Custom Eco Cake Toppers for Events

Albert
Mar 10
6 min read

Updated: Apr 17

Why Choose Eco Cake Toppers?

Eco-Friendly Materials: Bamboo, seed paper, native woods, and edible options like chocolate or sugar.
Customisable Designs: Personalised names, logos, or nature-inspired themes.
Affordable & Practical: Durable or compostable options for any budget.

Where to Buy or Make:

Local Makers: Le Sud Patisserie in Auckland (from NZ$60).
DIY: Use native timber, recycled paper, or natural dyes for a personal touch.
Online: TradeMe and Etsy for Kiwi and Australian sellers.

Key Styles:

Rustic Māori carvings, botanical themes, geometric shapes, and edible toppers.

Whether you buy or DIY, eco toppers are a great way to celebrate sustainably.

Materials Guide

Choosing materials that are kind to the environment can add both style and eco-consciousness to your event décor. Here's a closer look at some options.

Natural Materials

Local artisans in New Zealand often use native woods like kauri, rimu, and tōtara, treated with food-safe oils. Other plant-based choices include bamboo, flax, and harakeke paper. These materials are compostable under the right conditions, making them a great option for reducing waste.

Durable and Reusable Choices

For toppers you can use again, materials like stainless steel, glass, and ceramic are ideal. While they aren't biodegradable, their durability and reusability minimise waste over time. Plus, they're easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice.

Edible Toppers

Edible toppers are both decorative and waste-free. Techniques like chocolate work - using dark or white chocolate for intricate designs - or sugar art with isomalt, royal icing, and fondant are popular. These delicate creations require careful handling and are best served fresh. Le Sud Patisserie showcases this approach beautifully, blending edible elements with artistic flair for sustainable cake decoration.

Making Custom Toppers

Design Methods

Crafting eco-friendly cake toppers involves thoughtful design choices and a focus on sustainability. Techniques like hand-carving and laser engraving work well with sustainable woods such as kauri and rimu. For colouring, opt for non-toxic, water-based paints or natural dyes derived from beetroot, turmeric, or spinach, which offer vibrant, chemical-free options. When embossing recycled paper or cardboard, use food-safe tools and vegetable-based inks. For metal toppers, traditional hand-stamping methods, often used by local artisans, minimise energy use. These techniques set the stage for the latest design trends.

Current Styles

Modern eco-friendly topper designs lean towards simplicity and nature-inspired elements. Popular styles include:

Rustic native: Māori motifs carved into sustainable wood
Botanical themes: Pressed flowers and leaves preserved with beeswax
Simple geometrics: Bamboo or recycled metal shaped into clean lines and basic forms
Nature-inspired: Patterns featuring leaves or native bird silhouettes
Traditional Kiwiana: Paua shell inlays and harakeke weaving
Modern abstract: Recycled glass or ceramic transformed into organic shapes

These designs combine elegance with sustainability, making them perfect for various occasions.

Working with Local Makers

Teaming up with local artisans ensures that your custom toppers are crafted with care and eco-friendly practices. Many New Zealand makers specialise in using sustainable materials and traditional techniques. Open communication is key when commissioning a custom piece.

Here are some tips for working with local makers:

Start early: Allow 4–6 weeks for production.
Provide inspiration: Share clear references or mood boards to guide the design.
Discuss materials: Ask about sustainable options and their durability.
Plan for storage: Get advice on how to handle and preserve your topper.

Make Your Own Toppers

Creating your own toppers is a great way to incorporate eco-conscious choices into your event while adding a personal touch.

Simple Projects

Start with easy-to-make toppers using sustainable materials. For example, you can craft paper flowers from recycled kraft paper or old book pages. To make a natural adhesive, mix 60 ml of flour with 240 ml of water - simple and eco-friendly.

