Care Guide

Keep Your Topper Beautiful Forever

Your custom topper is a keepsake — not just a decoration. With a little care, it will look just as stunning years from now as it did on your special day.

Printed Plastic Toppers

Most of our standard orders are produced using high-quality printed plastic — this is what allows us to ship within 24 hours while keeping quality high. The material is lightweight, durable, and holds fine detail beautifully. It's food-safe and designed to sit on your cake without any issues.

Most Standard Orders

Natural Wood Toppers

For custom orders, we laser-cut from premium Baltic birch wood and finish in your chosen color. Wood is a natural material — each piece has its own unique grain, which is part of its beauty. The finish is sealed but should be treated with care to maintain its appearance over time.

Custom Orders Only

Acrylic & Glitter Toppers

Acrylic and glitter finishes are available for custom orders and add a premium, eye-catching look. These are more delicate than plastic or plain wood — keep them away from moisture and handle by the base whenever possible to prevent shedding or scratching.

Custom Orders Only

Do's & Don'ts

Follow these simple guidelines to keep your topper in perfect condition — whether you're using it on a cake or displaying it as a keepsake.

Do These Things

  • Handle your topper by the base or sides — avoid touching the engraved surface
  • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
  • Keep in the original packaging or a soft pouch when not in use
  • Dust lightly with a soft, dry cloth if needed
  • Insert into cake frosting gently and straight — avoid twisting
  • Remove from the cake before cutting and serving
  • Display in a shadow box or frame for a beautiful keepsake
  • Apply a light coat of clear sealant spray if you plan to keep it long-term

Avoid These Things

  • Do not get the topper wet or submerge it in water
  • Do not place near heat sources — ovens, candles, or direct sunlight
  • Do not use wet cloths, cleaning sprays, or chemicals to clean
  • Do not bend, force, or apply pressure to the topper
  • Do not leave inserted in a cake for more than a few hours
  • Do not store in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens
  • Do not stack heavy items on top of the topper during storage
  • Do not use tape or adhesives directly on the wood surface

Care Tips by Situation

Whether you're using it on your wedding day or displaying it for years to come, here's how to care for it in each scenario.

On the Cake

Insert the topper gently into the top tier just before the event. Remove it before cutting the cake. Wipe the base with a dry cloth if frosting gets on it — never rinse with water.

Cleaning

If the topper needs cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth or a barely-damp cloth for stubborn spots. Dry immediately and completely. Never use soap, alcohol, or cleaning sprays on the wood or finish.

Long-Term Storage

Wrap the topper in acid-free tissue paper and store in a cool, dry box away from sunlight. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture. A cedar chest or archival box is ideal for multi-year storage.

Humidity & Temperature

Wood is sensitive to humidity. Avoid storing in bathrooms, near windows, or in garages. Ideal storage is at room temperature (65–75°F) with low humidity. Extreme changes can cause warping.

Glitter Finishes

Glitter toppers shed slightly — this is normal. Handle them over a surface and avoid rubbing. A light coat of clear sealant spray (like Mod Podge) can help lock in the glitter before display.

Displaying as a Keepsake

Many couples frame their topper or place it in a shadow box as a wedding memento. Use UV-protective glass to prevent color fading over time. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight.

Display Ideas

Your topper doesn't have to live in a box — here are beautiful ways to keep it on display.

Shadow Box

Frame it with your wedding photo

Keepsake Box

Store with other wedding mementos

Shelf Display

Stand it on a mantle or bookshelf

Scrapbook

Press flat and include in a memory book

Quick Reference

A fast summary of what's safe, what to avoid, and what to use with caution.

Action / Element Wood Toppers Glitter Toppers Notes
Dry cloth cleaning SAFE GENTLE Use soft microfiber cloth only
Water / moisture AVOID AVOID Can warp wood and dissolve glitter adhesive
Direct sunlight LIMIT AVOID Causes fading and color change over time
Clear sealant spray SAFE RECOMMENDED Locks in finish and extends lifespan
Heat exposure AVOID AVOID Can warp, discolor, or melt finishes
Inserting into cake SAFE BRIEF ONLY Remove before cutting; wipe clean after
Long-term storage SAFE WRAP FIRST Use acid-free tissue; avoid plastic bags

Natural wood variation is normal. Because each topper is cut from real wood, slight differences in grain pattern, tone, and texture are expected and are part of what makes your piece unique. These are not defects. If you have any concerns about your topper's appearance, contact us at hello@203rd.com and we'll be happy to help.

Have a Question About Your Topper?

We're always happy to help — reach out anytime.

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