where To Go?

Cake stand rental is a popular service for weddings, with many companies offering a variety of styles to match the theme of your special day. The cake is often a centrepiece of the celebration, and it deserves to be displayed on a stand that enhances its beauty. Rental services offer a range of different styles, from traditional silver and gold stands to more unique options like tree stumps and crates for a rustic wedding. Prices vary depending on the style and material of the stand, with some companies charging a rental fee and a separate deposit, while others include the deposit in the rental fee. It is recommended to order your cake stand rental well in advance, especially for weddings during the peak summer season when demand is high.

Cake stand rental costs

The cost of renting a cake stand for a wedding can vary depending on several factors, including the style, material, and size of the stand, as well as the rental company's policies. Here is a breakdown of the cake stand rental costs:

Rental Fees:

Rental fees for cake stands typically range from $10 to $50, with some stands costing even more for elaborate designs or premium materials. The price often depends on the stand's size and decorative features. For instance, a simple "drum-style" cake plateau in silver, gold, glass, or wrought iron may rent for around $25. More ornate stands, such as those with rhinestones or a bling style, can cost upwards of $50 to rent.

Security Deposits:

In addition to the rental fee, many companies require a security deposit to ensure the safe and timely return of the cake stand. This deposit is usually refundable if the stand is returned in the same condition, free of cake residue and icing. The amount of the deposit can vary, with some companies charging a flat rate of around $25, while others base it on the stand's replacement cost, often ranging from $30 to $350.

Late Fees:

Rental companies typically stipulate a timeframe for returning the cake stand after the event, commonly within 3 to 5 days. Failure to return the stand on time may result in late fees being deducted from the security deposit or charged separately.

Package Deals:

Some bakeries or cake providers may offer cake stand rentals as part of a package deal. For example, if you purchase a certain amount of cake or cupcakes from them, the rental fees for the stand may be waived or included in the overall cost.

DIY Alternatives:

If the rental costs seem prohibitive, it is worth considering DIY alternatives. Many people opt to create their own cake stands using affordable materials such as solid Styrofoam, plastic crates, or tree stumps, especially for rustic or outdoor-themed weddings.

In summary, the cost of renting a cake stand for a wedding can range from relatively inexpensive to quite costly, depending on the stand's style, material, and the rental company's policies. It is essential to consider rental fees, security deposits, late fees, and potential package deals when budgeting for a wedding cake stand.

Wedding cake stand styles

The wedding cake stand you choose should complement the overall style and theme of your wedding. Here are some popular wedding cake stand styles to consider:

Modern Wedding Cake Stands

Modern wedding cake stands are perfect for couples who want a contemporary and unique display. They feature minimalist and streamlined designs with clean lines, simple shapes, and a lack of ornate details. These stands come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, such as metal, acrylic, glass, or wood. Some modern stands even feature unconventional shapes, geometric designs, or unusual materials like concrete or marble for a truly unique look.

Wooden and Rustic Wedding Cake Stands

Wooden wedding cake stands add a natural, rustic touch to your wedding cake display. They are perfect for outdoor, woodland, or nature-themed weddings. These stands can be made from various types of wood, such as oak, pine, or birch, and can be left unfinished or painted. One advantage of wooden stands is that they can be customised with carvings, intricate designs, or personalised messages. They are also sturdy and durable, making them suitable for heavy cakes.

Plinth Wedding Cake Stands

Plinth wedding cake stands have become a popular modern choice. They offer an alternative to traditional round or square tables and truly elevate your wedding cake presentation. Plinths provide a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, aligning with the minimalist design often favoured in modern weddings. They can be dressed up to match the colour scheme or theme of the wedding, seamlessly integrating into the overall décor.

Wedding Cake Hoop Stands

Hoop stands are a unique option for couples who want to add a dramatic and eye-catching element to their wedding cake display. They consist of a metal hoop suspended over the cake, creating a visual frame that allows guests to see the cake from all angles. Hoop stands come in various sizes and styles and can be made from materials like metal or acrylic. They can be decorated with flowers, greenery, or other elements to match the wedding's colour scheme.

Gold Wedding Cake Stands

Gold wedding cake stands add a touch of luxury and elegance to your wedding cake display. Typically made from brass or gold-plated steel, these stands come in various sizes and designs, from simple and understated to ornate and intricate. Some gold stands feature additional decorative elements like crystals, pearls, or scrollwork, creating a glamorous and sophisticated look. Gold stands can complement other gold accents in the wedding décor, such as tableware, candlesticks, or floral arrangements.