If you prefer wooden toppers, look for raw native timber offcuts at local woodworking shops. Sand the wood, beginning with 180-grit sandpaper and finishing with 240-grit for a smooth surface. To protect the wood, use food-safe beeswax or natural oils like macadamia or coconut oil. These materials are safe and maintain the topper's eco-friendly appeal.

Once you’ve mastered these simpler techniques, you can move on to combining materials for more detailed designs.

Detailed Designs

For those ready to take on more challenging projects, detailed toppers require extra planning and tools. Sculptural elements can be made from natural clay mixed with organic pigments. Equip yourself with a recycled rubber cutting mat, bamboo sculpting tools, natural brushes, and a wooden rolling pin made from native timber.

You can also create food-safe paints using natural dyes. For instance, beetroot powder produces pink hues, while turmeric gives vibrant yellow tones. Mix these powders with arrowroot and water to form paint. Allow painted elements to dry for 24–48 hours before sealing them with organic beeswax.

These projects may require sourcing specific materials, but they’re worth the effort for a customised, earth-friendly result.

Where to Shop in NZ

New Zealand has plenty of craft stores offering eco-friendly supplies. Shops in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch often stock native timber, organic beeswax, natural dyes, and even biodegradable glitter. Some stores also run workshops on sustainable crafting techniques. If you’re using materials for food-related items, make sure they have the necessary safety certifications.

Where to Buy

Looking for custom eco-friendly cake toppers in New Zealand? Here are some reliable options to consider after trying your hand at DIY.

NZ Makers and Shops

If you prefer to leave it to the professionals, check out Le Sud Patisserie in Auckland, where bespoke cake toppers start at NZ$60. Across the country, local artisans also offer personalised designs crafted from sustainable materials.

Online Stores

For online options, the Handmade section on TradeMe showcases a range of custom toppers from Kiwi creators. Look for sellers who highlight eco-friendly practices and use certified compostable materials.

You can also explore Australian makers on Etsy, many of whom ship to New Zealand with delivery times of 10–14 days. Just make sure to check the product descriptions for details on material sustainability.

Order Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth ordering experience for your eco-friendly cake topper:

Initial Enquiry
- Reach out to your chosen maker at least eight weeks before your event.
- Share key details like the event date, location, and your design preferences.
- Specify the topper size (typically 10–15 cm) and any material requirements.
Design Confirmation
- Approve the final design and confirm the materials.
- Pay a 50% deposit to secure your order.
- Allow 2–3 days for design finalisation.
Production and Delivery
- For simple designs, production takes 5–7 days. Complex designs may take 2–3 weeks.
- Rush orders (if available) can be completed in 3–5 days but may include a surcharge.
- Delivery across New Zealand usually takes 1–3 working days, or you can opt for local pickup if the topper is fragile.

With these options and tips, finding the perfect eco-friendly cake topper is a breeze!

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Eco-friendly cake toppers are a thoughtful way to celebrate while caring for the planet. Using materials like bamboo, pressed flowers, and other biodegradable options, people in New Zealand can now enjoy a variety of sustainable choices for their special occasions.

Working with local creators, such as Le Sud Patisserie, not only supports community businesses but also helps reduce your event's carbon footprint. It's a great example of how elegance and care for the environment can go hand in hand.

These ideas can easily be expanded to other parts of your celebration too.

Tips for Hosting Eco-Friendly Events

If you're aiming for a more environmentally conscious event, consider these ideas:

Support Local Vendors: Choosing nearby suppliers cuts down on transport emissions and boosts the local economy.
Use Seasonal Decor: Opt for decorations like in-season flowers and natural elements that are easy to source.
Go Digital with Invitations: Swap out paper invites for digital ones to save on waste.
Be Mindful of Portions: Work with your cake maker to plan servings carefully, helping to reduce food waste.

Sustainable choices go beyond just the cake topper. Every small step can make a difference. Whether you're hosting a wedding at Auckland Domain or a backyard birthday party, including eco-friendly touches ensures your celebration creates lasting memories while respecting Aotearoa's stunning natural environment.