Rustic Wedding Cake Decor: Simple, Natural Charm

Rustic wedding cakes are a popular choice for couples looking for a natural, country-inspired dessert. By definition, rustic wedding cakes have little to no frosting on the sides, instead relying on the cake's fillings to add moisture and flavour. The decorations are often quirky and boho, with fresh greenery, edible flowers, berries, herbs, and other farmhouse aesthetics.

There are many ways to decorate a rustic wedding cake, from adding a simple swipe of frosting to more elaborate designs incorporating natural elements and rich colours. A rustic cake can be a beautiful and unique choice for a wedding, but it's important to consider the challenges of transporting and storing a cake with minimal frosting.

Use natural elements like birchwood and pine cones

Birch tree cakes are a popular choice for rustic wedding cakes, especially for couples who share a love for nature and the outdoors. Birch tree cakes typically feature a rustic, white-textured exterior to replicate birch bark. These cakes can be dressed up with fresh flowers, branches, greenery, or even fresh fruit.

To incorporate birchwood into your rustic wedding cake, consider using a birch tree cake stand or adding birch tree details to the cake itself. You can even get creative and carve your initials into the side of the cake! Another idea is to use birch wood as a cake topper, either by placing a small piece of birch wood on top of the cake or by using a birch wood-inspired cake topper.

Pine cones are another natural element that can be used to decorate a rustic wedding cake. They can be added to the cake as part of a rustic chic theme, along with other elements such as greenery and berries. For a winter wedding, consider pairing pine cones with flocked pine needles and sugared cranberries for a beautiful winter wonderland design.

When using natural elements like birchwood and pine cones to decorate your rustic wedding cake, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations of elements to create a unique and personalised design that reflects your style and theme.

Incorporate fresh flowers and fruit

Flowers and fruit are a perfect way to decorate a rustic wedding cake. The natural, fresh elements complement the stripped-back, country-inspired aesthetic of a rustic cake.

When it comes to choosing flowers, opt for edible blooms where possible. Roses, cornflowers, pansies, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers are all safe options. You can also use herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chamomile. If you want to use non-edible flowers, make sure to let your guests know they need to be removed before eating. It's also important to avoid flowers like daffodils, baby's breath, and poppies, as they are poisonous.

To prepare your flowers, remove excess leaves and the entire stem, leaving only the bud and petals. You can then insert the stems into the cake using straws to avoid ruining the icing, or cover the exposed end of the stem in plastic wrap and floral tape before inserting them into the cake. Another option is to place a frosting-covered board on top of the cake and adorn it with flowers, removing the board when it's time to cut the cake.

When it comes to fruit, fresh berries are a popular choice for rustic wedding cakes. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries can add a pop of colour and a touch of sweetness. You can also use other types of fruit, such as figs or pears, to add interest and texture. If you want to add shine to your fruit, create a simple syrup by warming some apple jelly and painting it on.

Whether you choose to use flowers, fruit, or a combination of both, these fresh elements will add a whimsical and rustic touch to your wedding cake.

Opt for a naked cake with minimal icing

Opting for a naked cake with minimal icing is a refreshing alternative to a traditional wedding cake with heavy exterior frosting. A naked cake is a classic country-inspired cake with little to no frosting on its sides, instead relying on stacked layers with plenty of filling to add moisture and flavour.

If you decide to go for this option, you can decorate your cake with fresh flowers, greenery, berries, or fruits to add a pop of colour and a rustic aesthetic. You could also add a light dusting of powdered sugar on the top and sides for extra sweetness.

To make your cake even more rustic, present it on a wooden stand or add some wooden touches to the frosting. Alternatively, you could add a simple swipe of frosting and place the cake among flowers, creating a beautiful rustic bouquet effect.

If you're feeling creative, you can even carve your initials into the side of the cake or add a custom wooden cake topper for a personalised touch.

A naked cake with minimal icing is a perfect choice for a rustic wedding, offering a simple yet elegant and unique look that will be the highlight of your special day.

Add rustic colours like deep reds and burnt orange

Adding deep reds and burnt oranges to your rustic wedding cake is a great way to incorporate rich, warm colours that evoke a sense of nature and rustic elegance. Here are some ideas to inspire your cake design:

Sugar Flowers

Sugar flowers in burnt orange, rust, or deep red hues can be added as delicate accents to your cake. These earthy blooms can be interspersed throughout the tiers or cascaded down the sides for a charming and organic touch. Sugar flowers not only add colour but also bring a sense of rustic charm and elegance.

Fondant or Buttercream Textures

Create a tree bark-inspired texture using fondant or buttercream to add depth and visual interest to your cake. Complement this texture with terracotta, burnt orange, or deep red accents. This unique option adds an authentic touch to your rustic cake design.

Burlap and Textured Fabric

Using burlap or textured fabric in deep reds or burnt orange shades can add a rustic texture and warmth to your cake table. This fabric can be used as a tablecloth or as part of the overall table decor, bringing in those rich, rustic colours.

Fruit and Berries

Fruits such as strawberries, cranberries, or oranges can be used as decorations or toppings on your cake. These colours will bring in the deep reds and oranges, adding a pop of colour to your rustic cake. You can also create a simple syrup by warming some apple jelly to paint the fruits and make them shine.

Metallic Accents

Incorporate metallic accents such as edible gold or silver leaf in a rustic design. These metallics can complement the deep reds and burnt oranges, adding a touch of elegance and shine to your cake design.

Remember, when adding rustic colours like deep reds and burnt orange, you can be creative and mix and match different shades and textures to achieve a warm and inviting rustic wedding cake design.

Use vintage farmhouse serving ware

Vintage farmhouse serving ware is a great way to elevate the rustic aesthetic of your wedding cake display. Think about scouring thrift stores or antique shops for vintage plates or dishes to use on your dessert table. This will add a unique, rustic-chic element to your wedding decor.

When choosing vintage serving ware, consider items made from natural materials such as wood, which will enhance the rustic feel. For example, a cake stand made from a slice of wood can be a beautiful and authentic touch. You could also use vintage cake stands or plates with intricate details, such as hand-painted brush strokes or fondant textures, to add interest and charm to your display.

To further enhance the rustic vibe, incorporate other vintage elements into your dessert table. For instance, use burlap or textured fabric as a table runner, or add artfully placed pinecones and stained wood details. These touches will create a warm and inviting atmosphere that your guests will adore.

Don't be afraid to mix and match vintage serving ware with modern elements. For example, you could pair vintage plates with modern cutlery or glassware. This contrast will create a unique and personalised style for your wedding cake display, making it a memorable part of your special day.

Frequently asked questions