Traditional Wedding Cake Stands

Traditional wedding cake stands are often offered complimentary by wedding venues. They are usually large, round or square flat stands made of silver, which may be too large for modern, smaller cakes. However, there are also classic traditional stands with a more elegant and simple design, such as milk glass or melamine stands in various colours, including white, which is a popular choice. These traditional stands can elevate your cake without distracting from its design.

Cake stand rental deposits

For example, Sweet Confections Cakes charges a $150 refundable deposit for most equipment, with a higher deposit of $300 for their Rhinestone/Bling-style stands. Lovely Layers Cakery, on the other hand, has a range of rental fees and deposits, with the deposit amount depending on the stand chosen. Their deposits range from $20 to $75, with rental fees from $10 to $50.

In some cases, the deposit may be a significant portion of the total rental cost. For instance, one person reported being quoted a $350 deposit and a $95 rental fee for a cake stand, while another person's baker required an $85 deposit to use an outside stand.

It's important to note that rental companies may have specific requirements for receiving a full refund of your deposit, such as returning the stand in clean and undamaged condition within a specified timeframe.

Cake stand rental companies

There are several cake stand rental companies that can elevate your wedding cake and add a creative touch to your dessert table.

EventWorks Rentals

EventWorks Rentals is a full-service event rental company in the Southeast, with locations in Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, Birmingham, Nashville, Charleston, Orlando, and Jacksonville. They offer a range of cake stands in different sizes, colours, and styles, including round, square, and federal cake plateaus, as well as silver and gold options.

Sweet Confections Cakes

Sweet Confections Cakes offers various styles of cupcake stands and crates to display cupcakes and cakes. They have stands in white, silver, gold, bling, clear acrylic, and rustic wood styles. The rental fee for silver, gold, glass, or wrought-iron stands is $25, while the bling/rhinestone styles are $50. They also offer a suspended chandelier cake stand and a chandelier cake table for a unique presentation.

Minted and Vintage

Minted and Vintage is a boutique rental company serving Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, San Diego, and surrounding areas in California. They specialise in dessert stands with vintage charm and offer a curated collection of rentals from various eras, including Early American Pattern Glass from the 1900s, depression glass from the 1930s, and modern organic marble and wood pieces.

Professional Party Rentals

Professional Party Rentals offers a wide selection of cake stands in different sizes, colours, and styles. They have gold, silver, clear, pink, smoke, blue, marble, rustic, and wooden stands, as well as cupcake stands and various tray options.

Affordable Tent and Event Rentals

Affordable Tent and Event Rentals provide a range of cake stands, including gold and silver square and round cake plateaus and stands, as well as glass ornate and star cake plates/stands.

These companies offer a variety of options to suit different wedding themes and styles, ensuring that your wedding cake is presented beautifully and memorably.

Cake stand alternatives

If you're looking for alternatives to a traditional cake stand for your wedding, there are plenty of creative and cost-effective options to consider. Here are some ideas to elevate your cake and make it a stunning centerpiece:

DIY Cake Stands

Creating your own cake stand is a popular option, especially for those who enjoy crafting. You can find many DIY tutorials online, with ideas ranging from gluing a candlestick to a plate to creating a rustic stand by staining a tree slice. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making a stand with a hidden tier or adding decorations like bling or flowers.

Rental Alternatives

If crafting isn't your forte, you can still save money by renting a stand or exploring alternative options. Some bakeries and cake shops offer stand rentals, and you might be able to find a local event rental company with more affordable options. Additionally, consider asking your florist or caterer if they have stands available for rent or loan.

Inexpensive Purchases

Purchasing a cake stand is also a viable option, especially if you choose an inexpensive stand that you can reuse or repurpose. Thrift stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces like eBay often have unique and affordable cake pedestals and stands. You can also check out retailers like Target, Hobby Lobby, or Home Goods for budget-friendly options.

Creative Elevation

If you want to showcase your cake without the traditional stand, think about using alternative items to elevate it. A simple plastic crate covered with a tablecloth can work, or you could use a tree stump or a suitcase prop for a unique touch. For a rustic or outdoor wedding, a slice of wood or a stack of wooden crates can be a perfect, natural-looking base for your cake.

No matter which option you choose, remember to consider the size and weight of your cake. Ensure that your cake stand or elevation method is sturdy and stable enough to support the tiers and all that delicious icing!

Frequently asked questions