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Miss Palm Tree, Pittsburgh, PA Age and Occupation: 23, Lease Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Associate Systems Analyst Engagement Date: December 22, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: The Fez in Aliquippa, PA About Me: I’m Miss Palm Tree - an opinionated, loyal and outgoing bride-to-be. I currently work as a Lease Analyst by day and a catering assistant by night. Mr. Palm Tree is a Computer Engineer with a love for all things cats. Mr. Palm Tree and I are absolute soul mates. Having grown up across the street from each other (I have the scars to prove it), we have been a part of each other’s lives for almost as long as we can remember. We are far from perfect: we fight, we get annoyed with each other and we certainly take advantage of knowing one another so well when pushed to the edge, but ultimately, what truly defines us as a couple is our love.
About Miss Palm Tree

True confessions: I have ants in my pants. I’m antsy for time to keep marching on so I can do all of the things I cannot wait to do. I’m antsy for RSVPs to roll in and my bridal shower and other wedding season FUN.

I’ve started to delve into some of the smaller details, things that I can totally accomplish and/or decide on now that won’t affect anything else. I’ve started thinking about things like: Do my ladies need flowers, even the silk ones, especially if I myself am carrying a brooch bouquet? Can Pad and Pie, our flower girls, scatter petals if there may not be flowers involved elsewhere? Can they scatter petals at our venue, period? I feel accomplished when I address things like this, because it’s clearly ahead of time, and also because of how little stress is involved with mulling these things over because it’s so ahead of time. It’s a total win.

Lately, I’ve been on a cake topper kick. This is one of the small details that is totally back-burnered. You know, those things that you place on the potential list, the ones that you want but aren’t a priority? I refuse to stress about a cake topper, but it’s still fun to peruse pictures and read blogs for inspiration.

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Preciou Preciou

Image via Wedding Collectibles

This one melted my freakin’ heart. I think it’s such a nice, subtle nod to Disney—which we both love (seriously, one night we were up until 3:00 AM watching The Little Mermaid, discussing how today’s kids are missing out if they’re not exposed to the old in addition to the new, as well as the completely under-appreciated awesomeness that is Hercules). I also liked that it was classic, not too kitschy or in-your-face. That having been said, I’m definitely more of an all-around Disney fan than Mr. Palm Tree, so would it be an accurate representation of us? Also, we’re not big Precious Moments people. I feel like Mr. PT may have once commented on them looking creepy (totes disagree, for the record). My mother collected them when we were growing up, and aside from the gazillion Precious Moments coloring books I had back in the day (No, for real: a GAZILLION. Also, true confession: I’ve totally purchased them for Pad and Pie. They’re my favs.), I don’t really care for them one way or the other. The deciding factor: This figurine costs $70. Even if it can be displayed in our home after the wedding, it’s so not worth it, because it’s not like we’d start collecting them (despite the fact that my heart totally does melt over some of these figurines—I need to stop looking NOW).

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Tinkerb Tinkerb

Image via Fairy Tale Wedding Store

I would totally be lying if I said that a Tinkerbell cake topper didn’t come to mind almost immediately. That having been said: It’s not a birthday party, it’s a wedding. Even though ones like the above are slightly more elegant and elaborate, it’s still not exactly right. Plus, what’s Mr. Palm Tree supposed to be, Peter Pan? It’s fun to look and daydream, though.

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Puzzle+01 Puzzle+01

Image via celestewelch on Etsy

You may remember the made-up poignancy of the puzzle pieces from my previous post. It’s the most accurate, in terms of representing the both of us. It’s cute, it’s fairly practical, it’s not invasive, and it wouldn’t take away from the rest of the cake. I really do love the idea, but something about it doesn’t click for me. I’m a very instinctual and emotional person; I totally rely on gut feelings and, while I love looking at this, I just don’t see it on our cake. Plus, I feel like I’d have to somehow add other puzzle pieces into the picture for it to “fit”—not that we’re going with some universal theme, but if there isn’t any mention/sighting of them elsewhere, they’d just seem a little odd perched atop a pretty cake. Furthermore, they’re $75, and although I suppose I could DIY them (AKA try to enlist someone to do so), I’ve already said I refuse to stress about a cake topper; adding a whole other project would totally incite stress.

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Jon+Dra Jon+Dra

 Personal image

This picture was drawn by Mr. Palm Tree via MS Paint years and years ago—I’m talking it was on MySpace, we were in high school years ago. I don’t remember exactly why he did it, I just remember turning on my computer one day and it was the background picture. It’s the little things like this that he does that still make me catch my breath after almost a decade of being together; my favorite color is purple, so he put me in the purple dress, I used to have multi-colored hair, so he made sure to put streaks of red and brown in there…anyway. I had toyed with the idea of having someone (potentially Pad and Pie’s mom, who went to culinary school and has mad skillz, or one of my coworkers who also possesses the same skillz) create a topper of sorts, perhaps out of fondant. It’s a cute idea and I’m still not 100% against it, but if someone were to take the time and effort to create something that truly resembled the above, I’d want it to have staying power and be able to be proudly displayed, you know? Not only because of their hard work, but because of how much I’d inevitably love it.

