How to Choose the Perfect Cake Topper: A Complete NZ Guide | Love from Seventeen
Quick Answer
Choosing the right cake topper comes down to three things: material (bamboo for a warm, natural look — mirror acrylic for glam and shine), size (Petite for smash cakes, Classic for most birthdays, Statement for tiered showstoppers), and style (a single name, a layered design, or fully custom). Every topper at Love from Seventeen is laser-cut to order in our Southland studio, from $15.
A cake topper is often the first thing people notice on a celebration cake — and the thing that makes it yours. But with so many materials, sizes, and styles to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming if you haven't ordered one before.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get it right first time — from picking the right material for your theme, to choosing the right size for your cake, to making it completely your own. We've been making personalised cake toppers right here in New Zealand since 2015, so we've seen (and learned) a thing or two along the way.
What Materials Are Cake Toppers Made From?
The material you choose sets the tone for the whole cake. Here's a plain-English breakdown of everything we work with.
| Material | Look & Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Light Bamboo | Warm, natural, pale wood grain | Rustic, boho, Scandi, natural themes |
| Dark Bamboo | Richer, deeper wood tone | Earthy, moody, or gender-neutral celebrations |
| Gold Mirror Acrylic | Shiny, reflective, warm gold | Glam birthdays, weddings, milestone events |
| Silver Mirror Acrylic | Cool, sleek, chrome-like finish | Modern, monochrome, or blue-toned themes |
| Rose Gold Mirror Acrylic | Warm blush-gold shimmer | Feminine celebrations, baby showers, hen dos |
| Glittered Acrylic | Sparkly, fun, catches the light | Kids' parties, maximalist themes, festive cakes |
| Coloured Acrylic | Solid colours — black, white, pink & more | Theme-matched parties, bold colour palettes |
Not sure which colour is right? Visit our Material Colours page to see every option with photos before you order.
What Size Cake Topper Do I Need?
Size matters — but it's about matching your topper to your cake, not going as big as possible. Here's how our three sizes work in practice.
Petite
Up to 10cm wide × 5cm tall
Perfect for smash cakes (4–5 inch cakes), cupcakes, or any cake where you want a subtle, delicate touch. Great for first birthdays.
Classic
Up to 15cm wide × 10cm tall
Our most popular size — ideal for 6 to 8 inch celebration cakes. The right balance of visual impact and practicality for most birthdays and events.
Statement
Larger than Classic
For tiered cakes, big milestone celebrations, and weddings. When you want to go big or go home — this is the size that photographs beautifully.
A simple rule: if your cake is 6 inches or larger, go Classic. If it's a smash cake or cupcake tier, go Petite. If it's a tiered wedding or milestone cake, go Statement.
Which Style Suits Your Celebration?
We make cake toppers for every kind of occasion. Here's a look at our most popular styles — with real product images and prices — to help you find your match.
Create Your Own — from $19
The ultimate personalised option. Choose your size (Petite, Classic, or Statement), how many layers of material you'd like, and your colours — and we'll design and cut it to order. You can add a graphic (like a dinosaur, fisherman, or florals) by emailing your inspiration image to hello@lovefromseventeen.nz. Use our font previewer to see how your name will look before you commit.
Bamboo Personalised Cake Topper — from $28
For a warm, natural look that works across so many themes. Made from eco-friendly plantation bamboo (light or dark), and laser-cut with your name or word. All materials are 3mm thick and the width varies depending on the letters. Font options can be previewed using our font previewer tool before you order.
Mirror Personalised Cake Topper — from $28
Our mirror acrylic toppers are the go-to for celebrations that need a little glam. Available in gold, silver, and rose gold mirror finishes — they catch the light beautifully and photograph like a dream. The same great sizing options apply: Petite, Classic, and Statement.
Lovely Lettering Handlettered Cake Topper — $40
A collaboration with Courtney at Lovely Lettering — every single one of these toppers is custom handlettered to order, making each piece completely one-of-a-kind. Available in bamboo, mirror, glitter, and coloured acrylics. Approximately 15cm wide (shorter names have larger letters; longer names adjust to fit). Because it's handlettered, it can't be previewed before ordering — but trust us, it's worth it.
Round Personalised Cake Topper — from $19
A clean, contained shape that works beautifully on smaller cakes and cupcakes. Available in the full range of materials and colours, from $19. Great for baby showers, first birthdays, and anywhere you want a neat, graphic look rather than a script-style topper.
Tiny Personalised Cake Topper — $15
Our most affordable personalised topper and perfect for cupcakes, mini cakes, or adding a name to a smaller treat. At $15, it's also a brilliant addition to a gift or hamper — a tiny cake topper tucked into a birthday present is always a lovely surprise.
Years Loved: Milestone Birthday Toppers
Milestone birthdays deserve their own mention. Our Years Loved cake topper is designed specifically for celebrating a significant age — think 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and beyond. Available in bamboo, coloured, glittered, or mirrored acrylics. It's one of our most gifted toppers because it works beautifully as a standalone present — the birthday person keeps it long after the cake is eaten.
How to Care for Your Cake Topper
Handle as little as possible. All our toppers are 3mm thick and delicate by nature — the less handling, the longer they'll last.
Store in the original packaging. The wooden backing the topper arrives in is designed for safe storage. Keep it there between uses to protect the edges.
Do not submerge in water. Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth if needed. Do not put in the dishwasher.
Keep out of direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent fading, especially on coloured acrylics. See our full Product Care Guide for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between bamboo and acrylic cake toppers?
Bamboo toppers have a warm, natural wood-grain appearance and are made from eco-friendly plantation bamboo. Acrylic toppers (mirror, glitter, or solid colour) have a more polished, glossy finish and are ideal for glam, themed, or bold celebrations. Both are laser-cut to order in our Southland studio and available in the same size range.
Are Love from Seventeen cake toppers food safe?
Our toppers sit on top of the cake on a stake and do not come into contact with the cake itself. The materials (bamboo and acrylic) are not rated for direct food contact, so we recommend inserting the stake into a food-safe barrier (like a small piece of baking paper wrapped around the stake) before placing it in the cake.
How far in advance should I order a personalised cake topper in NZ?
We recommend ordering at least two weeks before your event to allow for production and NZ delivery. If you're cutting it close, check out our Rush Order Service.
Can I reuse my cake topper?
Yes — if handled and stored carefully, your cake topper will last for years. Many customers bring the same topper out every birthday. Store it in the original packaging with the wooden backing to protect it between uses.
Can I get a custom design not shown on the website?
Absolutely. Our Create Your Own Cake Topper option lets you go completely custom — including graphics like animals, hobbies, or illustrated characters. Email your inspiration image to hello@lovefromseventeen.nz when placing your order.
What font options are available?
We have a range of font options available. Use our font previewer tool (linked on each product page) to see how your name or word will look in each font before ordering. Note: fonts 3 and 6 will always be lowercase regardless of how they appear in the previewer.
More from the Collection
Mr & Mrs, initials, and custom wedding toppers for your big day.
See every bamboo and acrylic colour option with photos before you order.
How to store and care for your topper so it lasts for years.
Store your cake topper alongside other celebration mementos.
Love from Seventeen — personalised keepsakes, handcrafted in Southland, New Zealand with love.
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