A Wedding Cake For Two: Small, Sweet, And Special

Wedding cakes come in all shapes and sizes, but what does a wedding cake for two look like?

A wedding cake for two is a small cake, usually a single-tier, designed to serve a couple on their wedding day. It can be round or square and is typically between 6 and 9 inches in diameter. The cake can be decorated with flowers, sprinkles, or metallic accents and may have two or three layers.

Some couples opt for a small cutting cake, which is used for the ceremonial cake-cutting moment during the reception, while guests are served from a larger cake or alternative desserts.

The traditional wedding cake is a fruitcake, often with marzipan and icing, but modern wedding cakes come in a variety of flavours and styles. Couples may choose a flavour that is meaningful to them, such as a funfetti cake or a cake that matches their wedding theme.

So, a wedding cake for two can be as simple or elaborate as the couple chooses, reflecting their personalities and tastes.

Shape: Round, oval, square, sheet, rectangular, hexagon, mixed shape, petal, staircase, or sculptural

Round cakes are a classic choice for weddings, as their shape symbolises unity, perhaps because they are reminiscent of a wedding ring. They usually come in one or more tiers, with couples sometimes opting for a small round cake to cut themselves, while serving guests from a larger version.

Oval wedding cakes are similar to round cakes, but their soft, elliptical edges provide a unique visual twist. Their layers can be stacked centred or off-centred.

Square cakes are box-shaped and usually come in multiple tiers. They tend to incorporate other traditional wedding decorations to differentiate themselves from birthday cakes.

Sheet cakes are made in a flat, rectangular pan and tend to be served as a single layer. They are often used as a cost-effective alternative to a larger, more intricately-decorated cake.

Rectangular cakes are longer than squares but sometimes not as big as sheet cakes. They are served as a single or multi-tiered treat and can be centred or off-centred.

Hexagon cakes are six-sided and served in a single or multi-layer fashion.

Mixed-shape cakes typically have multiple layers of differently-shaped cakes, which may be alternating (round, square, round) or entirely unique (rectangular, round, square, heart).

Petal cakes, also known as flower cakes, typically have five or six half-circles surrounding the circumference of a circular cake. They are found as single-tier, multi-tier, and in many mixed-shape cakes in combination with round or hexagon-shaped layers.

Staircase cakes use multiple stacked layers that look like an actual staircase. They can be made from stacking square or rectangular layers, or designers may add a staircase spiralling up the side of a multi-tiered round cake.

Sculptural cakes are hand-carved works of art, often incorporating other shapes on this list. Couples can work closely with their baker to create a unique design.

Size: Mini, single-tier, two-tier, three-tier, multi-tier, stacked, pillar, or double-barrel

Wedding cakes come in a variety of sizes, and can be customised to suit the number of guests and the aesthetic of the wedding. Here are some of the size options available:

Mini

Mini wedding cakes are perfect for an intimate wedding with just the couple or a few guests. They can be made in a single-serving size or slightly larger, and often consist of multiple tiers to create a miniature version of a traditional wedding cake.

Single-tier

Single-tier wedding cakes are suitable for small-scale events or as a supplement to a larger dessert spread. They typically serve around 20 to 50 guests, depending on the height and width of the cake.

Two-tier

Two-tier wedding cakes offer more flexibility and can serve a larger number of guests. They also allow for the tradition of saving the top tier for the couple's first wedding anniversary. This style provides more surface area for decorations and designs while still maintaining a moderate height.

Three-tier

Three-tier wedding cakes are a classic choice for weddings. They can serve a large number of guests, with standard sizes accommodating approximately 44 servings, while larger sizes can serve up to 102 guests.

Multi-tier

Multi-tier wedding cakes are a show-stopping option for weddings with a large guest list. They provide ample surface area for intricate designs and decorations. These cakes often have four or more tiers and can be customised to the desired height and width.

