The wedding cake edit: 5 trends we’re leaving behind and 5 we’re obsessing over

Mar 19

Wedding cake trends move fast. What felt fresh and Pinterest-worthy a few years ago can start to feel a little… dated. This is why we recommend ordering the wedding cake closer to the wedding day. And while we'd never tell you what to do with your wedding cake (okay, maybe a little), we do think you deserve to walk into your tasting knowing what's having a moment — and what's quietly on its way out.

Photo by Stephane Lemaire

5 cake trends that we are leaving behind

1. Rustic Naked Cakes This is a style with little to no frosting on the outside which is perfect for couples who aren’t into buttercream. It is charming and effortless but it was on every wedding blog from 2015 to 2022. The naked cake had its moment. Couples today are leaning back into a more polished look which means a little more intention in the finish.

Order this instead: A lightly textured buttercream with intentional technique. Same organic feel, significantly more buttercream.

2. Full Cascade of Flowers A waterfall of flowers placed dramatically from top to bottom — it photographed beautifully and felt incredibly romantic. But the full cascade has started to feel more maximalist than meaningful, and the sheer volume of florals can actually overpower the cake itself.

Order this instead: A wildflower meadow design, where blooms are thoughtfully placed around the cake rather than covering it entirely. It feels romantic, intentional, and honestly? It looks fresh and up to date.

3. Watercolor Painted Cakes Soft washes of pastel, brushed onto the cake like a watercolor canvas. It was artistic. It was whimsical. The watercolor cake isn't bad — it's just become so common that it no longer feels unique to your wedding.

Order this instead: A cake decorated with palette knife buttercream. The texture is artistic but it feels fresh, modern, and far more interesting.

4. Monogram Cake Toppers The personalized monogram topper had a very long run. These were initials in gold, silver, or acrylic placed proudly on top of the cake. And while the sentiment is sweet, the execution has started to feel more like a home décor item. It also tends to compete with the cake design rather than complement it.

Order this instead: Use a cluster of flowers or nothing at all. Let the cake speak for itself.

5. Different Design on Every Tier We get it — you love the vintage piping and the pearls and the smooth finish and the textured buttercream and choosing just one feels impossible. But a cake where every tier tells a completely different story can start to feel a little chaotic. It had its moment as a way to showcase a baker's range, but cohesion is having a major comeback.

Order this instead: Choose one design direction and let it flow across every tier. This will make the cake have a more elevated and intentional look.

Photo by Treadwell Photography

5 cake trends that we’re obsessing over

Simple Cakes with Big Bows The smooth elegant cake decorated with an oversized sculptural bow has a couture energy. It feels bold and refined at the same time. It’s minimal in the best way possible - clean look, a stunning focal point, and zero visual clutter. We’ve seen this cake with both a white bow for a monochromatic color scheme or with a black bow to give it more contrast. Couples who lean toward a sleek, fashion-forward aesthetic are choosing this one.
Vintage Hand - Piped Cakes There’s something so romantic about a cake with the vintage hand piping design. It has an heirloom quality with the delicate lacework and intricate scrollwork. They bring artistry and craftsmanship to a wedding that no printed fondant or stenciled design can come close to matching. If you want a cake that feels like a genuine work of art, this is it.
Long Rectangular Cakes If you’ve been on wedding Instagram lately, you’ve seen this one everywhere - and for good reason. The long rectangular cake feels more like a design object than a traditional wedding cake and that is exactly why couples are obsessing over it. Have you seen the videos where the couple blow out the candles and kiss at the end?!?! This is the cake for a couple who wants to go above and beyond the cake cutting tradition.
Fondant Waves & Ruffles This one is very much in its era right now, and honestly? We understand why. Soft fondant waves and draped ruffles coming down the cake are both romantic and fashion-forward. If this is in your mood board, don’t talk yourself out of it. If you don’t like fondant, ask your baker if the design that you like can be made with edible paper. You might be surprised.
Floral Meadow Cakes Think less “flowers on a cake” and more “cake that happens to be in a garden” This is one of the most breathtaking trends in wedding cakes right now. It is romantic without being over done and it photographs beautifully from every angle. The best part? No two floral meadow cakes ever look exactly the same, which means yours will always be entirely yours.

Trends are fun to follow, but the best wedding cake is always the one that feels like you - not just what was popular on social media. When in doubt, talk to your baker. A good one will consider every part of the reception details like the venue, time of day, florals and other decorations to help you choose the cake design that’s right for you.