Ah, the Very Important Wedding Cake

By: dayna@calligraphylady.com


When planning a wedding, it is essential to start with the theme for the event or the general tone you wish to set. For example, there are numerous themes from which to choose such as audobon, celestial themes, country & western, religious, flower themes such as roses, historical themes, holiday themes, romantic themes, beach wedding, sports such as a golf theme, or any unique theme that captures your personal interests and style.

Your wedding invitations, attire, wedding location, wedding favors and decorations can all set the tone for your wedding. You can personalize these elements and details in order to make your event memorable for both you and your guests.

For instance, when my husband and I were married fifteen years ago we decided that aviation had to be part of our wedding theme. My husband, a private pilot, owns his own vintage airplane. He flew me in his Cessna over my parent’s home on the night he proposed to me. Being the incredible romantics that we are, we decided that our cake topper would capture our engagement memory. Yes, we actually had a small replica of his plane made including little miniatures of us seated side by side in the cockpit! A cute cake topper (yes, maybe a little “corny”) it certainly had our guests talking and enjoying our engagement story!

With this thought, consider how your cake and its topper can be a wonderful centerpiece, a focal point at your wedding reception. It can carry your wedding theme in unique style. And there are numerous options today on the market for any budget. From simple to extraordinary, your cake and its “jewelry” can set the mood for your wedding and become a fabulous conversation piece.

For example, fresh flowers can adorn a cake suited for a garden theme wedding. Flowers such as roses can tie in your color theme as well. Another option for your cake’s look is sparkling crystals in clear or color stones to add brilliance and elegance. And gems can be manipulated into any design. And I have to add that my absolute, contemporary favorite is the “monogram cake topper” look, like the ones found at http://www.topperswithglitz.com/ideas.pl

I laugh to myself as I recall Frank, the wedding coordinator, from the movie Father of the Bride. Upon his first consultation with Annie, the blushing bride-to-be, Frank suggests starting with the cake - to determine just what kind of wedding you would like. I think this is great advice, Frank! And I think Frank would have to agree that the topper is the pièce de résistance!


Dayna Bischof is a master calligrapher and owner of a Unique Wedding Invitations Studio which offers top brand and handwritten wedding invitations. Her education is in language, literature and art. Her calligraphy has been featured in bridal magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, CosmoBride and the Knot. She also offers calligraphy for custom logos. Her illustration and lettering portfolio may be found at www.daynabischof.com