| The affordable, portable alternative to cake, | | | | general, however, you get what you pay for. |
| cupcakes are more popular than ever for | | | | Some cupcake trees also come in economy |
| weddings, showers, holidays and other special | | | | models, which are made of white foam PVC and |
| events. As a result, many different cupcake trees | | | | are great for the budget-minded. |
| -- a beautiful way to display cupcakes for any | | | | 4) How many people do you plan to serve? It |
| occasion -- are being manufactured and sold in | | | | might seem obvious, but make sure to purchase |
| bricks-and-mortar businesses and on the Web. | | | | a model that can hold as many cupcakes as you |
| With all the different choices out there, how can | | | | plan to serve, or you will have to keep refilling it |
| you decide which one to buy? There are many | | | | as the event goes on. |
| different considerations: | | | | 5) Do you have a theme? Cupcake stands come |
| 1) What kind of occasion is it? A wedding or other | | | | in many different shapes and sizes, such as round, |
| large gathering typically demands one that has a | | | | square and floret (a flower-shape). Similarly, the |
| bit of glamor yet still lets all the attention shine on | | | | possibilities for decorating the tree are |
| your cupcakes. For these types of occasions, a | | | | wide-ranging and depend on your event type and |
| clear acrylic tree is a nice choice because it is | | | | theme. You can use real or silk flowers, candles, |
| elegant and classic. | | | | LED lights, paper butterflies, or baby rattles and |
| 2) How many times do you plan to use it? If you | | | | toys for a baby shower. |
| plan on using it repeatedly, then you'll want to | | | | 6) Are you a caterer, bakery or restaurant? Be |
| invest in a cupcake tree that is sturdy, fingerprint- | | | | sure to buy a cupcake tower that assembles |
| and scratch-resistant, break-resistant and easy to | | | | quickly and folds flat for easy transportation and |
| store. If you plan to use it only once, you could | | | | storage. Also, it's important to purchase one that |
| go with a cheaper cardboard model. Whatever | | | | is washable and break-resistant. Some trees have |
| you do, steer clear of metal cupcake trees, which | | | | components are interchangeable, so you can mix |
| can trap food particles and rust. | | | | and match the different-shaped shelves with |
| 3) What is your budget? Cupcake trees range in | | | | different tree bases. An optional lazy Susan base |
| price from under $20 to more than $200. In | | | | also comes in handy for easy turning and filling. |
| addition, you may have to pay for shipping. In | | | | |