The Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes in Every Style

Let’s talk beautiful wedding cakes! Maybe you’ve got an eye for unique boho wedding cake designs. Perhaps you’re opting to keep a few traditions with a simple wedding cake. Or maybe you’re jetting off for an adventure elopement and want a small wedding cake to take with. There are a million different ways to plan a wedding, but we almost always find a way to celebrate the same — with a nod to the sweet tooth.

Wedding cakes find their history in ancient Rome. The groom concluded the ceremony by breaking a loaf of barley bread over the bride’s head, symbolizing fertility. Coooool. Nowadays, we gather up the crumbs and wrap them up in buttercream and flowers and fruits and painted designs. The wedding cake is one of the most fun ways to incorporate a theme and it’s always ripe for a photo opp.

Some couples love a wedding cake with dried flowers. The romantic wedding day calls for sleek white and unexpected detail. Minimalist, simple wedding cakes run the range from single floral toppers to terrazzo-painted icing. Which one will you love?

We’ve curated a list of over 60 of the most beautiful wedding cakes seen on GWS and beyond, for plenty of inspiration. Because after all, there’s nothing like a sweet finish to wrap up your wedding day.

Expert Advice on All Things Cakes

We’ve also teamed up with wedding cake pro Jaime Melfi from Autumn Nomad, to answer some of your burning wedding cake questions! You’ll see her amazing advice sprinkled throughout this guide (pun intended!).

Before diving in, let’s cover one of the most common questions about wedding cakes….

How much do wedding cakes cost?

How much should couples plan to budget for their cake? And is there anything they should keep in mind when budgeting for more tiers on their cake or more complex designs? Jaime at Autumn Nomad has some great advice on this one.

Wedding Cake Costs Can Get Complex

Jaime says, “This is a weighted question, because there are so many ways to go about this. The area of the country where my shop is located, we get a lot of DIY and rustic barn weddings. So we do simple, minimal cakes in the $500 range. Sometimes we have couples who will choose a much smaller cake, such as a two tier cake with a messy buttercream design. This cake design starts around $125 and has about 24 servings. The couple may then choose other desserts or “kitchen cakes”, just for slicing. Which will, again, bring you to your $500 range.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we see clients that will go with a more luxury designed cake, which typically ranges from $2000 to $5000. The most expensive cake we’ve produced was $10,000. But that total included flowers, set up, delivery and a cake stand rental.”

Luxury vs Budget Cakes

So how much do luxury cakes cost when compared to budget cakes? Jaime sums it up nicely, telling us, “If you are looking for a designer cake, you should expect to pay $2,000-$5,000 on average.” With budget cakes, she says, “when assessing our wedding clients from this past year, on average, the majority spent $1500-$2000 for a wedding of 100-200 people. I think that is a good range to budget for. That way, you would at least have a pretty cake to cut, desserts to offer your guests, and include the delivery and set up portions of your event.

Are wedding cakes typically priced based on guest count or based on size and quantity of cakes?

Jaime tells us it really depends! She says, “I’ve done 1,000’s of cakes in my career, and I’ve worked with couples that come into their cake design meeting from a variety of angles. Some couples love a certain size cake based on the design that they are looking for. Regardless of their guest counts, they are hoping for a specific size. In some instances, we will fill in with a fake tier, in case they don’t want to have too much cake. So in this instance, their cake is based on the full design of the cake.”

Cake Pricing Based on Artistic Design

Jaime shares with us the impact of artistic design on cake price. She says, “The larger a cake is, the more surface area there is for artistic design. So the cost will be higher because more art is needed to fill the space of the larger cake. This cake would be priced initially by the cake servings for what portion of the cake is actually cake. From there, I would add in the cost for the dummy tier. And from there, a design fee would be added for the quality and artistic level for the overall cake design.”

Cake Pricing Based on Guest Count

You’ll also want to factor in price per serving size. Jaime elaborates, “in other instances, we have couples who are looking for a cake to feed, say 100 people. We would price the cake based on servings. If they have any artistic add-on’s, their “per serving” price would go up from there. Our tiered cakes start at $9 a slice. So their cake price might be then $12 or $15 a slice based on the artistic detail they choose to go with. Pricing wise, this will end up being the same as my first example. The fact that this is all cake, this is the typical formula.”

Now that we have an idea of what wedding cakes might cost, let’s dive into seeing those pretty desserts! And don’t worry, you’ll see plenty more of Jaime’s advice throughout this guide!

Boho Wedding Cakes

It’s no surprise that we’re suckers for the boho style, so naturally, we HAD to share our favorite boho wedding cakes. These cakes have the most stunning details, with a laid-back bohemian flair that’s seriously to die for.

Are there specific types of cakes that tend to cost more or less?

Ever wondered if some cakes might cost you more than others? Us too! So we took that question straight to Jaime at Autumn Nomad, and she shared some very important insights. She tells us, “flavor-wise, we offer more similar flavors that don’t have fillings and are just cake with buttercream. Those would cost less than a specialty flavor.

Our specialty flavors have homemade fillings and unique flavor combinations. Those require more supplies and cost more. Even a cake flavor, such as carrot cake, will always cost more because of the supplies. Simple vanilla will be your less expensive cake option.”

Remember earlier when we were asking Jaime about wedding cake costs in general? The more detailed a cake is, the higher that price will be! So specialty flavors and intricate, custom designs will drive that price tag up.

Floral Wedding Cakes

Floral wedding cakes bring all the whimsy, and we can’t help but fall head-over-heels for them. Whether it’s a simple floral cake design or something more intricate, flowers bring a delicate and gorgeous touch to any dessert.

