Delicious Wedding Cake Options: Traditional To Trendy

Wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes, and flavours. From traditional vanilla and chocolate to passionfruit and cardamom, there are endless possibilities to choose from. The flavour of a wedding cake is determined by the batter, fillings, frosting, icing, and other toppings. Wedding cakes often have multiple flavours, allowing couples to incorporate their preferences and create a unique profile. In addition to flavour, wedding cakes can vary in shape, size, and style, making them a highly customisable dessert for the big day.

Traditional wedding cake flavours

Wedding cakes can be any flavour, but traditional wedding cakes are typically fruit cake, covered in marzipan and fondant icing. Traditional fruit cakes are often made with sultanas, currants and other fruits, and are fed with alcohol. They are dense and sturdy, with a long shelf life, which is why it was traditional to save the top tier for the christening of the couple's first child.

In the US, a traditional wedding cake flavour is a white, almond cake, often with sour cream. This is sometimes known as a 'southern' wedding cake.

Other traditional wedding cake flavours include:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Victoria sponge
• Lemon drizzle
• Red velvet
• Sticky toffee

Cake shape

The shape of your wedding cake is an important consideration, and there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular wedding cake shapes:

Round Cakes

Round cakes are a classic choice for weddings, as their circular shape symbolises unity, reminiscent of a wedding ring. Round cakes can have one or more tiers, and some couples choose to have a small round cake for the traditional cake-cutting moment, while a larger version is served to the guests.

Oval Cakes

Oval wedding cakes offer a modern twist on the traditional round shape, with soft edges that create a unique visual appeal. The layers of an oval cake can be stacked centred or off-centred, allowing for a variety of design options.

Square Cakes

Square cakes usually come with multiple tiers and often incorporate traditional wedding decorations to distinguish them from birthday cakes.

Sheet Cakes

Sheet cakes are large, flat, and rectangular. They are typically served as a single layer and are a cost-effective option for serving a large number of guests. Some couples choose to have a smaller, more ornate cake for display and photos, while serving guests from a sheet cake.

Rectangular Cakes

Rectangular cakes are a classy option and can be served as a single or multi-tiered treat. The layers can be centred or off-centred, and multiple single-layered rectangular cakes can be used to separate dietary restrictions or flavours.

Hexagon Cakes

Hexagon cakes are six-sided and can be served as a single or multi-layered cake. This shape is a unique option for couples who want a cake with corners.

Mixed Shape Cakes

Mixed shape cakes feature multiple layers of differently shaped cakes, such as alternating round and square layers or a combination of rectangular, round, square, and heart-shaped layers. This option allows for a high level of customisation and creativity.

Petal Cakes

Petal or flower cakes typically have five or six half-circles surrounding a central circle-shaped cake. They can be found as single-tier, multi-tier, or mixed-shape cakes, often combined with round or hexagon-shaped layers.

Staircase Cakes

Staircase-shaped cakes use multiple stacked layers to create the appearance of a staircase. They can be made by stacking square or rectangular layers or by adding a spiral staircase to the side of a multi-tiered round cake.

Sculptural Cakes

Sculptural wedding cakes are true works of art, hand-carved from various cake shapes. Couples can work closely with their baker to create a unique and personalised design.

Cake size

The size of a wedding cake is an important consideration when planning a wedding. There are several options to choose from, depending on the number of guests and the desired level of elegance.

Mini cakes are a unique alternative to traditional tiered cakes and sheet cakes. They can be used for cutting and taking photos, with a larger version served to guests. Some vendors may consider cupcakes to fall under this category.

Single-tier wedding cakes are ideal for small weddings or when only serving the immediate wedding party. They can still be crafted to look elegant, with decorative elements such as fondant, buttercream, or fresh flowers.

Two-tier wedding cakes offer a balance between size and decorative potential. They can serve a moderate number of guests while providing space for creative cake decorations.

Traditionally, couples opt for a three-tier wedding cake, as each layer serves a different purpose. The bottom tier is for serving the guests, the middle tier is for people to take home, and the top tier is saved for a later date, such as the couple's first wedding anniversary.

