When it comes to weddings, the wedding cake is one of the sweetest highlights of the celebration. As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing countless beautiful edible creations that not only serve as a centerpiece but also reflect the personality and style of the couple.

From classic tiered cakes adorned with delicate flowers to modern designs featuring intricate patterns, the options are truly endless. Each cake tells a unique story, adding a touch of sweetness to the celebration.

Capturing Edible Masterpieces

As the visual storyteller of the wedding day, I’ve witnessed the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating these edible masterpieces. From intricate sugar flowers to hand-painted designs, every detail is meticulously crafted to reflect the couple’s style and personality. Couples often use the wedding cake as a way to add an element of style to their wedding day. Seeing it helps set the tone of the reception for guests. Imagine your guests walking into your wedding reception for the first time. When they see your wedding cake, what do they feel?

Wedding Cake Inspiration for Every Couple

For couples planning their big day, choosing the perfect wedding cake can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why I love sharing examples of wedding cakes to inspire and delight. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic naked cake adorned with fresh berries or a glamorous showstopper dripping with gold leaf, there’s a wedding cake out there to suit every taste and style.

Tips for Cake Selection

Choosing the perfect dessert can be a delightful yet daunting task. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process:

1. Consider Your Theme: Your cake should complement the overall theme and aesthetic of your celebration.
2. Consult with Your Baker: Schedule a consultation with your baker to discuss your vision, flavor preferences, and dietary restrictions.
3. Get Inspired: Browse through magazines, Pinterest boards, and wedding blogs to gather inspiration for the design.
4. Don’t Forget the Details: Pay attention to details such as frosting texture, color palette, and decorative elements to ensure your cake aligns with your vision.

Floral Wedding Cakes

Below are some examples of wedding cakes with flowers added. This is by far the most popular way to jazz up a wedding cake to fit the style of your day. Your florist can provide additional flowers that will match the ones in your bouquets and other decor. Coordinate with your florist and baker to confirm who will be adding the flowers. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Interested in shopping these cakes? Sweet Creations Cakes created the cake on the bottom left with flowers from Shelley’s Floral Enterprises. Bottom right was created by The Inn at Little Washington for Emily and Thomas’ intimate mountainside wedding.

Sugar Flower Wedding Cakes

If you like the look of the floral cakes but want to add a little bit of a wow factor, consider finding a baker who can create sugar flowers.  Sugar flowers are stunning works of edible art that turn even a simple cake into a showstopper piece of decor. They’re sure to impress your guests!

Interested in shopping these cakes? Couture Cakes by Sabrina created the cake on the right.

Vintage Buttercream Wedding Cakes

Elaborate piping and delicious buttercream icing can never go out of style. It has been so fun to see the cakes of the last century coming back to weddings! Be sure to select a baker with clean piping skills if you’re interested in this timeless option. It’s also the perfect style to match a family heirloom cake topper. Go big with a cake to serve the whole guest list like your parents would have, or keep it small but full of intricate details. Either way, it will be a beautiful addition to your celebration!

Interested in shopping these cakes? The one on the left was made by Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe, an authentic German bakery in Northern Virginia. The vintage buttercream cake perfectly matched the timeless feel of Olivia and Victor’s Catholic wedding. We also highly recommend Rose Vanilla for fine art buttercream cakes!

Bespoke Styled Wedding Cakes

Treat your cake like a true work of art and hire a baker who will design a unique cake tailored to your event.  Trends come and go, but a bespoke wedding cake will stand out in the best way! Your wedding cake can reflect the colors of your wedding, match other special details from your day, coordinate with your theme, or even stand alone as a statement piece that helps set the tone of the celebration all on its own.

Interested in shopping these cakes? The celestial cake on the left was created by Dana’s Cake Shoppe for the incredible “wedding among the stars” for Varecia and Richard’s wedding in Loudoun County. Bijou’s Sweet Treats created the modern cake on the right. The cake in the center was designed by Edibles Incredible to match the cannoli desserts at Cindy and Bruce’s sophisticated wedding at the Westfields Marriott.

Why Texture Matters for Wedding Cakes

One way to make a wedding cake stand out is to incorporate a specific texture in the design.  Whether you hire a skilled baker for an ultra-smooth design or go with something unique and funky, texture can help make your guests remember your cake long after the celebration is over.

Interested in these cakes? Wanda’s Cakes created the naked cake on the right.

Embrace a Small Wedding Cake

A popular trend in the last several years has been for couples to choose a personal-sized “cutting cake” rather than a traditional large cake.  Cake often goes to waste from guests choosing not to indulge, or couples want to enjoy a dessert alternative like donuts or cookies to serve guests. It makes sense not to spend the money on a huge cake that isn’t going to get eaten. You can still enjoy a beautifully designed cake with just a single tier.

Interested in shopping these cakes? Alexandria Pastry Shoppe created the cake in the middle for Christy and Kyle’s wedding at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. The cake on the right was created by The Happy Tart Bakery for Kayla and Isaac’s Catholic wedding in Northern Virginia.

The Finishing Touch

Whether you go with a super simple cake design or something more elaborate, a wedding cake topper can add the special finishing touch.  We love seeing unique and customized cake toppers! Even better, the topper serves as a keepsake item you can display in your home to reminisce upon your wedding day after the celebration is long over.

Interested in shopping these cakes? Sugar Bakers Cakes created the buttercream cake on the left. But the Animal Crossing-themed custom topper was made by LootreArt for Melissa and Willoughby’s autumn country club wedding. On the right, Fluffy Thoughts Cakes created the buttercream cake with edible pup made to match Brianne and Kevin’s beloved dog for their intimate wedding in DC.

Sweet Endings

A wedding celebration isn’t complete without sharing a slice of cake with loved ones. Whether you opt for a traditional white cake or a trendy dessert alternative, your wedding cake is sure to be a memorable and delicious part of your special day.

So let’s raise a toast to love, laughter, and the sweet moments that make weddings truly unforgettable!