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If you’re looking for a wedding cake with a little more oomph than your classic stack of three of four white-buttercream-covered tiers, we have a few suggestions for you. Now don’t get us wrong, we love a classic white wedding cake, but we also love modern twists and totally bespoke designs.
Pull inspiration from your wedding theme, your florals or even your china. There’s always plenty of trends to get inspired by too, like boho metallics or naked cake designs.
Phantom Details
Blume PhotographyA couple of acrylic dividers can lend the illusion of floating tiers to an elegant cake.
“Cheesecake”
Lacie Hansen PhotographyWant a truly original wedding cake? Ditch the cake. If you’re more into savory than sweet and tend to opt for the cheese board over the dessert bar, pick a few cheese wheels and stack them for a wedding cake look-alike.
Stained-Glass Artwork
Maggie AustinThink of fondant as the baker’s canvas. The smooth surface can be painted on and transformed into just about anything, including an intricate scene of stained glasswork.
Two-Tone Metallics
Jessica Miller PhotographyTake color blocking to a new level with metallics and set it off with a cake stand that’s a totally different hue.
Staircase Cake
West End PhotographyA staircase cake has tiers stacked on top of each other with their edges lined up, rather than aligned in the center. It’s a good alternative to the traditional style without having to switch things up too much.
Suitcase Stack
Servidone Studios PhotographyIf you and your partner are jet-setters or if you’re planning a destination wedding, a few luggage-inspired tiers would be perfect.
Whimsical Tree Design
Timothy Faust PhotographyChildhood sweethearts with some tree carving in your past? Honor it with a whimsical tree stump cake that can be put on display in addition to or in place of a more traditional confection.
Sentimental Shapes
Jennifer Lindberg WeddingsIt’s amazing what some bakers can do with fondant—give them a few highlights from your relationship, such as major vacations or proposal details, and we bet they can suggest a truly special design
Fan Fiction
Creatrix PhotographyWere you drawn to your partner through a mutual love of a movie, book or hobby? Incorporate it into the cake design. If the cake is designed in all white you can add as many elements as you want without it being distracting.
Ombré Color
Inked FingersAn ombré design in a subtle pastel hue is eye-catching but not too over the top. Pair it with some modern geographic elements and the whole thing comes together for a very unique presentation.
Adventure-Inspired Detail
Massart PhotographyWho said you can’t add props? This hot air balloon design doubles as an awesome cake topper and a totally unique cake design.
Glorified Sugar Flower
Janet Howard StudioOne element when applied en masse makes just as much of a statement as a bunch of small details combined.
Modern Edge
Meg Ruth PhotoSquare tiers are a great alternative to the classic round ones. It’s unique, but won’t be too much of a shock to your grandparents.
Seasonal Blooms
Ryan & Jacy PhotographyWant some sugar flowers? Look to what’s in season during your wedding for a natural way to incorporate your surroundings into the cake.
Sports Enthusiasts
Ali Gawlik PhotographyTie in your favorite sport, or the colors of your alma mater team if you’re college sweethearts. If the look of a baseball-themed cake is a little too alternative for you, ask your baker if they can design a half and half cake: traditional in the front and party in the back (so to speak).