How We Make Your Custom Grad Cap Topper, Step by Step
Every topper we make starts with one thing: your story. 🎓 A nursing grad who did it for her family. A new mom finishing school with a baby on the way. Besties crossing the stage together. Here's exactly how your idea turns into a one-of-a-kind topper, handmade in Nashville.
Step 1: Choose your style & place your order
Pick the style that fits your vision:
- Flat Image Topper ($30): clean and bold, printed on premium heavy cardstock.
- 3D Embellished Topper ($50): layered with real faux flowers, pearls, rhinestones, butterflies, glitter lettering and bows.
- Full Bling Topper ($80): every inch covered in hand-placed rhinestones.
Not sure which one? Message us your inspo and we'll recommend the best fit.
Step 2: Share your vision
After checkout, send us your design details: your inspo picture, colors, wording, names and your graduation date. Your grad date matters most, since we plan your whole timeline around it.
Tip: If your inspo was made with AI or found online, double-check the small text. AI images often misspell words, and we'll recreate every letter cleanly for you.
Step 3: We design your mockup
We rebuild your design digitally, laying out every element: your wording, artwork, colors and where each flower, pearl and bow will go. If your inspo has details like a stethoscope or a book stack, we recreate those so they print crisp and clear.
Step 4: You approve your proof
We email you a digital mockup with a breakdown of how each part will be made:
- ✨ Printed: backgrounds, artwork and detailed illustrations
- ✨ Glitter: real glitter cutout lettering
- ✨ 3D: faux flowers, pearls, rhinestones, butterflies and bows
Want to change the placement, text or font? Just tell us. Nothing gets made until you approve.
Step 5: We handmake your topper
Once you approve, the fun begins. Your topper usually takes 4–5 business days:
- The base: your design is printed on heavy cardstock (or cut from premium black cardstock) and sealed.
- The lettering: glitter letters are cut and layered on for that sparkle you can see from the stands.
- The details: artwork pieces are raised with foam for depth.
- The glam: flowers, pearls, rhinestones, butterflies and bows are placed by hand, one by one.
- The center: we cut out the center for your cap's button and make a replacement centerpiece so your full design shows.
Step 6: Final photos before it ships
Before anything leaves our studio, we send you photos of your finished topper so you can see it in real life. If you'd like anything added, now's the time.
Step 7: Packed with care & shipped to you
Your topper is secured in a sturdy box so it can't slide, with room around the flowers and bows so nothing gets crushed. Inside, you'll find your adhesive attachments and a care card with instructions.
Step 8: Your big day 🎓
Remove the backing strips, line your topper up on your cap, press the corners down, and you're ready to walk that stage. Then tag us! We love seeing our Daisie grads on their big day. 💖
🗓️ When should I order?
Order at least 3 weeks before graduation to leave time for your mockup, production and shipping. Grad season fills up fast!
Start your Custom Grad Cap Topper →
Have questions about sizing, attaching or pricing? Check out our Custom Grad Cap Topper FAQ.
xoxo, Daisie & Co. 🌼