Are you tired of the miniature, faceless bride and groom statuettes that sit atop virtually every wedding cake you’ve seen since you were a kid?  Well, you’re not the only one.  There are lots of alternatives to the classic bride and groom figurine.

OTHER SYMBOLS – There are many cake toppers now that have other symbols aside from the bride and groom.  These include hearts, stars, bells, flowers, and doves.  There are many online wedding supply shops that sell a huge variety of unique cake toppers.  Also, if your wedding has a theme, find online stores that are devoted to that theme and you might be able to find something there.

REAL LIFE OBJECTS – Many times, this will be something that is incorporated with your theme.  For instance, if you are having a fairy tale wedding, it might be a tiara.  If you are having a beach wedding, it might be seashells.  The only limit is your imagination.

PhOTOS IN A FRAME – You can have one or more photos of yourselves, possibly from your engagement shoot, in a frame that matches the theme of the wedding to serve as your cake topper.  This is imaginative and a lovely and useful keepsake for after the wedding.

CUSTOM MADE FIGURINES OF THE COUPLE – I know, I know, we were going to steer clear of figurines, right?  Well, these are different.  At some specialty shops online, if you send them photographs of the two of you, they will sculpt extremely realistic ceramic cake toppers that look exactly like the two of you.  If you can get past the, “Wow, that’s a tiny me, it’s almost a little creepy,” factor – it’s a very cool alternative.

MONOGRAMS – If you want something that reflects your new identity as a couple, but want to steer clear of visual representations of the two of you, you should consider monograms.  They are elegant, classy, and beautiful.  Also, since they are not custom made, they are quick and easy to obtain.

SCROLL WITH INSCRIPTION – At online shops or sometimes even bridal shops, you can buy a blank scroll with a small easel to display it.  Choose a quote that is meaningful to you, either from history or poetry or something you’ve written.  If you don’t have any friends or family that can do fancy script, chances are you can look in the yellow pages for a related service and have them do it for you.

JEWEL-ENCRUSTED TOPPERS – At several online specialty shops, they will craft a topper for you in any shape you wish and then adorn it with sparkling stones.  It’s a very striking look.

ASIAN CHARACTERS – If you have Asian -themed décor, Asian characters are a perfect cake topper.  You can have the typical “double happiness” symbol, which is widely available online, or have a topper constructed for you that is the symbol for any words you like – faith, love, unity, power, prosperity – your imagination is the only limit.

Remember, the cake topper is supposed to be one striking visual representation of you as a couple.  Don’t rest until you find something that feels perfect.