Then, I found a link to our cake creator’s website. Our cake is included in the package at our venue (thank goodness), but it never dawned on me that our creator would have her own website. Lo and behold, she does and lo and behold, I stalked.

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Cakes+b cakes+b

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Cakes+b01 cakes+b01

The Little Details: Cake Toppers :  wedding cake decor pittsburgh Cakes+b02 cakes+b02

Image via WeddingCakes by Brenda

Now, I’m not saying that any of the above are perfect for our wedding, but looking at them made me realize that they wouldn’t exactly be missing something without a cake topper. These cakes are still freaking fabulous and the intricate detail is impressive and stunning—I almost feel like a cake topper may take away from their splendor.

I’ve reached a conclusion: I don’t care. I care to look and peruse pictures, I care to daydream and envision the pictures, but overall? So not a big deal. I’ve decided that I’ll continue to look and if something really grabs me, that may change the story, but if not, so what? I am willing to bet that nobody but a recent bride or a fellow bride-to-be would notice its absence—furthermore, I am willing to bet that only a handful of people would notice its presence! I’m pleased with my decision and also my ability to remain level headed in this aspect: Not once did I start to waver or think that I NEEDED a cake topper because I’m SUPPOSED to have one.

Any other brides-to-be put this much thought into their cake topper situation, only to essentially nix it? Anyone care to weigh in on the options?

Tags: cake, decor, pittsburgh |
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18 Responses to “The Little Details: Cake Toppers”

1.
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Bee
Mrs. Bracelet (message)  1,112 posts, Bumble bee

I wondered about cake toppers (I loved the really expensive ones from Lollipop Workshop) and when I talked to my mom about it, she mentioned they had a floral cake topper. Done. The one our florist created matched our wedding flowers and was very pretty.

 
2.
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Bee
Miss Airplane (message)  189 posts, Blushing bee

I go back and forth about cake topper, too. We are doing a dessert bar, but we get an anniversary cake that I’m planning on displaying at the reception. I haven’t found anything I love, so I’ve resigned to leaving it empty. If I find something last minute, so be it. I think your cake will be fine “naked” as well!

 
3.
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Mrs. Snow Cone (message)  1,139 posts, Bumble bee

Hercules is 100% under-appreciated. Could not agree more!!

 
4.
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Miss Palm Tree (message)  412 posts, Helper bee

@Mrs. Bracelet: Our baker does a lot of floral toppers as well and does a lot of floral details that match the florals in the wedding. We aren’t having any flowers, as I mentioned, so this was never really an option. They make for great pictures, though!

@Miss Airplane: Thank you! Naked Bee Cakes for the win, am I right? ;)

@Mrs. Snow Cone: The songs alone deserve worldwide recognition! I’m so sad that it’s not as loved as the others, because it’s phenomenal and an absolute favorite.

 
5.
MrsMayaBee
Member
MrsMayaBee (message)  85 posts, Worker bee

We didn’t have a cake topper. It was just a simple three-tiered cake with combed buttercream and a few flowers offset on the 1st/2nd layer. (I know you’re not doing flowers, but could something else stand-in?) No one commented on our lack of topper.

 
6.
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Member
mgol25 (message)  125 posts, Blushing bee

My cake topper, along with my invitations, has been my huge splurge. I didn’t think I would care about a cake topper at all, but once I found mine, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s from Etsy (ahhh, Etsy) and the designer made it so that the dress is an exact replica of my dress. I’m so in love with it. I can’t wait to put it on my mantle once the wedding is over.

That being said, I LOVE the last topless cake you posted. Those flowers are amazing!

 
7.
mkelove
Member
mkelove (message)  667 posts, Busy bee

I knew I didn’t want a store cake topper, you see them everywhere. Then I debated on floral but thought that didn’t make sense either as we are not having flowers except for the ridal party. In the end I made a monogrammed cake topper in fine glitter.

 
8.
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Bee
Miss Airplane (message)  189 posts, Blushing bee

@Miss Palm Tree: Totally winning.

 
9.
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Guest
BM Y

Absolutely naked cake. Mr. PT can eat a gob of fondant and be in cake heaven, and no one will miss a cake topper.

 
10.
lovelyduckie
Member
lovelyduckie (message)  589 posts, Busy bee

I went to amazon, and put them in the order of “bestselling”, saw an affordable one I liked and voila. If the cake ends up looking better without a topper I’ll just put it at our sweetheart table, it’s a little figure anyway.

 
11.
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Guest
Wedding Cakes Pittsburgh

Amazing wedding cakes! All I want to learn is how to make this flower thing, Im dying how to make them.

