Celebration cake ideas and toppers

The cake is the photograph everyone takes, so it's worth ten minutes of thought. The good news is that a plain iced cake with the right topper looks better than a complicated one that went wrong.

Below: cake ideas grouped by occasion, how to choose a topper that suits the cake, and a simple guide to sizes so you're not left with four tiers for twelve people.

We make cake toppers in house and print them in the UK, so if you're ordering a plain cake from a supermarket, the topper is what makes it look made-for-them.

Birthday and milestone cake ideas

• Plain buttercream with a number topper - the most reliable milestone cake there is.
• Drip cake in one colour, topper on top, nothing else.
• Photo cake with an edible print of them at the same age.
• Naked cake with berries for a summer birthday.
• Cupcake tower with individual toppers, so no cutting is needed.
• Their favourite chocolate bar chopped over the top.
• Two-tone sponge cut to reveal the colour inside.

Wedding and engagement cakes

• Single-tier semi-naked cake with greenery and a wooden topper.
• Three tiers, all white, one initial topper.
• Cheese tower for an evening reception instead of dessert.
• Cutting cake plus sheet cakes in the kitchen for serving.
• Ring topper for the engagement party, saved for the album.

Christening and new baby cakes

• White iced cake with a name topper in the christening colours.
• Soft pastel buttercream with sugar flowers.
• Cross topper for a christening, star or moon for a naming ceremony.
• Cupcakes with the baby's initial on each one.

Retirement, leaving and work cakes

• 'Happy retirement' topper on a plain sponge - keeps it easy for the office kitchen.
• Cake shaped around their hobby: golf, garden, caravan.
• Counting-down topper: days worked, or years served.
• Traybake cut into squares so there's no serving queue.

How to choose a cake topper

• Match the topper width to about two thirds of the cake width.
• Acrylic or card toppers sit best on firm buttercream, not soft cream.
• Push the spikes in before guests arrive so you're not doing it in front of everyone.
• One topper only - a name and a number competing looks cluttered.
• Pick a colour already in the cake, not a third new one.
• Keep it after the day: most toppers wipe clean and become a keepsake.

What size cake do I need?

• 6 inch round: 10 to 12 party portions.
• 8 inch round: 20 to 24 party portions.
• 10 inch round: 35 to 40 party portions.
• Two tiers (6 and 8): around 35 portions.
• Traybake 9 x 13: about 24 squares.
• Order for two thirds of the guest list at an evening do - not everyone eats cake.

Shop cake toppers

Cake toppers and decorations

Toppers, banners and confetti, designed in house and printed in the UK.

How to write it so it lands

• A plain cake with a good topper beats a complicated cake that went wrong.
• Firm buttercream holds a topper; whipped cream doesn't.
• Order for two thirds of the guest list at an evening event.
• Take the cake photo before it's cut, in daylight if you can.

Where to shop next

• Baby shower ideas
• Celebration of life ideas
• Engagement celebration ideas
• Graduation celebration ideas
• Retirement celebration ideas
• 50th wedding anniversary ideas
• Anniversary celebration ideas
• Celebration quotes
• Christening celebration ideas
• Housewarming celebration ideas
• Party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Milestone birthday cards
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What is a celebration cake?

Any cake made for an occasion rather than everyday eating - birthdays, milestones, weddings, christenings, retirements. It usually carries a message or a topper naming the occasion.

How do I choose a cake topper?

Pick one about two thirds the width of the cake, in a colour already used on the cake, and use one topper rather than a name and a number together. Push it in before guests arrive.

How far in advance should I order a celebration cake?

Two to three weeks for a bakery cake, longer in December and around wedding season. A supermarket cake plus a topper can be sorted in a couple of days.

How much cake do I need per person?

A party portion is roughly 1 x 2 inches. An 8 inch round gives about 20 to 24 of those, and you only need to cater for around two thirds of an evening guest list.