Your Dream Wedding Cake: Style Guide

Choosing a wedding cake is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. Wedding cakes come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, and can be customised to reflect the couple's personality, interests, and wedding theme.

The style of a wedding cake often depends on the type of wedding being held. For instance, traditional weddings usually have a white colour palette, posh and luxurious decorations, and a classic round or square shape with multiple tiers. In contrast, modern cakes are more compact, decorated with fresh fruit or flowers, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Other wedding cake styles include black cakes, floral cakes, textured cakes, glamorous cakes, vintage cakes, and non-traditional cakes. Textured cakes can be rustic, ruffled, geometric, embossed, brushed, marble, concrete, or watercolour. Meanwhile, glamorous cakes tend to be the most expensive, featuring intricate details, metallic accents, jewel-toned colours, and multiple tiers and layers.

Couples can also opt for a mixed-style wedding cake, combining different flavours, designs, and colours in a single dessert.

Classic cakes: Round, square, or tiered, these cakes are usually white with intricate decorations

Classic wedding cakes are timeless and elegant, and their versatility makes them suitable for any wedding style or theme. Here are some ideas for classic cakes with round, square, or tiered shapes, usually in white with intricate decorations:

Round Cakes:

Round cakes are a traditional choice for weddings, often featuring multiple tiers. A round cake with a smooth white exterior and delicate peach-hued blooms, presented on a gold stand, creates a refined and elegant look. Another idea is to adorn a round cake with realistic sugar flowers, such as roses and clematis, for a whimsical touch. For a simple yet effective decoration, consider a cascade of fresh pink roses or a mix of roses, peonies, and ranunculus blooms.

Square Cakes:

Square cakes offer a modern twist on the traditional round shape. A square cake with a textured gold cake plateau and gold fan-like leaves has a bold and artistic appearance. Alternatively, a square cake with a smooth white exterior and sugar flowers can be a modern yet understated choice.

Tiered Cakes:

Tiered cakes add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to the celebration. A five-tier white cake with layers of pink roses separating each tier is a classic and romantic option. For a unique touch, consider a hexagonal tier with a painted monogram, or a curvilinear design with fondant accents. A semi-naked tiered cake with a thin layer of icing, revealing the sponge underneath, can also be a stylish choice.

Classic cakes are often decorated with intricate details such as hand-painted accents, textured buttercream, and fondant finishing touches. White cakes, in particular, provide a blank canvas for creative decorations, from fresh flowers to intricate piping. These cakes are a timeless choice, allowing you to incorporate various design elements that reflect your personality and style.

Modern cakes: More compact, these cakes are often decorated with fresh fruit and flowers

Modern wedding cakes are a unique twist on the traditional, with compact designs that are often enriched with fresh fruit and flowers. They are usually more compact and less focused on rich decorations. Instead, they are often decorated with fresh fruit and flowers.

Modern cakes are a great way to make your celebration stand out. They are much easier to decorate as they are open to intricate designs and various colour palettes. You can give it a sharp shape, like hexagonal or rectangular, or even a combination of different shapes.

Modern cakes are also a great choice if you want to incorporate unusual flavours. From daring to darling, the options are endless. You can also opt for a naked cake finish, where the sponge cake is left bare with minimal icing, or a drip-style cake with layers of dripping chocolate, caramel or ganache.

If you want your cake to be remembered by your guests, a modern wedding cake is the way to go!

Black cakes: A unique alternative to the traditional white cake, these cakes are striking and elegant

Black wedding cakes are a bold alternative to the traditional white cake, perfect for those who want to make a statement on their big day. Here are some ideas to consider if you're thinking of having a black wedding cake:

Decorate with Flowers

Black wedding cakes provide the perfect backdrop for a pop of colour, and fresh flowers are a great way to achieve this. Opt for a cascade of blooms and sprigs of greenery down the tiers or add a single stem for a minimalistic look. For a bohemian vibe, ornamental grasses can be a unique choice.

Embrace Your Surroundings

Black cakes aren't just for glamorous indoor venues or rustic fall weddings. You can embrace your surroundings by incorporating natural elements that match your setting. For example, a cake with black fondant and ornamental grasses would be perfect for a bohemian outdoor wedding.

Choose Cascading Blooms

A black cake with cascading blooms is a unique and romantic choice. The dark backdrop accentuates the flowers, creating a stunning visual contrast. This design is perfect for couples who want to make a statement with their cake.

Make a Small Statement

You don't need multiple tiers to make an impact. A single-tier black cake can be just as striking, especially when paired with elegant white and gold leaf detailing. This combination is perfect for a rustic or elegant modern celebration.

Gold Detailing

Gold detailing on a black cake is a classic choice that adds a touch of elegance and glamour. Consider painting gold details or using gold leaf to create a luxurious finish. This combination is perfect for a modern or elegant wedding.

Pair with Fruit

Cakes are often adorned with fruit, and a black cake can be a unique twist on this tradition. Pairing a black cake with cut figs creates a beautiful contrast, especially if you want to add a touch of colour to your dessert table.

Minimalistic Design

A minimalistic design can be a sleek and modern choice for a black wedding cake. Consider a cake with sharp, sleek corners and clean lines, perhaps adorned with a single stem or a small bouquet of flowers.

Marble Effect

If you want a modern and dramatic look without going all black, a marble effect cake is a perfect choice. The black and white marble pattern can be dressed up with blooms and greenery for a stylish finish.

Bold Florals

Pairing a black cake with deep-hued florals, such as red and pink roses, creates a romantic and bold statement. This combination is perfect for couples who want to incorporate a touch of colour into their wedding aesthetic.

Embrace Different Shapes

To make your black wedding cake truly unique, consider incorporating different shapes. For example, you could have a hexagonal tier among traditional round cakes or opt for a trio of cakes with bold corners and sleek lines.

Hand-Painted Designs

Hand-painted cakes are a beautiful and elegant choice, and a black backdrop can add a unique twist. Consider a design with hand-painted roses or a mix of real and painted flowers for a stunning floral display.

Gold Foil and Red Florals

For a dramatic and moody statement, especially at a winter wedding, combine gold foil with red florals on a black cake. This colour combination is elegant and perfect for a black-tie celebration.

Geometric Patterns

You can add a touch of glamour to your black wedding cake with gold-painted geometric patterns. This design is a subtle way to incorporate the black colour without going overboard, creating a stylish and elegant finish.

Pair with White

Black and white is a classic combination, and you can incorporate it into your wedding cake by pairing black fondant or icing with white blooms like roses and calla lilies. Adding texture and gold foil can take this design to the next level, creating a balanced and elegant look.

Incorporate Multiple Cakes

Who says you have to stick to one cake? Consider having multiple black wedding cakes on your dessert table, each with unique details and designs. This idea is perfect for couples who want to offer a variety of flavours or simply want to showcase several stunning cakes.

These ideas showcase the versatility of black wedding cakes, which can be tailored to suit your unique wedding style and aesthetic. Whether you're aiming for a bold and dramatic look or a sleek and elegant statement, a black wedding cake is definitely a unique and memorable choice.

Floral cakes: Real or fake flowers are used as the main decoration on these cakes

Flowers are a common choice for wedding cakes, and couples can choose between real, fake, or sugar flowers. Real flowers are a good option for those on a budget, but they can be difficult to source out of season and may begin to wilt before the cake is cut. They can also be treated with pesticides, which may cause allergies. Silk flowers are a realistic alternative, but they may be difficult to colour-match and are not always a good match for a floral-scented cake. Sugar flowers are a popular choice, as they can be customised to any colour scheme and are available all year round. However, they are crafted by hand and can be expensive.

Real Flowers

Real flowers are a good choice for those on a budget, as they tend to be the most affordable option. They are also readily available and can be sourced quickly through a florist. Real flowers can be used to tie in the cake with the rest of the wedding's floral arrangements, such as bouquets and centrepieces. However, certain flowers are not in season all year round and may be difficult to source. Many flowers also do not last long without water and may begin to wilt before the cake is cut. Real flowers may also be treated with pesticides, which could cause allergies if consumed.

Fake Flowers

Fake flowers, such as silk flowers, have become increasingly realistic in recent years. They are a good option for those who want a long-lasting keepsake of their wedding cake, as they do not wilt. They are also less sensitive to weather conditions than real flowers. However, they may be difficult to colour-match with the rest of the wedding decor, and they do not give off any floral scent. Fake flowers can also be more expensive than real flowers, especially if they are being used for bouquets as well as the cake.

Sugar Flowers

Sugar flowers are made from edible materials such as fondant or gum paste and are completely food-safe. They can be customised to any colour scheme and are available all year round, making them a popular choice for couples. Sugar flowers can also be made to any size, so they can be used on cakes with multiple tiers. However, they are crafted by hand and can be expensive.

Textured cakes: From rustic to modern, these cakes feature lace, ruffles, or decorative waves

Textured cakes are a popular choice for weddings, with a variety of styles ranging from rustic to modern. These cakes feature intricate details such as lace, ruffles, or decorative waves that add visual interest and elegance to the overall design. Here are some ideas to consider for a textured wedding cake:

Rustic Textured Cakes

For a rustic wedding, consider a buttercream cake with a textured finish. This can be achieved by using a combed buttercream technique, creating a unique pattern on the cake's surface. Enhance the rustic charm by pairing it with wild berries, fern decorations, or fresh flowers. Another idea is to incorporate woodland elements, such as piping on the cake that replicates the look of branches in a neutral colour palette.

Lace Textured Cakes

Lace adds a touch of vintage elegance to your wedding cake. Opt for lengths of blue lace draped over a traditional white cake for a striking contrast. This style is also a cost-effective option, as you can add lace to a simple cake design.

Ruffled Textured Cakes

Ruffles create volume and dimension, making them ideal for single-layer cakes. For a glamorous touch, combine ruffles with glitter or gold edging. You can also go for delicate ruffles that give the illusion of a layered or crepe cake, paired with soft-hued blooms for a romantic finish.

Modern Textured Cakes

Modern textured cakes often feature clean lines and unique details. Consider a cake with alternating tiers, adding both dimension and style. You can also opt for a watercolour-inspired pleated cake, which is sure to be a show-stopper. For a sleek, contemporary look, explore cakes with modelling chocolate shards or white chocolate brushstrokes.

Floral Textured Cakes

Flowers and nature-inspired elements are a timeless choice for wedding cakes. Fresh flowers, such as roses, peonies, and wildflowers, can be used to decorate your cake, adding a pop of colour. Sugar flowers are another option, ranging from delicate sugar orchids to oversized sugar blooms that cover the entire cake.

Textured cakes offer a wide range of design possibilities to suit any wedding theme. Whether you choose rustic charm, modern elegance, or something in between, these cakes are sure to impress your guests and reflect your unique style.

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