You’ve selected your cake flavor, frosting type, and you probably have some ideas about what style cake you want. The final touch to any cake is a cake topper. Do you search for the perfect topper or leave your cake perfect as is?
There are a few different tellings of the history of wedding cake toppers. Some tales are fanciful, but no matter how you slice it, cute little couple cake toppers became very popular starting around the 1950s as a representation of togetherness. Often the very cookie-cutter-looking bride and groom were standing side by side, or holding hands.
Then
One of the major problems with these cute little couples, until more recently, is the types of couples represented were very limited. As a 2011 bride, I even struggled. I initially searched for a blonde bride, with a simple dress that looked similar to me and a groom who also had blonde (or light brown) hair, both of them with blue eyes. (I thought that would be VERY simple). Apparently, it was too complicated and then I thought of all the other brides and grooms that would struggle far more than I did. I knew I was being too picky, but I just knew what I wanted.
It was at this point that I should just shift my focus. I searched all over Etsy and other places and thought about getting a cute, custom bride and groom topper. A boy soldier in his dress greens, and a very simple bride… But then the cost was FAR too much for my budget at that point in time. (I just couldn’t rationalize spending more on cake toppers than I spent on my wedding dress). The artists making these definitely deserved the prices they were charging, but I wasn’t their ideal client then. Instead, I decided to make my own. Something completely unique.
Since my husband and I’s nickname for each other is “Ocelot” I decided to make my own Ocelot Cake toppers wearing our wedding outfits. I sculpted them as I envisioned, packaged them to take as one of my carry-on bags (just in their own little box). Unfortunately, the customs department at the airport in the US decided to vigorously shake my box after it was screened. My heart sank and I knew all my work was for not.
I didn’t have much time to find a replacement and options were VERY limited at my hometown party store. With a German Chocolate Cake as the small top tier of my cupcake tower, I really wanted a cake topper to make it seem more like a wedding cake. I ended up with some safari animals, which I figured was close enough to rainforest animals, plus elephants are significant in my family. I think I also found a silver “H” for our last name…. It was a mess.
Now
There are unlimited options for cake toppers. Finding same-gender couples and interracial couples is less work. Couples are embracing hobbies, pets, uniforms, and characters to have wildly fun cakes! Monograms, phrases, banners, buntings, and other simple adornments are also much more prevalent.
Many times, couples aren’t using cake toppers, or they are using their florals or abstract designs. Minimalism is extremely popular. (Also, budget brides, minimalism is also a great way to be elegant, but keep your costs down!)
Where
Search Pinterest and Etsy for cake topper inspiration. If you have a truly unique idea for a cake topper, I’m sure there is an Etsy artist that can fulfill your vision. Additionally, I can make toppers out of Sugar Paste, Fondant, Candy Clay, or I can 3D print something as well. I am happy to use any topper you have as well. Email me, or use my order form to get started!
Trends to Avoid
One trend that I am seeing less of, and hope will be abolished, is the bride topper dragging the groom. (Or other variations on that theme). I love infusing humor and the couple’s personalities into baking, but making fun of someone’s fear of commitment or other shaming-type behaviors doesn’t seem to be the best way to showcase your love for your nearest and dearest to see. (If you and your spouse-to-be love these types of toppers, then go for it. It’s just a bit cringy for me, and your wedding day is about YOU).
