Those of you who follow me on insta will know by now that I am a huge lover of a well-styled cake area. In this blog I am going to share with you some of my favourite cake styling area tips. I am Zoey, a wedding designer & stylist and this is my blog that will hopefully inspire and encourage you along your wedding planning journey.

Why is styling your cake area important?

Why style the cake area? A cake for your wedding or any event can be a big investment. So, why stick it in the corner on a small round table? Well, usually because that was the done thing or because you have way too much to think about planning, and the thought of adding in styling a cake area makes you want to scream! Well don’t worry as just adding a few key elements will make all the difference!

Wedding cakes are pricey! And so they should be they are a work of art some of them. It cost a lot to learn the skills to create a beautiful cake that will still look and taste as good after a long day at your wedding. But not just that your cake maker has worked hard and I feel it deserves the right stage to showcase it.

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Also, the cake is probably the one thing that is guaranteed to be seen by everyone. Every wedding I have been to or designed I always see guests, suppliers and even staff searching out the cake for a look. If all eyes are on the cake you should really make sure it look amazing. It is also a chance to have some fun and add your personality.

If you are a cake maker, stylist or even venue reading this looking for some ideas. I would encourage you to make that extra effort and offer the couple the chance to style heir cake area. Work with local stylist or hire companies to add this an option or buy your own stock. I hire my stock out and most can be posted to other suppliers and it is a great option for cake makers.

My top tips below work for couples, cake makers or anyone looking to up their cake styling game!

wedding styling — Gail Secker Photography

cake area styling — Gail Secker Photography

Tip 1 – Design

Work with yours or the couples overall wedding design. Make it an extension of the day its self. I think this is important to mention for cake makers. If you are offering the set up and styling ask for a moodboard, speak to the stylist, florist or planner if there is one. Make sure the design works for the wedding as much as it does for your cake.

Add varying heights. Add elements to add interest like candles, vases, signs and florals. Think about textures and using a mix. Chiffon, tulle, linen and cheesecloth fabric all work great. Order an extra runner if doing the styling or if a cake maker think have a go to stock of these. The cake area is a great place to splash out and get a hand dyed silk runner.

Think about the colours and textures in the cake and how you can work with and enhance them with the styling.

Tip 2 – Think Big!

This is the space to go all out! As mentioned it is the area most guests will see. You will have photos taken here to remember for the rest of your lives together. So have fun, think big and see what you can come up with!

Try to think past the standard table. Look at plinths, swings or whatever you can imagine up. If using a table use a mixture of stands, or unique backdrops. I love Bramble sky’s collection, below are a few of my favourites. This goes for both couples and suppliers. Look at what you have and then imagine how you can take it that one step further.

Sometimes a great backdrop is enough, using plinths instead of a table. Getting a wow factor cake stand. It doesn’t take much to so even if you pick one thing and think as big as you can with that it will make all the difference.

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Tip 3 – Reuse

This one I always advocate with my couple and fellow suppliers. It is harder as a DIY couple as you really won’t have the time. If you have a stylist or planner or great hands on venue then ask them about moving items for you. This goes for all of your items and spaces not just styling the cake area.

Take what you can from the ceremony to use at your cake area. Whether that be florals, candles or fabrics. The main one though I think is he best to reuse is a backdrop. I actually have most of my backdrops in two sizes, one for the ceremony and then the cake area. As it saves the time moving and frees it up for adding to another space if and when required. I suggest moving the ceremony back drop behind the cake. Then after the cake is cut, move the tables or plinths and you have a photo backdrop for your reception guests.

As I keep mentioning whether a couple, cake maker or stylist. You need to work with the other suppliers, find out what they have that can be moved and reused. Let them know, especially the florist as they can make them easily movable. Or give you instructions if needed. Have a plan of what will be reused and make sure everyone who needs to be is aware as the time frame is usually tight so planning ahead is a must!

Tip 4 – Personality

The cake area is a great place to share more of your personality or love story. This can be in little ways, like a topper or signs. You may add decorations, pictures that tells a story of the two of you. For me creating emotion is the great event design and using personal items that the guests can connect with does this. It can be so simple as grandmas cake stand! Most guests know what it is and has their own story and emotions attached to it. A small little detail that will have a huge impact.

boho wedding styling — Photos: Emma Boyle Photography

Tip 5 – Placement

Placement! Tradition is on the dance floor or next to the top table! Who cares about tradition though! These can work well and mean the guest can see the cake easily throughout the day. But sometimes I feel not always practical.

If you are going all out and making a big feature of the cake area then a little out the way is a better choice. Make sure it is not a high traffic area. This could effect guest flow when moving throughout the day. Also, not out the way too much no one knows where it is!

lastly, look around and see what you are placing it near or in front off. Sometimes you have no choice but fire extinguishers, window with a terrible view or worse curtains! These things can have a huge impact on the final overall look. This is when you have to consider a backdrop to cover certain feature of the venue.

Styling a wedding cake area

I hope you found this useful. I am working hard on my blog to overall aspects of wedding design and styling. To help not only couples but other wedding suppliers to understand and use design. If you are looking for a designer for any type of event get in contact I would love to chat! Or if haven’t already grabbed my wedding cake styling guide free now.