Your wedding cake plays a huge role in your wedding. It’s more than just a dessert: it’s everything from a talking point to a centrepiece, and makes for one of the most iconic photo opportunities of your entire day.
The great thing about wedding cakes is, that there are so many different types available. What you have can be a brilliant representation of you and your wedding day. You might go for something big and grandiose, or something small and delicate. Or you might go for something else entirely and have a cheese and crackers cake instead – it’s really all up to you.
But, because there are so many options out there, you might be stuck for inspiration. Do you choose something traditional, or do you go for something a little more outside the box that will stick in your guests’ minds for years to come?
In this article, we’ll explore everything to think about when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding cake, and offer you 70 ideas to help you make your decision.
What makes a great wedding cake?
The answer to what makes a great wedding cake is actually pretty complicated, because there are so many different possible answers. When you think about a wedding cake, the image that you conjure up in your mind may well be of an elegant three-tiered cake with intricate icing and designs. But, this is just one of the possibilities. At the end of the day, it’s completely subjective and depends on what you want. That being said, there are characteristics that go into a great wedding cake that you might want to consider:
Visual appeal
It’s important that your wedding cake looks great, because not only do you want a cake to be proud of, but everyone will clamber to get a photograph of it – especially when you and your partner come to cut it. There are loads of different designs and styles out there (basically, the only limits are your imagination), but you might want to make sure it has a strong design, some personalisation and high-quality decorations.
Fits the theme of your wedding
You’ll want to make sure your cake is in keeping with the overall theme of your wedding, so it complements your day nicely. For example, if you’re having an elegant and traditional wedding, something rustic and rough might not fit in – or it might if you’re a fan of juxtaposition! But, the design of your cake can go a long way towards establishing the theme of your big day.
Flavour considerations
In the UK, wedding cakes are traditionally fruit cakes and have a lot of similarities to Christmas cake. However, modern couples are far more likely to choose a cake flavour more appealing to modern tastebuds, like chocolate, lemon drizzle, vanilla or red velvet. Basically, something you think the majority of your guests would enjoy eating and/or taking home. If you’re going for a multi-layered cake, you could even throw in some different flavours to mix things up – including a fruit cake if you’d like to lean into the traditions.
Size
It’s common for couples to choose a big cake, but the size totally depends on your overall wedding. While you might ideally want an elaborate multi-tiered cake, a single or two-tiered cake might make more sense. At the same time, if you’re inviting lots of guests, then we recommend opting for a generous three- or four-tiered cake, to guarantee that everyone can get a slice.
Expertise
Many couples hire a professional wedding cake maker to design, bake and decorate their wedding cakes to make sure it’s as polished and perfect as possible, and to make the whole process run smoothly and stress-free. Of course, this all depends on your budget, but it’s totally possible to still get a fabulous cake either off the shelf or baked by a friend or family member. You might even want a go at it yourself! Just make sure you have the time and skill to help it stand out, and are aware of the potential risks and pressure involved.
How to choose the right wedding cake for you
Choosing the right wedding cake is a major decision. When you start planning your wedding, it’s likely to be one of the first things you think about, as it plays such a central role in your celebrations. So, you may already have a good idea about the sort of cake you might want – or, you might be completely at a loss! When the time comes to decide on your cake, there are a few things to think about so you can be confident about your decision:
1. Work out your budget
Work out your budget to see how much money you have to dedicate towards different parts of your wedding – including your cake. To make things easier, use our handy wedding budgeting tool so you can keep on top of everything. Once you know your budget, you’ll know just how big and fancy your cake can be. If you’re keen on an extravagant cake but not sure your budget can stretch to it, consider cutting the dessert from your wedding breakfast menu and serving your guests a slice of cake in its place.
2. Think about the theme
Before choosing your cake, it’s important to think about your wedding theme. This is because you’ll want to fit your cake around the theme of your wedding, not the other way around. You can match the style of your cake with your overall theme, as well as coordinate the colours.
3. Choose the style of your cake
Once you know the theme, you can think about the style of cake you might want to go for. This could be traditional or non-traditional, the number of tiers you want, the size of your cake and the shape. Some of this will also depend on the size of your wedding, as you’ll probably want to make sure everyone can have a slice.
4. Choose the flavour of your cake
Whether you go for a traditional fruit cake, something crowd-pleasing like vanilla or chocolate, or something unique and personal to you and your partner, think about what sort of flavour or flavours you’d like. It’s important to choose something you’d love to eat yourselves, while also being mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests.
5. Consider personalisations
Your wedding cake is a great opportunity to inject some of your personalities into your wedding. This could be in the unique shape or design of your cake, or it could include a cake topper that features the two of you made out of sugar. A little personalisation can make even a basic design really stand out.
6. Talk to a professional
If you have a specific vision for your cake, speak to a professional cake maker and ask them what they think. They’ll be able to give you some feedback on how easy your idea might be to pull off and how much it’ll cost. Browse our huge selection of fabulous cake makers and reach out to some in your area to discuss your ideas.
7. Consider the practicalities of your vision
Before choosing your cake, you should also think about the practicalities and logistics. Can your big vision be delivered on time and within budget? If your cake is being set up in a specific venue, or even outdoors, will it hold up in those conditions? If you want a tall cake, how will it be transported? Who will set it up, and where? How will your cake be preserved? Think about things carefully and make sure your cake fits in around your day as a whole.
For more information, read our article on how to choose a wedding cake.
What are the best wedding cake flavours?
There are loads of different flavours to consider for your wedding cake. Whether you want something traditional, something guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces or something a little more unique, it’s a big decision.
Here are just a few flavours to consider:
Classic flavours
- Fruit cake: The traditional flavour with spices and dried fruits.
- Vanilla: Light, fluffy and often paired with cream and fresh fruit.
- Chocolate: Deep, rich and deliciously indulgent.
- Red velvet: Chocolatey and tangy with a cream cheese icing.
- Lemon: Fresh, zesty and summery.
Modern flavours
- Salted caramel: Rich, sweet and a touch salty.
- Champagne: Light and delicate with an elegant flavour and a fruity filling.
- Matcha: A little earthy and aromatic with its Japanese influence.
- Earl Grey: Floral and sweet, often accompanied by buttercream.
- Funfetti: With sprinkles baked into it, it’s a fun and sweet choice.
Remember, these are just a few of the practically endless flavours out there. There are plenty more to think about, from fruity flavours like pineapple and coconut, to indulgent choices like praline and black forest. Whatever you choose, your guests are bound to enjoy tucking into a slice after watching you make that memorable first cut.
What is the most common wedding cake flavour?
Today, many couples choose to go for a fairly uncomplicated flavour that they know is likely to be a big hit with most of their guests: vanilla. Vanilla is simple but delicious and is super versatile, meaning you can use for practically any type of wedding cake. You can also pair vanilla with other flavours and a huge selection of fillings, from fruit to frosting.
If you’d prefer something traditional, you might choose to go for a fruit cake. While they’re not as popular as they once were, fruit cakes were the number one choice from the 17th century until around the mid-20th century. They may not be the number one choice for couples today, but if you have a multi-tiered cake and love the thought of keeping some of the traditions in your wedding, you can always choose to have fruit cake as one of the tiers.
How big should a wedding cake be?
Ideally, the size of your cake will be determined by the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding. So, if you’ve invited 80 guests, you’ll need a cake that’s big enough to be cut into 80 slices (and maybe a few more so you can give some to any evening guests, those who might want a sneaky second helping and a couple of slices to take home and enjoy during the post-wedding come-down).
But, if you plan on having a selection of desserts, you can probably get away with a slightly smaller cake than you might otherwise need, as not all of your guests will choose to have a slice of cake. Alternatively, if you do have a lot of guests coming to your wedding and you don’t want a large cake, just cut slices that are slightly smaller so it goes a little further.
How many tiers should a wedding cake be?
The number of tiers depends on the size of the cake you need to satisfy all your guests. Traditionally, a wedding cake is three tiers, but it really can be as many tiers as you like. The world record number of tiers is currently set at 30!
As a rule of thumb, you can generally use the below as a guide to the number of tiers you might need depending on the number of guests you’ve invited:
- 20 – 50 guests: 1 or 2 tiers
- 50 – 100 guests: 2 or 3 tiers
- 100 – 200 guests: 3 or 4 tiers
- 200+ guests: 4 tiers plus additional desserts or cupcakes
Of course, this all depends on your budget too. Naturally, the bigger the cake you go for, the more expensive it’s likely to be
What is a dummy wedding cake?
A dummy wedding cake is a multi-tiered wedding cake that often has one or more fake layers to give it a bigger and more grandiose appearance. Instead of the layers being made with cake, it’s often replaced by something like styrofoam and then decorated to look like actual cake. Of course, it can’t be eaten, but it helps make the presentation more impressive and can sometimes cut down the costs and make the cake easier to transport.
What are the best wedding cake decorations?
The type of decorations you might choose will depend on the style of cake you’re after, but there are lots to potentially choose from. When speaking to cake makers, let them know your vision and they’ll help bring it to life using the various methods and materials at their disposal. Here are just some of the best wedding cake decorations you can consider.
- Sugar flowers
- Fresh and edible flowers
- Personalised cake toppers
- Gold and silver leaf
- Ribbons and lace
- Piped icing and buttercream
- Drip details
- Fresh fruit
- Edible pearls and gems
- Hand-painted designs
- Themed elements
70 ideas for a wedding cake
Now that you know a little more about what sort of cake to look for – so you can make a real statement at your wedding – where do you begin with a little inspiration? Here are 70 wedding cake ideas so you can have a showstopper that your guests won’t forget any time soon. We’ll also give you an idea for cake makers up for the challenge!
Traditional wedding cakes
- Classic white fondant with piped lace designs.
- Tiered cake with cascading sugar roses.
- Vanilla sponge with royal icing and edible pearls.
- Fruit cake wrapped in marzipan and smooth fondant.
- Monogrammed cake with piped initials in gold.
- Pillar-supported tiers with floral accents.
- Victorian-style cake with intricate royal icing details.
For a brilliant traditional wedding cake, check out Penn Wedding Cakes and let them know what sort of cake you’re after for an elegant and traditional wedding.
Simple wedding cakes
- Two-tiered cake with a smooth buttercream finish.
- Semi-naked cake with minimal icing and berries.
- Single-tier cake with minimalist sugar flowers.
- Smooth fondant cake with a satin ribbon accent.
- White buttercream with a fresh greenery wreath.
- Ombre buttercream layers with subtle texture.
- Plain white cake with a single gold leaf accent.
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious and effective cake, The Vanilla Pod Bakery is a fantastic choice.
Modern wedding cakes
- Geometric tiered cake with metallic accents.
- Marble-effect fondant with a sleek black-and-white palette.
- Watercolour buttercream with abstract patterns.
- Concrete-textured cake with sugar succulents.
- Asymmetrical tiers with sharp, angular edges.
- Edible gold splatter over a matte black cake.
- Suspended hanging cake with minimalist design.
To really wow your guests with a quality modern cake, CakeBuds has loads of experience with original and jaw-dropping designs.
Naked wedding cakes
- Vanilla sponge with fresh berries and cream layers.
- Naked chocolate cake dusted with icing sugar.
- Rustic three-tier cake with figs and rosemary.
- Drip naked cake with caramel or chocolate glaze.
- Lemon sponge with layers of lemon curd and mascarpone.
- Naked cake topped with fresh flowers and greenery.
- Mixed-tier naked cake with alternating flavours.
For a character-filled naked wedding cake that tastes just as good as it looks, check out Finesse Cakes and see what they have to offer.
Floral wedding cakes
- Fully decorated with edible pressed flowers.
- Fresh flower cascade with roses and peonies.
- Fondant flowers in pastel shades covering each tier.
- Cake with piped buttercream flowers in a garden style.
- Wildflower-themed cake with natural blooms.
- Two-tier cake with a floral topper and greenery.
- Elegant sugar flowers in a single-colour scheme.
For a cake that’s fabulously floral, La Belle Cake Company can make you something as beautiful as it is delicious.
Elegant wedding cakes
- White fondant cake with intricate gold filigree.
- Pearl-encrusted cake with a satin bow detail.
- Smooth tiers with edible lace patterns.
- Metallic gold or silver leaf-covered tiers.
- Cake with chandelier-inspired cascading sugar crystals.
- Tall, all-white cake with sharp edges and modern florals.
- Two-tone cake with delicate sugar art detailing.
Get in touch with Lindsay Marie Cake Designs who specialises in amazingly elegant buttercream wedding cakes.
Themed wedding cakes
- Rustic barn wedding cake with wood-textured fondant.
- Beach-themed cake with edible shells and sand.
- Fairytale cake inspired by a storybook castle.
- Travel-themed cake with map patterns and sugar luggage.
- Vintage-inspired cake with lace details and pearls.
- A merry-go-round cake sitting on a rotating base.
- Movie or fandom-themed cake, subtle or bold.
If you’re looking for a cake that has a bold and original theme, Cemlyn Cakes has experience brining all kinds of ideas to life.
Fun wedding cakes
- Brightly coloured tiers with polka dots and stripes.
- Rainbow layers hidden inside a simple white cake.
- Drip cake with sweets, doughnuts or macarons on top.
- Whimsical topsy-turvy cake with playful designs.
- Cake shaped like a favourite hobby (e.g. books or guitars).
- Glitter-covered cake for a disco or glam wedding.
- Cartoon-inspired cake with comic book designs.
Sweet and Delicious Cakes knows a thing or two about fun-filled bakes, so check them out and drop them a message with your ideas.
Cupcake wedding cakes
- Tower of cupcakes with a small cutting cake on top.
- Cupcakes decorated with personalised initials.
- Floral buttercream cupcakes arranged like a bouquet.
- Ombre cupcake tower for a gradient effect.
- Mini cupcake tiers with alternating flavours.
- Rustic cupcake display on wooden stands.
- Cupcakes with edible gold leaf accents.
If you’re after something a little different, Mazzicle Cupcakes can bring your wedding cupcake ideas to life.
Alternative wedding cakes
- Cheese wheel “cake” stacked and decorated with fruits.
- Donut tower cake with a variety of glazes.
- Stack of brownies or blondies styled like a cake.
- Pancake or crepe cake with fruit and syrup layers.
- Macaron tower in wedding colours.
- Pie “cake” stack with different pie flavours.
- Croquembouche (French cream puff tower).
For something totally different, Stacc is equipped to make a truly mesmerising and unique wedding cake no one is likely to forget.
Plan your perfect wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we’ve helped millions of couples tie the knot and throw the wedding of their dreams with all our tools, tips, advice and inspiration.
As part of that, we have loads of wedding cake makers who are ready and waiting to help you create a delicious, original and showstopping cake that will truly wow your guests. And if you book through Bridebook, you can secure exclusive discounts – so check them out and bring your ideas to reality!
Browse other similar articles
- What Is a Wedding Breakfast?
- The Best Wedding Menu Ideas
- How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost?
- How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake