Wedding Cake Trends and Traditions


The wedding cake is one of the central elements of the reception. It is a delicious and beautiful tradition that is often one of the most photographed and celebrated events of the wedding ceremony. Wedding cakes are expected to be tasty, decorative and beautiful.

For many brides, the wedding cake is just as important as the gown. Some women know exactly what they want their cake to look like while others may need some guidance from a wedding planner or cake designer. It is a very personal decision. Here are some of the most popular cake trends that you may see at weddings this year.

Simple and Classic: Many couples are passing on outlandishly frosted cakes for clean, classic designs. Muted and natural colors are preferred over bright, deep colors. You can add flowers and other accessories for a pop of rich color. Understated and simple decorations are preferred to outlandish, over-the-top designs.

Delicious: Brides are moving away from the less tasty fondant and opting instead for traditional buttercream frosting. It not only tastes better than fondant, but it can be used to create beautiful decorative designs. You do not have to give up good taste for an elegant, one-of-a-kind cake.

Unique and Personalized: Many couples want a cake that reflects their unique personalities. One way to do this is with the addition of a cake topper. There are many whimsical designs available that let the guests know something about the couples' hobbies or relationship. Whether you prefer something silly and fun or elegant and timeless, there are a variety of cake toppers available.

Shapes: While most traditional wedding cakes feature round layers, many couples choose to mix and match a variety of shapes for their cake layers. Square, hexagon, and octagon cakes can be stacked on top of each other. This design approach gives the cake a sophisticated and modern appeal.

Fresh Flowers: The use of fresh flowers continues to be a popular trend. Small buds and simple blooms are preferred over large, overpowering flowers. Choose flowers that match your theme or color scheme. It is a great way to add interest and color to a simple cake.

Stacked for Height: Wedding cakes are getting taller with many different layers stacked one on top of the other. If your cake is small, place it on a raised stand to make it appear taller and more majestic.

No matter what type of wedding cake you choose, be sure that you have all of the supplies you need to make your wedding cake ceremony memorable and special. Find cake servers that are elegant and can be engraved with the couple's name and date of the wedding. Champagne glasses can also be personalized for a beautiful addition to your reception. These items can be displayed at home as a reminder of your special celebration.

Choosing a wedding cake is a very personal decision. There is no right or wrong design choice. You want to be sure that your cake is elegant and delicious so that it compliments the joy and excitement of your special day.

Robert Howell is the president of Event Supply, the premier provider of event and wedding supplies nationwide.