A flat lay of cake toppers for various occasions including birthday, wedding, baby shower, and anniversary, styled on a neutral background with celebratory details.

How to Choose the Right Cake Topper for Any Occasion

By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

 

 1. Match the Topper to the Occasion 

Not all toppers fit every event. Here’s how to choose based on the celebration:

 

  • Birthday – “Happy Birthday” text, age number toppers, or themed designs (e.g., unicorn, dinosaur)

  • Weddings – Elegant monograms, names, “Mr & Mrs” or script-style acrylic toppers

  • Baby Showers – Cute shapes like clouds, booties, or “It’s a Girl/Boy”

  • Anniversaries – Hearts, numbers, or custom dates

 

 Pro tip: Keep it fun for kids, elegant for weddings, and soft or playful for baby showers.

 

A collage of four cakes, each with a different acrylic cake topper: a birthday cake, a wedding cake, a baby shower cake, and an anniversary cake.





 2. Consider the Cake Size and Structure 

 

Topper size matters!
You don’t want a tiny topper lost on a three-tier cake – or a huge one tipping over a mini one.

 

  • Single-tier cakes: Small or medium-sized toppers work best

  • Multi-tier cakes: Go bold with a larger or layered design

  • Stability: Choose a topper with a sturdy pick, especially for outdoor events

 

 

Side-by-side comparison of two decorated cakes: a single-tier cake with a small topper and a multi-tier cake with a large layered topper.

 

 



 3. Pick a Style That Matches the Theme 

 

A cake topper should complement your cake’s theme and decor.

  • Rustic: Wooden toppers or neutral tones

  • Modern: Acrylic toppers with clean fonts or geometric shapes

  • Whimsical: Characters, cartoons, or bold colours

  • Romantic: Script fonts, florals, or soft pastels

 

 💡 Think of your cake as part of the event decor — the topper is like the centerpiece.

 

 

Four cakes with different themed toppers: rustic with wooden elements, modern with sleek acrylic, whimsical with bright cartoon design, and romantic with florals and soft pink tones.

 



 4. Choose the Right Material 

 

Different materials create different vibes — and each has its pros and cons:

  • Acrylic – Sleek, durable, reusable. Great for weddings or bold designs

  • Wood – Warm, natural, perfect for rustic or boho themes

  • Paper or Cardstock – Lightweight and affordable, but delicate

  • Fondant or edible – For fully edible cakes or themed shapes (often used together with a decorative topper)

 


Side-by-side comparison of four cake toppers made from different materials: wooden, acrylic, paper, and fondant, displayed on small pastel cakes.

 

 



 5. Add a Personalised Touch 

 

Personalised toppers instantly make a cake more special.

  • Add a name, age, or custom message

  • Great for first birthdays, engagements, retirements, or any milestone

  • Acrylic and wooden toppers are both excellent for personalisation

A pink buttercream cake topped with a gold acrylic personalised cake topper spelling 'Sophia' in cursive lettering.

 

 



 Final Thoughts 

 

Choosing the right cake topper is about more than just looks — it’s about making the moment memorable. Match the style, size, and occasion, and don’t be afraid to add a personal twist.

 

🎂 Explore our full collection of acrylic cake toppers at Makai Cake Decorating Supplies – designed to make your cake the highlight of the celebration.

 

 





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