The tiny plastic couple perched atop a tiered cake is an instantly recognizable symbol of a happy couple's wedding day. Today many couples are moving beyond tradition, and letting creativity inspire them in their choice of cake topper. Here are some of the many options available:
Monogram or Initials
Elegant and simple, monograms are a popular cake topper choice in lieu of figurines. Letters are available in plastic, wood, crystal, and plastic, and can be coordinated with the wedding colors. Many couples also incorporate the monogram as a theme in their wedding, using their initials on their invitations and other stationery.
Flowers
An especially popular choice for spring and summer weddings, flowers on top of the wedding cake can be real or artificial. They can also coordinate with the wedding party's bouquets and the reception centerpieces. Couples interested in choosing flowers to top their cake can speak with their florist to get some ideas.
Quirky Cake Toppers
Many couples are using toys and action figures to represent themselves atop their wedding cake. These cake toppers have the advantage of being unique, and really incorporating a couple's personality and interests into the wedding.
Custom Made
From bobble-head figurines made to look like the happy couple, to wedded dinosaurs, to favorite animals and more, custom cake toppers are limited only by the bride and groom's imaginations. Many custom pieces can be found on Etsy, or couples can inquire with local artists.
Vintage Cake Toppers
Using the traditional plastic bride and groom figurines can add a charming touch to a vintage-inspired wedding. Brides and grooms interested in going this route can find new and used vintage wedding cake toppers at online auction sites like Ebay. Better yet, using a cake topper from parents' or grandparents' wedding can start a wonderful family tradition, and give extra meaning to the wedding cake.
Humorous
Is the bride always on her cell phone or out shopping? Has the groom been watching too much football to help plan the wedding? Did the bride feel like it was a race to the altar, or did she have to drag her husband all the way down? Humorous cake toppers are becoming more and more popular, and can add an unexpected dash of humor into a more formal celebration.
Themed Topper
Many brides try to incorporate the overall theme of their wedding into their wedding cake topper. Some examples would be seashells for a beach wedding, autumn leaves for a fall wedding, or a tiny Christmas tree or ornaments for a holiday-themed wedding.
Cake Jewelry
Many brides are choosing accessories for their cake as carefully as they choose their own. Crystals and beads may be added to the cake, along with elaborate wire stems. Inspiration can be found in wedding magazines, wedding websites, and from wedding cake bakers' portfolios.
Do It Yourself Cake Topper
Many crafty brides are choosing to make their own toppers, to make the wedding cake topper even more meaningful. What about wooden pegs painted into the likeness of the bride and groom? Or elegant paper cranes folded in paper that matches the wedding colors? Or individual photos of the bride and groom perched in wire photo holders on top of the cake? Again, the imagination of the bride and groom is really the only limit.
The wedding cake topper is not only a chance for couples to put their individual stamp on the wedding day, but it is a keepsake that the bride and groom can keep as a memento. When choosing a cake topper, brides and grooms should talk to their baker about what might look best, and take into consideration the size and shape of their cake and cake stand. Most of all, brides and grooms should let their imaginations run free, and enjoy choosing this fun wedding element.
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