Wedding Cake Stands
From LoveToKnow Weddings
With the many styles of wedding cake stands available, the wedding cake can be displayed in a unique or traditional manner.
Traditional Wedding Cake Stands
While it is not heralded as a detail as crucial as the bride's wedding dress, the flower arrangements, or the securing of the reception hall, choosing the right one from the variety of wedding cake stands is still important. The wedding cake itself is a special part of the wedding reception, symbolizing the sweet beginning of the new marriage and often serving as a central focal point.
The traditional three-tiered wedding cake often requires some sort of stand to adequately uphold and display the cake itself, usually a round or square stand. This is often either a) an unraised cake plate; b) a plateau stand (flat or raised uniformly off the table); or c) a pedestal (raised in the center by some sort of pillar) stand. Glass, acrylic, ceramic, china, metal and even single-use Styrofoam cake stands can be used. With the rise in variations on the traditional wedding cake, there are many styles of wedding cake stands available.
The Grouped Arrangement
Wedding cake stands are available for grouped arrangements of wedding cakes. This allows each cake to be displayed individually on its own stand, and the stands are usually staggered in various heights for a beautiful effect. This type of cake stand allows cakes to be displayed in a variety of ways: in stair-step format, in a rounded appearance (symmetrically with tallest in back and shortest stands in front), in a cascading appearance, or in an asymmetrical grouping.
Separate wedding cake stands arranged in these types of groupings create a wonderful effect and work well with intricate and individually decorated cakes. Shapes that are non-traditional also work well in this format because they can be displayed individually. Keep in mind if you choose a cake stand of this nature you will need a cake table with ample room to display the cakes.
Wedding Cake Stands with Pillars
Wedding cake stands with pillars can be done in a variety of ways. A cake stand in this category uses some type of pillars and bases in between each tier of the cake. The pillars can be relatively small or taller for more height. The effect of a wedding cake stand utilizing pillars is an elegant display that creates more height than the traditional stacked wedding cake.
The first layer of the cake either rests on a base stand, or it can rest on pillars with a display underneath. With high pillars holding up the first layer of the cake, candles, fountains, or theme décor or a centerpiece can be displayed under the cake.
Instead of pillars, other separators, like glass globes or wire spirals can also be used to complement your wedding theme.
Towers
While many multi-tiered cakes achieve tower effects with pillars, some cake stands achieve the tower effects by using a cake stand with a single columns in the middle of the cake stand. Wedding cake stands with a central column like this are excellent if the bride wants the majestic tower appearance but also wants flowers or other décor on the cake without the pillars.
The Floating Cake Stand
Another type of wedding cake stand is the floating stand. This holds the bases above one another by a central stabilizer that lies behind the cake, giving an appearance that the tiers of the cake are 'floating' on their individual bases. This type of cake stand is generally used with a three-tiered cake as a variation from the three-tiered traditionally stacked wedding cake.
Other Cake Stand Options
Like most of your wedding décor choices, there is no real right or wrong when it comes to choosing your wedding cake stand. It can be as simple or as ornate as you wish. If you have an heirloom cake plate or stand you may wish to use that. Alternately, you may be able to use another display, for example, the cake arranged on upside-down terra-cotta pots for a spring or garden themed wedding. If you'd like a non-traditional option of this nature be sure to discuss it with the bakery first to be sure it is acceptable for holding and displaying your cake.
Some bakeries may include wedding cake stands of single use-Styrofoam or cake stand rental at no additional cost. When you order your cake it is a good idea to clarify this as you may have to pay an additional cake stand rental cost, or supply your own if you'd like a different selection.
Where to Find
- Southern Merchandising Group
- eBay
- Wedding Cake Stands
- Sugarcraft.com
- Wedowed.com
- Bridal People
- Save on Crafts
- NexTag
- Wedding Fads
Comments
Sailaway - I'd suggest consulting bakers in your local area about the options available and what you may be able to buy in terms of stand equipment. You can also check auctions and other online sales for sets that may be used but still in good condition, though you'll want to ensure they are complete and not missing pieces.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzDo you know where I can find either the Wilton Crystal Light cake separator set or something similar?
-- Contributed by: SailawayA tiered stand with graduated sizes can simulate a tree shape nicely, and you can make it seem even more like a tree by decorating the stand with leaves or greenery. Most wedding supply stores will have simple stands you can work with.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzThis page has been accessed 18,688 times. This page was last modified 10:46, 25 March 2006.
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