Multi-tiered cakes offer a more dramatic and interesting presentation compared to smaller cakes. They are taller and provide more space for creative designs.

Stacked cakes and pillar cakes are types of wedding cakes with multiple tiers. Stacked cakes have layers placed directly on top of each other, while pillar cakes use wooden or plastic dowels for support between the layers, making it easier to separate flavours or accommodate dietary restrictions.

A double-barrel wedding cake is another option for a multi-tiered cake, consisting of two or more cakes stacked to create a distinctive shape, often resembling a top hat.

When choosing the size of a wedding cake, it is essential to consider the number of guests, the desired level of elegance, and the practicality of serving and storing the cake. Couples may also want to think about their budget, as larger and more elaborate cakes can be more expensive.

Cake style

The style of a wedding cake is not just about how it looks, but also how it tastes. Wedding cakes can be made up of different tiers, each with a different flavour. This allows couples to incorporate their favourite flavours, as well as cater to their guests' preferences.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to wedding cake flavours, but some are considered timeless classics. Vanilla is a versatile option, with varieties such as Mexican and Madagascar. Chocolate is another perennial favourite, and couples can choose between milk, dark, and white chocolate. Chocolate cake can be paired with a variety of fillings and toppings, such as buttercream, caramel, or raspberry.

White wedding cake, made with egg whites, is often chosen for its rich taste and elegant appearance. Yellow wedding cake, made with whole eggs, has a distinctive hue. Red velvet cake is not only delicious but also visually striking, especially when paired with cream cheese frosting.

Coconut cake is a whimsical yet elegant choice, perfect for summer or tropical-themed weddings. Lemon cake is a refreshing option, especially for warm-weather weddings, and pairs well with lemon frosting, vanilla buttercream, or fresh berries.

Almond cake is a traditional choice, often associated with the flavour of "wedding cake". It is typically light in flavour and paired with sour cream as the fat. Almond cake can be decorated with almond slivers and filled with cherry or caramel buttercream.

For those who want to stray from the traditional, there are many unique flavour options. Passionfruit is an eclectic choice and can be paired with a light buttercream frosting. Banana coconut mocha cake with a twist of almond or macadamia nuts is another interesting option. Spiced pear cake with chai tea icing is perfect for a fall wedding, while ginger and passionfruit combine for a summery, tropical flavour.

Ultimately, the style and flavour of a wedding cake are a personal choice and can be tailored to the couple's preferences, cultural heritage, and the season of their wedding.

Seasonal flavours

When it comes to wedding cakes, it's not just about choosing between vanilla and chocolate. Seasonal flavours can add a special touch to your big day and offer a unique taste experience for your guests. Here are some mouth-watering options to consider:

Spring and Summer

The warmer months call for light and refreshing flavours. Lemon cake is a popular choice for summer weddings, often paired with lemon curd, fresh berries, or even lavender and blackberries for a unique twist. If you want to stick with a classic, vanilla cake can be paired with almost any filling, from passionfruit curd to raspberry filling. For a fun and colourful option, Funfetti cake is a great way to bring some extra joy to your celebration.

Autumn

As the leaves start to turn and the weather cools down, spice cakes and carrot cakes become popular choices for wedding cakes. A cinnamon spice cake with maple buttercream is a perfect autumnal treat. For something a little different, try a spiced pear cake with chai tea icing or a ginger and passionfruit combination. If you're looking for a more decadent option, a rich chocolate cake with raspberry or caramel is always a crowd-pleaser.

Winter

Warm and indulgent flavours are the way to go during the winter months. Chocolate lovers can indulge in a dark chocolate matcha cake with berries or a mint chocolate creation. Red velvet cake is another rich and decadent option, perfectly paired with cream cheese frosting. For a more unusual choice, try a hazelnut mocha cake or a cardamom pistachio orange cake.

No matter the season, there are endless possibilities for wedding cake flavours. From light and fruity to rich and spicy, you can find the perfect flavour to match your taste and the atmosphere of your special day.

Frequently asked questions