Styling Your Wedding Cake

For the longest time, the cake, a centerpiece of celebration, was often relegated to a round table in the corner. If the hosts were feeling fancy, there might be swagging, but more often than not, there was bad light, fire extinguishers, and venue decor that didn't match the theme. A thousand sins at which a photographer cringes. You've invested in a masterpiece, a symbol of your love, and then abused the poor thing, leaving it in a corner to be eternally sad. 

Thankfully, the tides are turning, and cakes are finally getting the spotlight they deserve when it comes to table layout. If you're unsure about where to place your cake or how to style it, we're here to guide you through the exciting new trends.

1. Avoid placing your cake directly in front of a window (unless the sun has passed that area for the day). This is not only because of the heat, melting buttercream, and wilting flowers but also because it makes it incredibly difficult to see anything but a silhouette when the sun shines through.
   
2. Add visual interest to the table - use tea lights, candles, fabric flowers, or all of them! A properly styled cake table enhances the cake and never detracts. If your theme is minimalist - keep it true but those linens need to be flawless.
   
   
3. Consider adding a backdrop. If space is limited or the walls aren't ideal, a well-positioned hoop, draping, or a larger item like a privacy screen (folding room divider) can work wonders. Don't be afraid to seek professional advice. Your stylist might have some hidden gems in their arsenal that could transform your cake table. 
   
   
4. If you want to really up the luxe, have you considered a dessert table to accompany your wedding cake? Surrounding the wedding cake with miniature versions of the cake, iced biscuits and macarons all in your colour scheme makes a truly show-stopping cake table. 
   
   
5. Or, to keep the cake table's lines clean, how about decorating the base with elegant florals? You could even use pillar candles if they aren't real flames—you don't want to singe your dress!
   
   
6. If you're going for a more rustic look or want more natural elements, forego the table entirely and opt for a wooden barrel. To add a feminine twist, artfully drape a length of chiffon, not so as to cover it, just to trail and puddle to the ground.
   
   
7. Use a natural backdrop; we have spectacular scenery in Dorset, so make the most of it!
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8. Use an alternative table. Make your cake table match your personality for the rest of your wedding. Are you a keen sewer? Hire an old sewing machine table. Do you love a French vibe? Maybe a shabby chic dressing table. And who says you even need a table? Cake shelves can even be a thing!

No matter how you style your wedding cake table, keep it true to your vision and theme. If luxury and chic are your style, then you don't need to clutter it. If maximalist is more your thing, go nuts and add all the decor that appeals to you. If you're a little bit country, you could even use a (please cake gods make it level) hay bale. It's your wedding, your way.