Ever thought about giving your wedding decorations a second life? Imagine turning one of the most memorable pieces from your big day—a custom cake topper—into an ornament you’ll hang on your Christmas tree for years to come.

Why Keep Your Cake Topper After the Wedding?

Most couples stash their cake toppers in a box or toss them after the big day. But what if you could turn that special piece into something meaningful for the holidays? Repurposing your cake topper as a Christmas tree ornament is not only sentimental but also eco-friendly and budget-conscious. Every year when you decorate your tree, you get to relive one of life’s happiest moments.

This tradition can be especially sweet if you’re looking for unique ways to reuse wedding keepsakes.

How I Did It: From Design to Ornament

The process started with drawing up the design in Photoshop—a personal illustration inspired by one of the first doodles I ever gave my husband while we were dating. Instead of opting for plastic or acrylic, we went with wood for warmth and durability. We found an artist through Facebook Marketplace who could engrave the design onto a slightly thicker piece of wood than typical toppers use.

Here’s why thickness matters: after the wedding, the plan was to break off the long stem (the part that goes in the cake) and drill a small hook into the top for hanging. Thicker wood stands up better to drilling and handling without cracking.

If you’re thinking about trying this yourself, here’s what I recommend:

• Order two identical toppers just in case one cracks during drilling.
• Choose wood or another durable material over fragile plastics.
• Communicate with your artist about making it sturdy enough for both uses.
• After the event, carefully saw or snap off any parts meant for standing upright.
• Use a small drill bit and go slowly when adding the hook.
• Add felt or sandpaper to smooth any rough edges once converted.

There are more tips on transforming memorable items in guides like this one from Country Living’s DIY ornament ideas.

Troubleshooting & Tips For Success

The key challenge is converting something designed for a cake into an ornament sturdy enough to last. Ordering two toppers is smart because even thick wood can split if you’re not careful while drilling. If you’re not comfortable handling tools yourself, most hardware stores are happy to help with small jobs like creating pilot holes.

Other tips:

• Test your chosen hook size on scrap wood first.
• If you want extra shine or protection, seal the finished wood with clear varnish.
• Personalize further by painting or adding ribbon around the hook before hanging it up.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these creative ways people have repurposed their wedding memories as holiday keepsakes on sites like The Knot.

A Personal Touch That Grows With You

The first time we hung our converted cake topper on our tree, it kicked off what’s become an annual tradition—adding one new ornament each year that sums up something meaningful from our time together. It’s more than just décor; it’s like flipping through chapters of our story every December.

There’s something special about knowing this little piece started at our wedding and now follows us through each season of life. Friends and family always ask about it when they visit. Sharing our story has inspired others to try making their own custom ornaments out of mementos too!

If you love drawing (or know someone who does), designing your own art makes this project even more personal. And if art’s not your thing, plenty of artists offer custom engraving services online—just make sure you provide clear instructions about durability and thickness.

The Takeaway

Turning your cake topper into a Christmas tree ornament is easier than it looks—and way more rewarding than leaving it packed away forever. Every year, as you decorate your tree together, you’ll remember not just one day but every memory that followed.

What other creative ways have you found to keep special memories alive through DIY projects? Share them in the comments or tag us in your photos!