At least the straps would not cut into the cake.

At Home Depot or Lowe's, you can usually find large square boards (about 2" thick) that look like butcher block counter tops (numerous smaller blocks of solid wood glued together). These are quite strong, will not warp like plywood, and look more professional. You can use eye bolts to help secure straps.

>Now that's an interesting idea. Using a neck strap to distribute the weight away from the arms. I'll have to think about that some.
>
>>Maybe a contraption modelled along the old 'cigarette girl' carrier?
>>
>>Good luck.