There’s nothing wrong with the traditional white wedding cake, but you have to admit that they don’t bring that “WOW” factor to a wedding like they used to.
Nowadays, engaged couples are looking for any way possible to add that extra flare and pizzazz to their wedding reception. Since the cake is an integral part of any wedding, it provides a great opportunity to get your guests excited and liven up the party.
To help begin your wedding cake brainstorm, we asked bakeries from across the country to share the hottest cake designs currently being requested at their shops. We found 8 cake trends that are sure to get your guests off their feet and lining up for a taste (and probably a selfie).
1. The Geode Cake
For Carrie’s Cakes, the “Geode cake” has become a huge sensation and is a part of the recent “geology trend” in the wedding cake business. The Geode cake is created using layers of chocolate modeling clay, sugar crystals, and edible gold leaves. To get inspiration, Carrie keeps a large personal collection of Geodes, crystals, and agates so that she can replicate the natural beauty as closely as possible.
Carrie makes all her cakes with fresh, natural ingredients and includes a range of interesting new flavors, including Bourbon, Hibiscus, Lavender Honey, and Chili Chocolate.
2. The Agate Cake
Like its Geode cousin, the Agate Cake is also a member of the new “geology wedding trend.” For those who aren’t familiar with this semiprecious stone, Agate is a translucent variety of quartz and comes in all kinds of colors.
Heidi, from Sugar Bee Sweets, shares with us a photo of two lovely designs that use green agate patterns. The agate style looks especially lovely outlined in gold and against a white base. Most brides are inspired by agate because of the wonderful “banding” within the gemstones that create such lovely patterns. If you’re considering an agate cake you may just want to go all out and have an agate themed wedding!
3. The Naked Cake
Don’t let the name fool you, a “Naked” cake is actually a super classy design that looks great at rustic weddings. A “Naked” design typically only uses frosting in between the layers of the cake, leaving the sides of the cake exposed.
Unfortunately, this style sometimes gets a bad rap for being “bare,” but as you’ll see in the photo submitted by Sara from Magnolia Bakery, naked cakes can actually look quite elegant. The exposed sides help accentuate the layers, adding height to the cake.
Less frosting also means a lighter taste that isn’t full of layers of sugary fondant. Magnolia Bakery offers their naked cakes in red velvet, chocolate, or vanilla. The cake above is of red velvet with vanilla buttercream.
4. The Lace Design
For a more traditional and elegant wedding, the Lace cake is the preferred choice among brides. Lace cakes offer an element of detail not found in many other kinds of designs.
For example, check out the strawberry sour cream pound cake above, created by Ashley Bakery. This particular cake was chosen by a bride who wanted a delicate lace pattern to compliment the lace on her dress. Take note of how this cake uses a solid, bright color to allow the textured features of the lace applique to really stand out. Another great tip for lace cakes is to pair it with a floral design or arrangement to give it a romantic touch.
5. Chandelier Cake
If you want a unique cake that is guaranteed to excite your guests, then the ‘Chandelier’ design is an easy choice. A Chandelier cake is essentially a traditional cake flipped on its head. The first thing people think about when they see this type of cake is, “How the heck is it hanging upside down?” The answer is actually quite simple. Each tier of the cake sits on an acrylic or wooden plate, with each plate being connected by a rod running through the middle.
Chandelier cakes have a unique opportunity to use gravity as a part of their design. This style is often adorned with edible bling that hangs from the sides to give it a charming draping effect. If you want to go all out, you actually can hang these cakes up in your reception hall. Just make sure your guests watch their heads!
6. Marble
“Marble” is the last member of the geological wedding cake family. Marble fondant gives cakes a sleek and luxurious look, perfect for a glamorous urban wedding.
Amanda Robinson, from Sweet Fix Bakery, shares with us her wonderful pink marble cake. Like the one above, marble cakes are at their best when they are coupled with layers of different colors and features. Sweet Fix Bakery uses a subtle shade of pink that pairs fantastically with two dotted-pattern tiers and several strategically-placed flowers. If you are looking for something simple, yet chic, the Marble cake is for you.
7. Architecturally-Inspired
Having a hard time thinking of a cake design? Then why not draw inspiration from one of your favorite architectural designs?
This cake from One Belle Bakery was inspired by the architecture of the couple’s wedding venue. This particular venue was decorated with traditional Spanish ceramic tiles. If you’ve never seen a Spanish tile, think kaleidoscope-esque shapes and colors. To help compliment the venue, One Belle Bakery effortlessly blended the tile style into a traditional five-tier cake.
8. Groom Cakes
Bonnie, from Bonnie Brunt Cakes in South Carolina, points out a growing trend towards Groom Cakes. “We are creating more and more groom cakes along with the wedding cakes,” says Bonnie. She has noticed a growing number of men coming into her shop with a surprising amount of excitement to discuss their cake design.
The groom cake that Bonnie shared with us was for a couple that LOVES movies.“It’s not just the brides and the wedding cakes anymore. It’s grooms wanting a specific FUN and creative cake. With grooms cakes, all bets are off. Tradition and norm go out the window and themed, creative, and extreme are the rage.”
Thanks again to all the bakeries and shops that shared their favorite cake designs! Have you seen a unique cake design that wasn’t included in our list? Share it with us below!
