Do I have to use a cake stand at my wedding?

You certainly don't have to use a cake stand at your wedding, but it's a nice addition and can help your gorgeous cake stand out on the dessert table. Some cake stand alternatives include a serving platter or a scalloped pie pan.

What is a cake stand used for?

It's used for pretty much exactly what it sounds like! Cake stands are used to elevate a beautiful cake above the standard table. It's an excellent way to show off the cake you spent so much time tasting and customizing prior to the big day!

The 7 Best Cake Stands

Two rustic layer cakes displayed on Mosser Glass Cake Stands — Food 52

Everyone has their eye on dessert—and especially the cake—at a wedding. After all the hard work of deciding on the design and flavors of the cake, it’s time to choose a stand. If you're offering smaller treats on the dessert table, a mix of pretty stands in different heights and shapes will tie it all together. After all, presentation is everything!

Cake stands can be found in almost any style—get one that matches the vibe of both your wedding decor and the dessert spread. A rustic, organic cake might sit well on a wooden or ceramic stand, while a contemporary cake can be paired with a modern marble or metal shape. Whatever you choose, there’s a cake stand for every wedding style.

To help you find the best option for your beautiful dessert table, we've researched and hand-picked the best wedding cake stands available. Couples throwing a chic city wedding will love the Prop Options Gold Metallic Gold Plinth Cake Stand. Throwing an outdoor ceremony or barn wedding? Opt for the TaylorMaedDesign Wooden Wedding Cake Stand or the Generic Oak Square Cake Stand.

Read on for the best cake stands.

Prop Options Gold Metallic Gold Plinth Cake Stand

Etsy Gold Mirror Plinth- Large Metal Cake Stand — Courtesy of Etsy

Buy on Etsy $153

It’s all about the presentation! This glam minimalist stand elevates your cake in both height and style without stealing the show. It's perfect for any formal affair.

Price at time of publish: $153

Mosser Glass Cake Stand

Buy on Food52 $185

Vintage vibes arise with these milk glass cake stands from Mosser Glass. Made by a family-owned business that uses classic glass molds, they are available in an array of colors and sizes. Standing alone or mixed and matched in a grouping, they're the perfect way to display both cakes and mini desserts.

Price at time of publish: $185 for large with glass dome

AHeirloom Cake Stand

Food52 Cake Stand by AHeirloom — Courtesy of Food52

Buy on Food52 $89

Artful with its curved, graceful wooden base and a sleek Corian top, this organic-meets-modern cake stand is all about craftsmanship. Custom made by husband and wife duo AHeirloom, this piece is sure to become an heirloom in itself.

Price at time of publish: $88

West Elm Madison Marble and Brass Cake Stand

Buy on West Elm $45

A mix of materials and clean lines make this cake stand feel both sophisticated and modern. The sleek brass base adds a touch of glamour to create a pedestal that is super chic.

Price at time of publish: $45

Estelle Colored Glass Hand-Blown Glass Cake Stand

Buy on Anthropologie $225 Buy on Food52 $225 Buy on West Elm $225

Delicate and ephemeral, these handblown glass stands will have your cake floating on a halo of loveliness. Available in a range of pretty hues, these stands are simply charming for any wedding venue and aesthetic.

Price at time of publish: $225

Mercury Row Couto Marble Cake Stand

Wayfair Everly Quinn Logue V-Base Cake Stand — Courtesy of Wayfair

Buy on Wayfair $73

Perfect for a smaller cake, this modern stand with glam details makes for a pretty presentation. With a low profile and clean lines, this pedestal lets your cake shine.

Price at time of publish: $72

Godinger Dublin Cake Plate Cake Stand

Buy on Amazon $60 Buy on Macy's $80

Make an eye-catching statement with this stunning crystal cake stand. It will be the star of the dessert table at any black-tie reception.

Price at time of publish: $59

What to Look for in a Wedding Cake Stand

Style

First things first, a stylish stand that matches your wedding formality and aesthetic. Consider the other decor items and florals displayed at your wedding to find a cake stand that flows nicely with the theme. For instance, formal city weddings are the perfect place for chic gold finishes or stunning crystal cake stands—we especially love the Godinger Dublin Cake Plate Cake Stand.

Size and Quality

The last thing you want is for your cake to fall off its stand. Therefore, you want to make sure that the cake stand you choose is larger in diameter than your cake. It's also important to consider the quality of the materials and the construction to ensure a sturdy cake placement and avoid any mishaps.

FAQ

Do I have to use a cake stand at my wedding?

You certainly don't have to use a cake stand at your wedding, but it's a nice addition and can help your gorgeous cake stand out on the dessert table. Some cake stand alternatives include a serving platter or a scalloped pie pan.
What is a cake stand used for?

It's used for pretty much exactly what it sounds like! Cake stands are used to elevate a beautiful cake above the standard table. It's an excellent way to show off the cake you spent so much time tasting and customizing prior to the big day!

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Elizabeth MacLennan has been scouring marketplaces around the world and hunting down that just right object for over 15 years as a prop stylist. She has been writing about anniversary gifts, wedding gifts, and other shopping content for Brides since November 2019.