 
12.
jdashiell17
Member
jdashiell17 (message)  94 posts, Worker bee

Happy Bday Miss. PT! Also, I have my wedding topper you can use.

http://myweddingreceptionideas.com/bride_wearing_pants_cake_topper.asp?gclid=CKSV_O-JjLYCFdGd4AodpgkAdg

I guess it’s kind of for the right kind of couple though :) Hah. The Hubby picked it out, not me lol

-Jasmin

 
13.
krislynn_sd
Member
krislynn_sd (message)  120 posts, Blushing bee

We’re doing a pie topper – because Adam and I both aren’t fans of cake. So we’re creating this big huge chocolate pie to resemble the mudhole he proposed to me in. We fell upon an exact replica of his four wheeler at Scheel’s (and the same one he proposed to me on) and we’re going to place that in the middle of the chocolate pie. We’ll figure out how to add little people to it eventually, but I’m ridiculously stoked about our “topper”

 
14.
fronkinzankinsbride
Member
fronkinzankinsbride (message)  106 posts, Blushing bee

Shrinky dinks. Print Mr Palm Tree’s truly beautiful artwork, trace over it on shrinky paper, cut out individual figures, cook it up, and shove those babies in your cake. Bam.

 
15.
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Bee
Mrs. Wallaby (message)  1,742 posts, Bumble bee

We didn’t have a cake topper. I ordered a really simple cake topper that looked like tissue paper fireworks from Potts & Butler, but I totally forgot to pack it and bring it to the wedding. Oh well. I am 110% sure no one noticed!

 
16.
ladymegbeth
Member
ladymegbeth (message)  219 posts, Helper bee

I agree that it’s not 100% necessary and unless there’s something that just SCREAMS you two, people hardly notice. Having been to a lot of weddings recently, I get the impression that the traditional cake topper is falling decidedly out-of-vogue. That being said, my father bought me a Lladro wedding cake topper before he died years ago, so I’ll of course include that in our wedding (though Lladro figurines are *heavy* so it may have to stand NEXT to the cake rather than ON it, for fear it’ll fall right through…lol).

Also, The Little Mermaid is my fav movie of all time. Seriously. Ariel and Jessica Rabbit are the reason my hair is this color….(I was an impressionable child, apparently).

 
17.
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Miss Palm Tree (message)  412 posts, Helper bee

@MrsMayaBee: I think floral accents are so pretty on cakes! We told our decorator to just use “swirls” (Mr. PT’s words) as the accents. Hopefully that’ll be enough. . .?

@mgol25: An exact replica of your dress?! That sounds awesome and can totally be a keepsake. I’m all for sentimental things like that; who knows, maybe you’ll be able to pass it on to a future bride? :)

@mkelove: Good call, monograms and initials are huge in the wedding world today. I’m sure the glitter you’ve added will look fabulous in pictures!

@lovelyduckie: Valid point: the topper can double as a decorative item, even in your home post-wedding.

@jdashiell17: I love yours, Jas! I think it’s so cute & funny. Thank you for the belated birthday wishes!

@krislynn_sd: This is SUPER unique! I think this is really awesome, that you guys both found a way to make it a representation of your story.

@fronkinzankinsbride: This is actually a really innovative idea and definitely one I would never have thought of on my own. Thank you for the suggestion! I’m going to look into it, even if the DIY aspect scares me. ;)

@Mrs. Wallaby: Fireworks – love! Everything at your wedding was so dreamy and almost ethereal, so I’m also sure nobody noticed because they were too swept away in the love and gorgeousness. ;)

@ladymegbeth: The Little Mermaid is my #1 as well! :) I think it’s awesome that you have something personal and touching from your dad that you can incorporate on your wedding day – I had to Google Lladro but ohhhh my goodness, they are so stunning and can DEFINITELY be re-purposed post-wedding.

 
18.
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Mrs. Toadstool (message)  2,411 posts, Buzzing bee

I love the puzzle pieces but wouldn’t use them either, ironically they don’t fit with every theme.

 

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Miss Palm Tree
Miss Palm Tree

Miss Palm Tree, Pittsburgh, PA Age and Occupation: 23, Lease Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Associate Systems Analyst Engagement Date: December 22, 2011 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: The Fez in Aliquippa, PA About Me: I’m Miss Palm Tree - an opinionated, loyal and outgoing bride-to-be. I currently work as a Lease Analyst by day and a catering assistant by night. Mr. Palm Tree is a Computer Engineer with a love for all things cats. Mr. Palm Tree and I are absolute soul mates. Having grown up across the street from each other (I have the scars to prove it), we have been a part of each other’s lives for almost as long as we can remember. We are far from perfect: we fight, we get annoyed with each other and we certainly take advantage of knowing one another so well when pushed to the edge, but ultimately, what truly defines us as a couple is our love.

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