Over the last couple of years the traditional wedding cake has taken a back seat in the wedding fashion stakes. It has lost some ground to the daintier pretenders to the throne — cupcakes. Each has it’s own charm — the traditional matrimonial slicing of the cake vs. the less messy and infinite variety of flavours and toppings afforded by a tower of cupcakes.
Either way one item has been neglected in this tug-of-love: the humble cakestand. For years it has gathered dust on granny’s sideboard but I’ve noticed with the advent of the Age of the Cupcake, there has been a definite renaissance of the cakestand and not just for weddings. So Ladies (and Gentlemen) it’s time to pay homage and declare 2012 — the Year of the Cakestand.
Tiered Cake Stands
For those of you in Team Cupcake, depending on how many cupcakes you’re having, you may be hiring a large stand from your cupcake supplier or buying one from Ebay or Amazon but an alternative is to have a cakestand on each table, or just have a wedding dessert table with a selection of cakestands. This allows you to be far more creative with your choices and also — you will have the cakestands to bring home, or even give as a gift to the bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom etc, as a lovely memento of the day.
There is a vast array of cupcake or afternoon tea style tiered cakestands available at the moment so the sky’s the limit in terms of style but here are a few different options to start your search:
You might want to have an array of pretty cake stands on your wedding day but not want them cluttering up your home afterwards so why not rent one from the good people at Pearl and Godiva. They have an exquisite collection of stylish vintage and antique china available for hire. If you are looking for a cost effective cupcake stand to display your dainty cupcakes on why not try something like the one we found over on Funky Moose for £19. Everyone is aware of Avoca's status when it comes to china and particularly their cakestands. We love this pattered one which is available for €54.95. Oliva Dru on Etsy have this funky red option for €62 and last but not least we have a clever cardboard option which has a big impact but is easy to transport and easy on your purse at just £15! Perfect.
Pedestal Cake Stands
You might not be having cupcakes at your wedding but love the idea of incorporating cake stands into your big day. Well we have the thing for you. Why not try using pedestal cake stands instead. They have just as much impact and there are plenty of pretty options to choose from. This gorgeous glass dome stand is so elegant and it is a bargain from Ikea coming in at €17! We are also big fans of the monochrome piece which you can get over at Not on The High Street for €51.84. Vessels and Wares on Etsy has these fab customisable option for $117. It is a little more pricey but could be what you display your wedding cake on so it is an investment. Last but not least we have this pretty, pink stand from good old Marks and Spencer . It is a beautiful colour and has a vintage vibe to it and for less than €20, you can't go wrong.
For a cake stand you will treasure long after your wedding cake has been wolfed — Clara French makes truly beautiful and unique designs (with price tags to match) — but consider this an investment in every family cake-involving occasion over the next 40 years.
For all you DIY Queens...
To have a stand-out cake stand (told you i’m no good at jokes) how about making your own? Silence the groans in the back — diy cakestands are not that difficult, mainly thanks to our friends and former brides who have made all the mistakes and can offer very precise instructions and great tips.
DIY/handmade can mean two things: fantastic or foul (depending on your level of creativity, competence and enthusiasm). I think we can all agree that Holly's DIY featured over on Domestic Ease is truly fantastic.
Over on Design Sponge — Kate has made these gorgeous and simple wedding cake stands from old vases and pretty plates. All you’ll need is glue, cardboard, masking tape, 12 hours drying time and voila! A little more investment of time and effort and you can create your own DIY wooden cake stand, courtesy of the lovely peeps in The Kitchn.
On Oncewed, Laurie offers a simple way to make gorgeous rustic chic version using bits of tree trunks. The result is so pretty! Another super simple yet super chic idea is this one from Wedding Paper Diva's. This version is great if you choose to pop a cake on each of your guests tables.
And finally, if your not up for DIY why not let Me Auld China do the hard work for you? Perhaps you have plates inherited from Granny hiding in a dresser that could be given a new lease of life? Well the lovely peeps at Me Auld China will transform your plates overnight to create a beautiful cake stand!
It's the little things...
So I hope we’ve convinced you of the virtues of a well-picked or well-made cake stand. It’s a simple touch that doesn’t have to cost the earth, but can be both a stand out (!) stylish item at the wedding, and also a lovely keepsake you can use for many years after your wedding day.
Top Image Credits: Sharnel Dollar Designs | Ashley Rose Photography and My Sweet & Saucy | Clara French
