Wedding Cake Toppers: Then and Now

What is it about a wedding cake that makes brides giddy with excitement?  Is it the towering size, the tasty dessert itself, or the ability to make something downright gorgeous out of just sugar and flour?  While the tradition of the wedding cake dates back centuries, those cute little figurines and monumental sculptures we see decorating the top of our masterpieces really didn't start picking up steam until the 1950's.  So why the extra need to have matching doll-like figures of the bride and groom, you ask?  Well, it's all about the bride and groom of course!

Wedding cake toppers were originally seen in the form of miniature figurines of the bride and groom.  While the statues could be found in many different poses, most all were seen as mini likenesses of the newlyweds to represent the togetherness of the couple.  The cake toppers were then removed and taken home as cherished keepsakes.  Many were accented with lace, bells, and elaborate trimmings as the years went on.  Cake toppers that were commonly seen were very similar or variations of these:

The wedding cake topper tradition still thrives today and has been carried over into most modern wedding receptions.  Now, however, the modern couple has taken it a step further, opting for cake toppers in different shapes and forms.

While it's common to still see figurines used, more and more weddings have embraced the hobbies of the bride and groom.  Representing their interests through funny and humorous cake figurines (see image below).  More modern weddings will even display abstract pieces found in the shapes of hearts and doves or sculpted monogram initials.  Some couples have aspired to showcase the vintage look by displaying their grandparent's cake topper or other heirloom pieces that have a close sentimental value.

Whatever your style or theme, as we continue into the 21st century, wedding cake toppers keep evolving along with the  bride and groom they represent.  Keep the tradition alive and go modern with a monogram initial or dust off your grandmother's 'ole vintage topper to give your cake an heirloom quality feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie