Choosing your cake design is probably one of the most enjoyable tasks on your to do list. Probably because of the many cake tasting visits. As a caker, I would be shamed if I didn't share with you this year's cake trends! The world of cake has gone into new directions in cake design but has also gone back to a few classic traditions...a little something old and little something new! Here's a few of my top picks from The Knot's 15 Hot Wedding Cake Trends.
Metallic Cakes
The best part about metallics? They can adapt to any style; delicate embroidery in gold feels opulent while geometric shapes give off a fresh, modern feel. If an entire tier is too much glitz for you, consider adding a little sparkle all over. Fine edible glitter (think: pixie dust) can add a decorative sheen to your cake without overpowering the whole design. Gold leaf can also be added to give a touch of glam here and there on the cake.
Buttercream Cakes
Move over fondant, brides are starting to ask for more traditional cakes with a buttercream finish. "We get lots of requests for rustic iced buttercream layers with flecks of vanilla bean in the icing or textured piping that looks and tastes delicious, but isn't perfect," says Mary Maher of Cakegirls in Chicago. If you're going for a homespun, relaxed vibe, ask your baker to smother your wedding cake in delicious buttercream frosting. For the more polished version, opt for buttercream with a pleated, smooth finish.
Naked Cakes
Yep, you read that right. With the deconstructed cake, you get to show off the inside. For a summertime wedding, berries work well; in winter and fall, ask your baker to fill the layers with seasonal fruits, like apples, pears, persimmons or even blood oranges. Not only are these cakes simple and effortless but also practical if you aren't a fan of a lot of icing. Naked cakes are perfect for rustic styled weddings.
Wedding Cake Trio and Quintet Tables
Inspired by dessert tables; cake trios, quartets and quintet tables come with a couple big benefits. Having more than one cake also makes it very easy to choose multiple cake flavors (so you don't have to decide between traditional vanilla, decadent chocolate or carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting). "Guests love to have a mini-bite of lots of different desserts," says Melody Brandon of Sweet and Saucy Shop in Newport, California. Give guests choices, but don't overwhelm them. "I recommend between two to four mini-desserts per person," says Brandon. "Try not to choose more than eight options of desserts—too many choices can overwhelm your guests."
Painted Cakes
Marbleized cakes, stained-glass painted cakes, watercolor cakes and even Monet-inspired wedding cake designs. Pair those hand-painted tiers with solid-colored layers or even simple flower accents; like the one featured here. Quick tip: For a cake design that's so intricate, keep the tiers simple and stick to all one shape (either all classic round tiers or all square).
Illustrated Cakes
Did you know you can actually have anything you want printed onto your cake? It's true. Pick anything you like -- from the design on your invites to the quote from your first-dance song or even your wedding motif, like a bicycle, oak tree, or anemone flowers – to have showcased onto your cake tiers. First, the cake gets covered in fondant, then the design is hand-painted on the cake or printed on top sugar paper with edible ink.
More styles featured:
- Ruffled Cake
- Monogrammed Cake
- White on White Cake
- Lace Cake
- Woodland Whimsical Cake
- Geometric Shapes Cake
- Rosette Cake
- Sugar Flower Bouquet Cake
- Ombre Wedding Cake
