Wedding Cake Ideas for 10 of the Most Popular Wedding Styles
From classic to bohemian, be inspired by these confections from real weddings.
The theme or style of your wedding will dictate many of your planning choices, such as the color scheme, types of flowers used, tablescape designs, and even your wedding cake. While it's not a requirement that your confection showcase the same look as the rest of your celebration, many couples select a cake design that complements the feel of their overall fête to keep everything cohesive.
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The theme or style of your wedding will dictate many of your planning choices, such as the color scheme, types of flowers used, tablescape designs, and even your wedding cake. While it's not a requirement that your confection showcase the same look as the rest of your wedding, many couples select a cake design that complements the feel of their overall fête to keep everything cohesive.
For example, if you're having a tropical destination wedding, you may want your wedding cake to feature colors inspired by the ocean – if not be decorated with seashell adornments. And if you're hosting a classic ballroom wedding with a neutral color palette, you'll likely want to go with an all-white wedding cake accented with some fresh blooms that match your centerpieces, as opposed to a bold style with deep shades of maroon frosting and metallic accents that would better suit an alternative wedding. Just like bohemian chic or modern weddings will differ from couple to couple, there are many cakes that will work well with each wedding theme.
To get you started, be inspired by the 10 wedding cakes below, all of which complement the most popular wedding styles! To see more from each of these real weddings, click your favorite photos.
1. Alternative Wedding Cakes
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If you're looking for a nontraditional wedding cake for your alternative wedding, consider darker tones that aren't often seen in traditional wedding cakes. Have fun with the design and the embellishments! Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Event: Inspiring Styled Shoot with Deep, Dark Color Palette in Chicago
2. Bohemian Chic Wedding Cakes
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Is your bohemian wedding going to be filled with organic floral details? If so, save some blooms for your wedding cake to create a natural look that's effortlessly chic. Photo by Wild Whim Design + Photography; From Real Wedding: Outdoor Bohemian Fall Wedding at a Magical Venue in Los Angeles
3. Classic Wedding Cakes
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You can't go wrong with a white wedding cake for a classic wedding. Make it your own with a personalized cake topper, fresh flower additions, or your monogram! Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; From Real Wedding: Oceanfront Wedding Ceremony & Classic + Romantic Ballroom Reception
4. Modern Wedding Cakes
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Those hosting modern weddings will want to incorporate unique shapes, patterns, colors, and more in the design of their wedding cake. Go all out modern or choose to keep it slightly classic – the choice is yours! Photo by Kristin Anderson; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Classic Wedding Colors with Modern Elements in Santa Monica
5. Opulent Wedding Cakes
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If you're having a luxurious, opulent wedding, have some fun with an over-the-top cake design. Consider towering tiers, extraordinary cake tables, and more! Photo by Jennefer Wilson Photography; From Real Wedding: Gorgeous Dallas Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony & Ballroom Reception
6. Preppy Wedding Cakes
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We love when couples have fun with their wedding cake design, and this floral print cake is a perfect example of what you can do for a preppy wedding! Photo by Vitor Lindo Photo + Video; From Real Wedding: Soft, Romantic Spring Destination Wedding in South Carolina
7. Rustic Wedding Cakes
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There are a number of different cake styles that will work beautifully for rustic weddings, but we love the semi-naked cake trend, as well as more nature-inspired confections. Photo by Christine Bentley Photography; From Real Wedding: A Rustic Elegant Barn Wedding in Santa Barbara
8. Shabby Chic Wedding Cakes
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If you're planning on having a shabby-chic wedding, continue the unique motifs seen in your décor with your wedding cake. Add some color, ruffles, embellishments, and more to really create an interesting look! Photo by Meg Perotti; From Real Wedding: Colorful Outdoor Wedding at a Northern California Ranch & Winery
9. Tropical Wedding Cakes
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Whether you're having a destination wedding in a tropical location or a tropical-themed wedding, we love the idea of incorporating tropical greenery or beach-inspired motifs into your wedding cake design. Photo by Michael Svoboda Wedding Photography; From Real Wedding: Boho-Chic Wedding with Ocean Elements in Southern California
10. Vintage Wedding Cakes
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Go beyond the classic wedding cake with a vintage-inspired style that will beautifully fit in with vintage wedding décor. You could even ask your family to incorporate the cake topper that was used at your parents' or grandparents' wedding! Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Ivory, Gold & Blush Lakefront New Hampshire Wedding
For more wedding cake inspiration, view the Cakes & Desserts category of our wedding photo galleries. Also, be sure to discover stylish cake ideas, find out everything you need to know about serving cake at your wedding, and view inspiration naked cakes.
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