You’ve booked your dream venue and the RSVPs are rolling in – and now, it’s time to think about your wedding cake.
While a classic white wedding cake will never go out of style, there’s plenty of other options out there, too: modern wedding cakes can be rustic, minimal, retro, or designed to a theme.
But with so much choice, how are you meant to find the perfect cake? From lavish, floral masterpieces to cakes that are stunning in their simplicity, here’s 41 ideas to help get you inspired.
Contents
Simple wedding cake ideas
Rustic wedding cake ideas
Naked wedding cake ideas
Retro wedding cake ideas
Autumn wedding cake ideas
Two-tier wedding cake ideas
Three-tier wedding cake ideas
Not-cake wedding cake ideas
Simple wedding cake ideas
There’s a certain elegance to cakes that are simple and stylish. Sometimes, less really is more.
1. Minimal design
For couples looking for a sleek and polished, yet perfectly formed, wedding cake. These options are often smaller in size and can also be easier on the budget. Don’t be afraid to play around with texture, either. In this cake, fondant gives a smooth and rich feel.
2. Classic white
That said, sometimes you really do just want to keep things classic. White wedding cakes are sophisticated and refined, with plenty of scope to add design touches that speak to your personal preferences. For instance: why not add edible flowers? Icing can be used to create different textures between layers—here, it’s even used to create edible pearls.
3. Simple white with flowers
We love the clean and charming design of this cake: smooth white, with flowers cascading down the layers as the centrepiece. The bouquet really elevates the cake while keeping it elegant in feel.
4. Single tier
Sometimes, one perfect, single-tier cake is absolutely enough. This can also be a great choice for couples who want to have a dessert spread: your wedding cake matters, but it’s not the only sweet treat your guests need to enjoy.
5. Fondant
Fondant is that smooth, slightly thick icing that covers your cake in one uniform layer. The result is cakes that look incredibly polished and sophisticated. You can also use it to create edible decorations, like bows—or birds.
6. Textured icing
For a softer feel, opt for cakes that play around with the texture of their icing. This can make the cake feel more rustic and homely, which is the perfect vibe for some couples. Add flowers or a pop of colour for a personal touch.
7. Fruit decoration
Not only is fruit delicious in its own right, but when you pop it on a cake it adds colour, movement and, dare we say, a bit of drama. Use deep red or dark berries to create contrast, or the natural shape of the fruit to add texture to the cake.
8. Drip icing
It’s simple, but it’s fun and eye-catching. You could use icing that’s in your wedding colours—or just pick your favourites.
9. Dessert topping
The only thing better than one type of dessert? Two (or more). Top your wedding cake with another dessert, like macarons, mini meringues, or whatever your heart desires.
Rustic wedding cake ideas
Rustic designs give a more down-to-earth feel, while still looking smart and graceful.
10. Dried bouquet
Muted, earthy, and soft, dried flowers and bouquets are a popular choice for weddings (and we must say—they photograph incredibly well in our Grade II listed building). They can be the centrepiece of your cake, too. Here’s a cake from one of our weddings at Bradmore House.
11. Pressed flower design
Pressed flower wedding cakes appear to be particularly popular at the moment. And we can see why: they’re understated and classy, not to mention absolutely gorgeous. The trend has inspired plenty of lookalike designs, too.
12. Dried fruit
We love the rich, jewel tones you can get from dried fruit. They add colour to the cake without being too bright, while still feeling rich and warm.
13. Flower crown cake topper
Nothing says “rustic” quite like a beautiful wreath or flower crown. So why not put one on top of your cake? It’s a unique touch that we think looks absolutely beautiful.
Naked wedding cake ideas
These are a relatively new trend—essentially, the cake isn’t fully iced, so you can see the layers underneath. Hence the name, “naked” wedding cakes.
14. Simple naked wedding cake
For the true naked cake experience, forgo icing altogether and let the cake’s layers shine. Create tiers or add decorations, including fruits and flowers, to make it extra special.
15. Tiered tea-party sponge
Comforting, inviting, and familiar, the classic sponge can certainly be elevated into a beautiful wedding cake. If you want to have multiple tiers, you can also feature different flavours. It would be rude not to have a slice of all three, right?
16. Semi-naked cake
Using a bit more icing to cover the sides, these cakes still reveal their layers while having more sections of block colour. Sometimes, this gives a bit of a marbled effect.
17. Lavish cake topper
One thing we love about naked cakes is that they’re kind of a blank canvas: you can add something big and bold to complement the base without things feeling too busy. Flowers are a popular choice here, but we’ve also seen fruits, elaborate piping, and more.
Retro wedding cakes
Here at Kindred, we’re personally thrilled that retro piping is back in style.
18. Bright colours
We adore this cake—it’s from one of our couples here at Kindred. It’s bright, fun, memorable, and completely matches the style of their celebration.
