KANSAS CITY, MO — Symbolizing a couple’s love and commitment to one another, wedding cakes are a public display— and work — of love.
What used to be served as a tradition to bring the newlyweds and guests good luck has now turned into a centerpiece of a wedding and, on some occasions, isn’t even served to preserve the look of the cake.
In recent years, wedding cakes have begun moving away from the more traditional style and bakers are beginning to incorporate more personality tailored to the aesthetic of each wedding.
“Anecdotally, the past four to five weddings I have attended did not have a sheet cake or in one case, a cake at all,” said Jack Ince, education coordinator of the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association. “We’re seeing a trend of having a cake for just the wedding party while guests receive cupcakes or a different dessert. I predict this will continue in 2024. There may be an opportunity for better coordination or theming of the wedding cake with whatever treat is served to guests. I’d like to see creative ways of decorating the cupcakes and small form cake for the wedding party as one cohesive piece.”
As costs associated with weddings continue to rise, the big day has become more intimate and personalized rather than a grand event. In some celebrations, cupcakes, pies and other desserts have been subbed in for a wedding cake for customers to save some dollars during wedding planning.
For couples that choose to have a wedding cake at their reception, here are a few of the latest trending styles and decoration options.
All about the love
One of the most popular wedding cake styles has been the heart-shaped cake. Incorporating over-the-top embellishments and a whimsical style, this cake trend ties the traditional look of a classic wedding cake with a more modern feel.
Make it personal
Pouring over from the fashion world, motifs such as bows and ribbons have become extremely popular. Other variants similar to the ribbon decor, including dried pressed flowers, pearls, gold details and matching florals, have been utilized to add personal, more unique touches to wedding cakes.
Texture, texture, texture
Brides are moving away from the smooth finish to construct more visually appealing elements Bringing dimension and depth through piping ruffles, ridges, waves and more, texture on wedding cakes rolls over from the Lambeth-style cake to create an over-the-top feel.
Stripped down
Making a statement without the icing, many couples are embracing the simplicity and elegance of the naked cake. The plainer base allows for personal touches to shine through. With a more rustic feel, the decor for this style is usually stripped back and incorporates fresh flowers or dried citrus.
