Display Cake High..but Not A Stand?
Decorating By mommachris Updated 21 Jun 2012 , 4:19pm by mommachris
I have a bride that isn't interested in renting a cake stand since she doesn't want to worry about it getting damaged or lost. I can respect that. 
I'm not a guest and don't live in the town.
The image of the cake that she is asking me to work from has an 8 inch round sitting on a 14 inch hexagon cake. It's lovely, dainty piece of work, and it's sitting on a footed cake stand.
I think the cake will look sad just flat on the table. It demands to be put higher and dignified. 
So, short of just putting a box ( that can be tossed) under the table cloth, does anyone have a suggestion for elevating the dessert with a low cost solution?
I'll try to put the picture up.
mommachris
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-photos/i/vintage-style-garden-white-octagon-multi-shape/i/1681e0a08ae55715-3bbc739dc34f52c6/8339ad277e6eda0c?tags=multi-shape&page=1&cat=cakes&
Do you own the 16 inch, or whatever size, hexagon larger than that? I know it's the same old thing, but the shape will be different. Also, instead of under the tablecloth, a coordinating cloth in wedding colors can be used to cover the box. Either fold the edges under, or I just cut to fit and iron it as if I'm hemming.
Some tulle wound around will also be nice, even if it is white, and cheap Hide some battery candles in the tulle with some "diamond confetti" (both used in moderation) and she may like it.
A box of candles is $20.00 at Party City and the confetti is about $6.00 there or at Michaels. Tulle is very cheap. A yard, maybe $4.00, will be plenty.
You can get square dense foam blocks (just a few inches smaller than your cake drum-no need to get too top heavy) and cover them in a coordinating wrapping or scrap paper. some nice border ribbon and perhaps some pearl beads could make it look more substantial. (hot glue it to a base board and put non-slip pad on the top). Another covering option would be to cover the base block in black just to rise it up, then in the 4" between the cake drum and the table, alternate small votive candles and fresh flowers, or just a ring of greenery and a few blooms.
I used a four inch high round styro foam cake dummy covered in fondant and ribbon to elevate a three tier cake it was inexpensive and easy to cover with fondant.
I have used a large wide candle holder (curly metal style) which cost around $10. Also have a couple of wooden ones. I cut stryo to fit into the candle cup area then glued with a base board to it. Add a nice edge and paint to match color theme if needed. Picture attached - the candle holder use to be cream and luckily the glass & diamante lazy susan sat perfectly in it so it looks like a base.
In trying to minimize the bride's cost of a cake stand rental, my concern would be you increasing your labor & materials cost as you "reinvent the wheel" by creating what could be essentially a custom stand. Wouldn't this increase her overall cost anyway?
For example, covering a dummy in matching fondant/wrapping paper or even taking a trip to Michael's for coordinating sparkles - none of this is free, right?
In trying to minimize the bride's cost of a cake stand rental, my concern would be you increasing your labor & materials cost as you "reinvent the wheel" by creating what could be essentially a custom stand. Wouldn't this increase her overall cost anyway?
For example, covering a dummy in matching fondant/wrapping paper or even taking a trip to Michael's for coordinating sparkles - none of this is free, right?
I agree, make sure that you are compensated for whatever costs and labor are involved in your making an alternate stand for her cake. Or, provide the bride suggestions, and have her make them on her own.
In terms of ideas, depending on what her style for the wedding is, there are tons of alternatives out there these days. You could place the cake on a vintage wine crate, stack of fruit crates, vintage suitcase, or tree slice (provided it's a large enough diameter) for a more rustic look. For a shabby chic or vintage look, you could make your own cake stand out of vintage platters and candlesticks (or if you're not so inclined, there are tons of these for sale on etsy).
Here are just a couple pictures, that might help get the creative wheels turning.
For some reason, the last image doesn't want to attach. Too bad, because it's my favorite one. Here's a link to the website that I found it from:
http://www.rentmydust.com/vignettes/green-gables-shoot/9399885
And here's an image of a DIY dessert pedestal made from vintage pieces. (FYI, I've made one of these before, and found the pieces really cheaply at the thrift store.)
She/you could look around as some discount stores to see if you could find a cheap cake stand? I found this same one (on amazon for $20) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NDRXN8/?tag=cakecentral-20+cake+stand at my local Christmas Tree Shop (a discount store chain in New England) for $7!! HomeGoods usually has an inexpensive selection as well (I found a 12" one for $14).... The libbey one is 13", but you could just center a larger board with some decorative trim over it?
All good ideas. I'm communicating with the bride to find out the style and decor she'll be using at the event. Sure that one of your many ideas will fit perfectly.
And, yes, I was going to pass the expense on. We both just want it to be possible to let the 'stand' end up where ever and not have to return or store it afterwards. 
Thanks for your input, ladies.
mommachris
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