How to display a cake topper in a shadow box

A shadow box is a deep frame with a glass front. Most framing guides are about flat keepsakes, such as an invitation or a garter. You pin those to the back.

A cake topper is different. It stands up, so it needs a deep box and it stands on the floor of the box. Depth is the number that decides which box fits.

• A ruler or a tape measure
• A deep shadow box that opens at the top
• Removable putty, the kind used to hang posters
• An acid-free backing board

1. 1. Clean and dry the topper

   Wipe off any frosting and let the topper dry fully before it goes into a closed box.

2. 2. Measure height and depth

   Measure the topper at its deepest point, from front to back, and add about ¼ inch (6 mm). That way the faces never touch the glass. Measure its height too, and leave room above the heads.

   The same topper from the side. It has depth, not only height.

3. 3. Pick the box and the glass

   Framers say small figures usually need a box 1½ inches (4 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm) deep. If you fall between two depths, buy the deeper box. Plain picture glass does not stop sunlight from fading colors. Conservation glass blocks 99% of UV light. Museum glass also cuts glare in a deep box.

4. 4. Stand it and fix the base

   Use a flat backing, so the figure stands in front of it, not pinned to it. Press a small ball of putty under the base. A printed figure is light enough for putty. Our own 4 inches (10 cm) topper weighs about 2 oz (53 g). Try a small piece on the underside first. Keep hot glue away, since it can mark what it holds.

   The topper on the floor of a deep box, with room above the heads.

5. 5. Place it out of the sun

   Hang or stand the box away from windows. Light in a window fades the colors of 3D printed objects over time.

Frosting stuck in small gaps? See how to clean a cake topper.

A shadow box can hang on a wall. Some couples keep their topper in a curio or a china cabinet instead, with other things from the day. A glass dome works the same way on a shelf.

Dust and light over the years have their own guide: how to keep your topper for years.

My topper has a stake. Can it go in a shadow box?

Yes, but it cannot stand on the stake. Some couples cut the stake off. Ask the maker before you cut it. Ours stands on a flat bottom, with no stake to cut off.

What else can go in the box with the topper?

Couples add a pressed flower or the invitation. You can also write or stamp the wedding date on the back of the box.