The Wedding Cake Table Placement Guide Every Couple Needs
- Shannon Turner
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
4 Mistakes in Cake Table Placement to Avoid on the Wedding Day
Most couples focus on the design, flavor, and maybe even the height of their wedding cake when planning their wedding. But there is one major detail that often gets overlooked:
The placement of their wedding cake table.
And trust me - that decision matters so much more than you think.
As a wedding cake designer, I've delivered hundreds of cakes to venues all over Georgia and the southeast, and I've seen it all: gorgeous cakes hidden in dim corners, intricate details lost in bad lighting, and elegant tiers backed by... bright red fire extinguishers.
Here's what I tell my clients when they're planning their day. Whether you're working with me or someone else, these are the guidelines to follow to make sure your wedding cake gets the moment it absolutely deserves.
1. Choose Good Lighting (But Not Direct Sunlight)
Your cake deserves to be seen - and lighting makes or breaks that.
Look for an area with indirect, natural light. Soft daylight will enhance your cake's texture, color, and delicate details without washing them out or melting the cake's buttercream.
What to avoid:
Harsh, direct sunlight (it can melt or fade your cake - yes, really)
Fluorescent overheads (they distort color)
Dim corners (your photographer won't thank you)
A well-lit corner near a window? Perfect. A spotlighted corner with subtle uplighting? Also great. Just say no to dark corners and windowless rooms.
2. Make Sure the Table Is Stable and Level
Your wedding cake deserves more than just a pretty perch - it needs a solid foundation.
For fun and born of curiosity, I weighed the last four-tier wedding cake I delivered. It was around 25 pounds. Wobbly tables, or uneven surfaces can spell trouble (or at least unnecessary stress).
I always bring a level when I deliver a wedding cake, and at least 60% of the time, I'm shimming cake tables or stands to make sure everything is perfectly even and steady before I place a wedding cake. I also check for stability - if the table jiggles when I set my hand down, it’s not going to work for a tiered cake. Full stop.
For my clients, I coordinate with the venue or planner ahead of time to ensure a proper table is selected and set well before delivery. But if you're in the planning stages now, this is something to consider early on - ideally during your venue walkthrough or while finalizing the floorplan. Choosing the right table in the right spot will prevent stress on the wedding day.
(And a little behind-the-scenes story...)
Years ago - back in my early wedding cake delivery days - I arrived at a beautiful, historic venue to discover that the “cake table” was... not actually a cake table at all, but a wobbly, old 19th-century cart-thing (respectfully).
On wheels.
Sitting on uneven, old floors that were literal waves of brick. 💀
I was still a bit green, but I knew I couldn’t let a three-tier cake roll off into disaster. With a shaky voice, I asked for a different setup. The cake survived! And the lesson stuck. These days, I wouldn’t hesitate to advocate for your cake’s safety (politely and diplomatically, of course). That’s just part of being a seasoned pro in this business.
The takeaway? A seasoned cake artist doesn’t just drop off a cake and vanish - we advocate for the integrity and safety of your centerpiece. But having the right setup ready to go ahead of time makes all the difference.
3. Be Mindful of the Background
Your wedding cake will be photographed a lot. What's going on behind it can frame it like art or completely hijack the photos.
Avoid:
Fire extinguishers or exit signs
DJ booths or speaker setups
Fire extinguishers
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (why are there always so many??)
Cluttered areas like bar stations or stacked chairs
Instead, look for:
Clean, neutral walls
Soft floral installs
Draped or minimal backdrops
Windows (if light is indirect)
The takeaway: Think of the cake as part of the design story. What’s around it should complement - not compete.
4. Rethink Outdoor Cake Placement
(Actually, Just Don't Do It)
If I could offer just one universal rule, it would be this:
Avoid placing your cake outdoors.
Here’s a few reasons why:
Heat can melt buttercream, cause fondant finishes to sag, or compromise your cake's structure.
Direct sunlight can fade or damage decorations.
Humidity affects texture and stability.
Literal bugs. Outdoor pests love sugar and they are more than happy to make themselves very comfortable on your cake.
If you’re set on having the cake outside, opt for a faux display cake with kitchen cakes to serve your guests. Just keep in mind that faux cakes cost about the same as real cakes (labor is equal; also, check Styrofoam prices right now), so consider whether an outdoor cake setup is worth the additional expense.
Takeaway: I know it's pretty, but your wedding cake is also food. And it's made of sugar. It doesn't belong outdoors covered in leaves, grass clippings, flies, ants, and whatever that bit of fuzz that blew over is. (Seriously, though. What is that?)
Bonus Tip: Double-Check Your Cake Display Stand
If you’re supplying your own cake display stand (vs. using one from your cake designer), please make sure it’s suitable for a tiered cake.
Key criteria:
Wide enough to fully support the base of the cake
Level (no domes or raised edges)
Strong enough to hold the weight without tipping
Pretty doesn’t always mean practical. If there’s any doubt, I provide a selection of beautiful, sturdy stands that pair perfectly with my cakes for my clients to use.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding cake isn't background decor - it should be a focal point. Let's not spend days designing an absolute showstopper just to tuck it next to a hand-scribbled sign that reads, "DON'T FLUSH TOILET PAPER DOWN THE TOILET IT CLOGS BAD - THANKS". 🫣
Let's make sure your wedding cake is placed like it truly matters. It deserves a beautiful moment in the spotlight (but not one that gives off heat!). If you have questions, want to chat about cake stands, or need help planning the perfect display, you know where to find me.
Questions about your wedding cake setup?
Planning an outdoor reception? Wondering which cake stand won't tip? Not sure where the cake table should go in your venue layout?
I've seen (and shimmed) it all - and I'm happy to help. Drop your questions in the comments - whether you're my client, a planner, or just curious - I'll answer them all below. 👇
Want help planning your own wedding cake?
Take a peek at my Signature Packages, pricing, and process — or inquire directly to reserve your date. It all starts here:
👉 Visit ShannonTurnerCakes.com
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