How to Style a Cake Table with Amanda at Sugar Cake School, Australia
The cake- the piece de la resistance of the wedding reception.
Standing handsomely, commanding attention from the front of the hall.
With such an important visual role at an event such as a wedding, engagement party or milestone birthday, our artisanal fashioned cakes require some extra va-va-voom in order to summon the required gasps of delight and awe.
As such, our decadent cake creations require some styling efforts to provide a more impactful finish.
Here are different ways we can style a cake table to make our cakes appear even more majestic to its viewers:
Whilst a tablecloth is a must, an overlay is an additional textile layer that is often not considered when styling a cake table.
Choose an overlay fabric that is either smooth or intentionally-textured in a complimentary colour palette and place this over the adorning tablecloth (normally provided by the venue). Ensure the size is smaller than the tablecloth so as to create a two-layer effect.
Without a doubt, the most effective method to styling a cake table is to utilise a cake stand, riser or cake plateau.
Like the final flourish of high heels to a designer outfit, these will not only provide additional height to your cakes (win!) but will also add grandeur to the cake design.
For wider, heavier cakes, a plinth is recommended to ensure stability, whilst for more slender, medium to light cakes, a cake stand would be more suitable.
For more slender, sleeker designed cakes, a cake pedestal would be the most complementary option. Cake pedestals give increased height (always a plus in an event) and adds that final flourish of elegance to your cake design.
Choose from a variety of finishes such as wood, metallics, or acrylics.
Since the very first time I took a florist’s suggestion to
sprinkle rose petals around a cake, I was converted. Matched with the florals
that formed the backdrop of the wedding, it not only created a synergetic
cohesiveness between the cake and the overall wedding reception but
supercharged the overall visual impact of the cake centrepiece.
You can opt for real petals (requested from the florist of
the event) or source artificial rose petals that are colour matched to the
event.
Artificial petals are inexpensive, easy to
source and can be reused over and over again however, can look noticeably
different to the event florals chosen.
Take it one step further with a fuller floral installation, or an arrangement of leaves and foliage. This may be predetermined in partnership with your clients, who will then request preparation by their event florist.
Grand cake designs would suit a full flower arrangement encircling the cake, such at The Floral Crown however, more pared-back, rustic designs could do with a simple leaf halo that you can arrange yourself at cake set up.
Ensure you have sourced sufficient greenery & flowers if you wish to create this look yourself.
The trick here is to keep it sweet and simple. The aim of these props are to elevate and complement the cake design, not to overwhelm or bring distraction.
A few carefully positioned tea light candles, champagne glasses, or decorative baubles can complete the scene and amp up what would ordinarily be a plain canvas.
These props are equally impactful in photos and the live-venue experience.
To tie up this discussion neatly with a bow, remember that discussing the cake table setup is something that would best be done during the cake consultation stage.
More often than not, we are offering prompts to our clients who will then speak to their wedding stylist or florist to prepare the necessary decor. Cake stands and risers will normally be the cake designer’s responsibility and we can offer our suggestions of suitable selections in the consultation stage.
Remember, we channel so much love, effort and skill into our cake creations, they deserve to be shown off in the most beautiful way. Slick that final flourish on, layer it up and let our cakes shine!
Acrylic Clear Tiers