Stacked

Stacked wedding cakes refer to those with multiple tiers that are stacked on top of each other. This style typically requires a support structure, such as dowels or pillars, to hold the weight of each tier securely. The number and placement of the supports will depend on the size and stability of the cake.

Pillar

Pillar wedding cakes use pillars or columns to separate and support the tiers. These can be hidden within the cake or visible as part of the design. Pillar cakes create a striking visual effect and are often used for larger or heavier cakes.

Double-barrel

Double-barrel cakes are tall and narrow, usually double the height of a classic layer cake, ranging from 8 to 10 inches in height. They require careful construction and support to ensure stability. This style is ideal for showcasing intricate designs and can be decorated in various ways.

Style: Traditional white, modern, naked, black, monochrome, minimalist, maximalist, floral, textured, painted, ombre, or glamorous

Two-tier wedding cakes are a popular choice for couples as they are not too big or too small and can serve anywhere from 20 to 50 guests. The two-tier design also offers more flexibility and surface area for customisations and decorations than a single-tier cake.

Traditional White

A traditional white wedding cake is a timeless choice. For a modern twist, add eye-catching decorations such as foliage in fiery red, delicate pink, and moody black hues. Alternatively, keep it simple with a no-frills, all-white cake.

Modern

Modern two-tier cakes can incorporate sharp right angles and sleek lines by stacking two square shapes. For a contemporary feel, add buttercream detailing, fresh florals, and a wooden cake stand.

Naked

A naked two-tier cake is a perfect choice for a rustic wedding. The semi-exposed exterior allows for add-ons such as a cluster of roses and grasses.

Black

A black wedding cake is a bold choice for a moody wedding with a gothic aesthetic. For a black cake, add intricate detailing, figs, and florals.

Monochrome

A monochrome cake can be created using a single colour for the fondant and decorations. For a playful springtime vibe, add sugar flowers to a white-on-white cake.

Minimalist

A minimalist two-tier cake can feature smooth white fondant and barely-there dried grass accents.

Maximalist

Maximalist cakes are grand and over-the-top, with towering tiers and lavish details. They often feature edible gold leaf, gilding, layers of texture, stencilled designs, bold splashes of colour, flowers, and other tactile elements.

Floral

Floral cakes can incorporate fresh, dried, or sugar flowers. Sugar flowers can be used to add a playful springtime vibe to a white cake.

Textured

A textured cake can be created using buttercream icing, which is not meant to be perfectly smooth. A 'grooved' effect can be used to add texture and create the perfect base for adding flowers, greenery, or a custom topper.

Painted

Hand-painted florals are a popular way to elevate a two-tier cake, especially for spring nuptials and garden venues.

Ombre

A two-tier ombre cake can feature brushstroke designs in shades of orange and pink that give a flat surface dimension.

Glamorous

For a glamorous wedding cake, add gold foil to a two-tier design. The shiny metallic detailing can be used as an accent hue or as the main feature, paired with muted shades of grey-blue marble and matching blooms.

Flavour: Vanilla, carrot, red velvet, lemon, marble, chocolate chip, chocolate, or Italian rum

Wedding cakes are usually tiered, with round cakes being the classic choice. The number of tiers depends on the number of guests, with a two-tier cake being a popular option for smaller weddings.

A wedding cake for two can be made in any flavour, including vanilla, carrot, red velvet, lemon, marble, chocolate chip, chocolate, or Italian rum. Here are some ideas for each flavour:

Vanilla

Vanilla is a classic choice for a wedding cake and can be paired with various fillings and frostings. For a simple and elegant option, consider a vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. If you want to add a twist, you can add extracts like almond, lemon, or orange to the frosting. You can also mix in a few tablespoons of raspberry jam or use a raspberry cake filling. For a more glamorous look, decorate the cake with edible gold.

Carrot

A carrot cake is a unique and tasty option for a wedding cake. You can use a traditional carrot cake recipe for the bottom tier and adjust the quantities for the top tier. For the frosting, a cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, but you can also use a vanilla buttercream or a Swiss meringue buttercream. To add some decorative elements, consider using artificial flowers or other natural decorative elements.