19. Rose piping
You know what they say: one can never have too many piped icing roses. We couldn’t agree more.
20. Retro stripes
If you’re a fan of art deco, this might be an idea for you. It’s bold and bright, and certainly makes a statement.
Autumn wedding cake ideas
Soft and warm autumnal tones are popular picks for wedding colours. They’d look stunning on your cake, too.
21. Dried leaves bouquet
Who needs flowers when you can gather beautiful, richly-coloured autumn leaves? Use them as the centrepiece of your cake or have them cascading down your tiers.
22. A touch of orange
For a subtler take on autumn, you could incorporate touches of its classic, warm palette. Think orange icing, piped decorations or small bunches of flowers.
23. Autumnal coloured icing
On the other hand, you could completely commit to autumn colours and use them in all of your icing. Add decorations that nod towards nature, like cascading flowers, to enhance the woodland feel.
24. Autumnal flower cascade
Though for some cakes, more flowers is better. That’s the case with this four-tier design, where a train of rich orange flowers brings the cake (and the entire table setting) to life.
25. Woodland decorations
Pinecones, dried leaves, acorns, and more—all can make for lovely decorations to a rustic autumnal cake.
26. Dramatic cake topper
Use a unique cake topper to really give a sense of autumn—like the below, which makes us think of leaves blowing in the breeze.
Two-tier wedding cakes
If you already know you’re looking for a two-tier cake, you’re in the right place. Take a look at these options below and get inspired.
27. Cascading flowers
Create a train of flowers that move across the tiers of your cake. It’s stylish but also adds a bit of flair—and you can go as classic, or dramatic, as you like with your design.
28. Minimalist two-tier cake
Keep it simple but no less stunning. With your cake as a blank canvas, add decorations and adornments for that ‘wow’ factor.
29. Marbled icing
Cake toppers and decorations are beautiful, but the icing can be the main event, too. You could choose a design where the icing creates texture or a marbled effect, for instance.
30. Themed cake
If your wedding follows a theme, or is in a particularly unique location, you might want your cake to fit in with the vibe. For instance, in a coastal wedding, you might incorporate design elements that nod to the seaside.
31. A pop of colour
For when you want your cake to make a statement. Colourful wedding cakes exude joy—but they can also be soft and subtle, depending on your preference.
32. Hand-painted
This is where the artistry of your baker will shine through. The possibilities are endless when the design is hand-painted, so let your imagination run wild.
33. Pearls
They’re no longer just the stuff of your grandmother’s necklace. Edible pearls are a lovely way to add some texture to the cake while keeping things classy and understated.
Three-tier wedding cakes
For when two tiers just isn’t enough cake.
34. Icing gradient
It’s simple but visually striking, without the need for any toppers or many other decorations. We personally love it.
35. A touch of gold
There are no rules when it comes to choosing your wedding cake. If you’re looking for something unique and memorable, perhaps a gold (or other metallic) finish might do the trick. Trust us, this can look very elegant when done well.
36. Different coloured tiers
Using different colours across a large cake is a great way to elevate it into a true showstopper. You could have each tier as a different colour, or be a bit more creative and mix it up—like in the example here.
37. Rustic with flowers
It’s warm, it’s homely, and it’s also very beautiful. Keep the cake simple and rely on a few, carefully chosen decorations to make it pop.
38. Minimal with flowers
Or, you could keep the cake super clean and elegant with all-white icing—adding decorations (we’re a big fan of cascading designs on bigger cakes) to give it some movement and drama.
Not-cake wedding cakes
And then there’s wedding cakes that…aren’t cakes. Here are some alternative ideas if a traditional cake just isn’t your thing.
39. Doughnut tower
We’re yet to meet anyone who would say no to a doughnut. This is a modern and playful take on a classic wedding cake—and one that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
40. Cupcakes
Technically, this option is still made of cake, but we’ve included it in this section anyway. Lots of couples choose this option because it’s simple, easy for guests to eat, and can look really striking.
41. Cheese wedding cake
An entire cake made of cheese? Yes, please. We’re seeing more and more couples go for this option recently—and, in our experience, guests love it.
Your wedding venue
But what’s a wedding cake without a beautiful venue to cut—and enjoy—it in?
Kindred is a Grade II listed building in the heart of Hammersmith, designed with a warm and modern touch. We’re a unique venue for intimate weddings through to larger parties of around 180. And those who choose us, love us.
We believe that planning your wedding should be fun and full of joy—and we’re here to take all the stress out of the process so you can savour every moment. From drinks and catering to entertainment, our friendly team will work with you to make a plan and ensure it goes off without a hitch.
Want to see our space for yourself? Take a virtual tour of the building or contact our friendly events team. Learn more about weddings at Kindred