Red Velvet

Red velvet cake is a popular choice for weddings, known for its soft, tender, and moist texture. It has a mild chocolate and vanilla flavour with a tangy edge, often provided by cream cheese frosting. When choosing a red velvet cake, consider using natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa powder to avoid overpowering the other flavours. You can also enhance the red colour by adding liquid red food colouring to the batter.

Lemon

A lemon cake is a refreshing and elegant option for a wedding cake. You can use a lemon cake recipe for the bottom tier and adjust the quantities for the top tier. For the frosting, a lemon buttercream or a Swiss meringue buttercream would pair well with the citrusy flavour of the cake. To add some decorative elements, consider using fresh flowers or other natural decorations that match your wedding theme.

Marble

A marble cake is a unique and visually appealing option for a wedding cake. You can use a zebra cake recipe for the bottom tier, which creates a striking black-and-white marbled effect. For the top tier, you can use a smaller zebra cake recipe or a plain vanilla cake. For the frosting, a vanilla buttercream or a cream cheese frosting would complement the flavours well.

Chocolate Chip

A chocolate chip cake is a fun and indulgent option for a wedding cake. You can use a vanilla cake recipe and fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. For the frosting, a chocolate buttercream or a vanilla buttercream with chocolate chips mixed in would be delicious options. To decorate the cake, consider using artificial flowers or other decorative elements that match your wedding colours.

Chocolate

A chocolate cake is a classic and decadent choice for a wedding cake. While a traditional chocolate cake is always an option, you can also get creative and experiment with different flavours and decorations. For example, you could add a liqueur filling or shape the cake into a design that reflects the groom's interests, such as a grill or a sports logo.

Italian Rum

An Italian rum cake is a unique and sophisticated choice for a wedding cake. This flavour is perfect for a glamorous or luxury-themed wedding, as it exudes elegance and richness. You can pair the cake with a rum-infused buttercream or a Swiss meringue buttercream for a truly indulgent experience. To decorate the cake, consider using gold accents or elegant sugar work.

Filling: Lemon curd, vanilla buttercream, raspberry jam, or chocolate buttercream

When it comes to wedding cakes, the options are endless. You can have fun with frostings, fillings, and flavourings. Here are some ideas for a wedding cake for two filled with lemon curd, vanilla buttercream, raspberry jam, or chocolate buttercream.

Lemon Curd Filling

Lemon curd is a popular choice for a wedding cake filling, especially when paired with fresh raspberries. It has a bright, summery flavour and is surprisingly easy to make. You can prepare it in advance, and it will keep refrigerated for about a week. To make lemon curd, you'll need eggs, sugar, lemon zest and juice, butter, and vanilla. It's important to whisk constantly while cooking to avoid ending up with lemony scrambled eggs. Straining the mixture is also key to ensuring a smooth, grit-free curd.

Vanilla Buttercream Filling

Vanilla buttercream is a classic choice for wedding cakes and can be used as a filling, crumb coat, and exterior frosting. It's versatile and can be paired with a variety of cake flavours. You can also add extracts like almond, lemon, or coconut to infuse additional flavours into the buttercream. When making vanilla buttercream, be sure to use room temperature ingredients for the best results.

Raspberry Jam Filling

Raspberry jam makes for a delicious and colourful filling in a wedding cake. You can make your own raspberry jam filling using fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch as a thickener. It's important to use a buttercream dam around the edge of the cake layer to prevent the jam from oozing out. Raspberry jam filling pairs well with chocolate or vanilla cake and can be used in cupcakes as well.

Chocolate Buttercream Filling

Chocolate buttercream is a decadent choice for a wedding cake filling. It can be paired with a variety of flavours, such as raspberry, hazelnut, matcha, coffee, mint, or lavender. Chocolate buttercream can be used as a filling, crumb coat, or exterior frosting, and it provides a beautiful contrast when paired with white or light-coloured flowers and decorations.

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