When adding fresh florals to wedding cakes, is that typically something the florist will do?

Or would the cake baker be the one to add florals? It depends, but Jaime at Autumn Nomad shares some crucial insights. She tells us, “in my experience, it’s best when the cake decorator puts flowers on the cake. As a cake artist, that is part of the overall cake design and one of my favorite aspects of the cake. I want myself or one of my staff to properly put the cake flowers on!

However, there are some bakers that are more considered “bakers” than “cake artists”, that do not put flowers on cakes. Their style is more old school and they say they’re nervous touching cake flowers!”

All of this to say, consult with your baker and your florist, so you know who will add flowers to the wedding cake, well in advance of the big day!

Why do wedding cakes tend to cost more than typical bakery cakes?

Specifically, is there something about wedding cakes that makes them more durable and more able to last the whole day when compared to other types of cakes you’d typically get at an everyday bakeshop? Jaime at Autumn Nomad provides some incredible insights.

She tells us, “There are many reasons a “designer wedding cake” costs more. There is a lot of coordination and extra time involved in the design process. So part of a per slice price does include time and coordination. Time is money, and there is a lot more time involved in weddings, and internal coordination. We have some couples that we spend hours and hours speaking to, whether in person, phone, or email. A lot of going back and forth about color, flavor, flowers, etc.

Wedding cakes are a lot more labor intensive and time consuming as well. Artistically speaking, some wedding cakes can take up to 80+ hours. So the more simple design, the less expensive the cake will be.

There isn’t anything about wedding cakes that I would say is more durable. Any cake can last for days. Once it’s filled and chilled, it should stay nice and fresh.”

Modern Wedding Cakes

Be on the cutting edge and forge your own unique look with a modern wedding cake design. These cakes feel fresh, different, and perfect for turning heads at the reception.

How to hire the best cake baker for a destination wedding

Ever wondered how the cake vendor process changes when you’re planning a destination wedding? There certainly are a few more things you’ll need to consider. Jaime at Autumn Nomad sheds some light on this topic for us.

She tells us, your decision on who to hire as your cake baker “depends on where the destination is. If the climate is drastically different, I would recommend using a local baker. I’ve traveled a lot for cakes and always struggled with refrigeration. It’s very challenging. In some instances, bringing in a baker works great, but it’s challenging.

I recommend looking at the preferred vendor list and choosing someone there. That way, the baker is familiar with your venue.”

How far in advance should couples book their cake baker?

We asked Jaime at Autumn Nomad all the details on scheduling, and if there are there certain wedding dates that tend to book up fastest and that require couples to inquire sooner. Here’s what she said:

“I recommend booking ASAP. We are already working on 2023 dates. For us, fall is the busiest time of year. Labor Day and Columbus Day tend to be the busiest. Columbus Day weekend, we actually don’t take any weddings, as it’s too busy in New England and hard to manage.

June, July, and August are always very consistently busy with weddings. But September and October months are definitely overwhelming for events.”

Remember: traditional “wedding season” dates are likely going to book up the fastest. If you don’t plan on getting married in the off-season, secure your baker once you’ve secured that date!

Pink Wedding Cakes

Whether it’s a vibrant pink or something more subtle and pastel, pink wedding cakes pack the romance and fun. We love the look of a rose gold hue on a gorgeous dessert spread. And boy do we have lots of pink cakes to show off in this roundup!

Are there any questions you should ask a cake baker before booking with them?

Jaime from Autumn Nomad has some great recommendations on questions to ask your cake baker before booking with them. She tells us:

1. Mention any of you or your guests’ allergies. Not all bakeries cater to gluten or nut allergies.
2. Make sure to ask them about their delivery and setup processes. It can not be assumed that all bakeries deliver and set up cakes. Some bakeries don’t put flowers on the cakes. That blows my mind honestly, but that is a huge part of most wedding cakes. And florists are typically gone earlier in the day, while cakes are delivered during the ceremony/cocktail hour. So timing wise, that just doesn’t make sense. 
3. Talk budget with your baker. Definitely make sure you know what you’re paying because cakes can get pricey, depending on what you want.

Simple Wedding Cakes

Sometimes a simple design is all you need! Simple wedding cakes have an understated elegance all their own. And even with their minimalist design, they can be total show-stoppers. We love the way these minimalist cakes pair nicely with more intricate wedding decor.

Besides trying cake flavors, these are some questions to consider when arriving at your tasting

The cake tasting is a great time to ask some essential questions. These are the ones Jaime at Autumn Nomad recommends adding to your list:

1. Chat with your cake baker about flavor preferences. Which flavor do you prefer? Which flavor does your partner prefer? How will those flavors work together?
2. Chat about the color and design of your cake. I suggest sketching out the cake and sending tons of inspiration photos, as most clients are not bakers/decorators and sometimes don’t understand our lingo.
3. Give us all the details on what you expect in terms of setup and delivery. Ask us what our process looks like. Who, what, where, when, how?
4. Are there any special allergies we need to be aware of?
5. If you have a cake topper, where should I put it for the cake? (I recommend putting it on the cake table, as I don’t like having clients’ toppers at the bakery prior to the event, in case something happens).
6. Are you saving your top tier?
7. Are you renting a cake stand?
8. Do you want florals on your wedding cake?

Black Wedding Cakes

Whether you’re looking for a moody punch or something that screams elevated elegance, black wedding cakes know how to match the look. These cakes are gorgeous and sleek and beyond dreamy.

We asked the Autumn Nomad team what cake trends they’re seeing that they’re excited about

Jaime at Autumn Nomad told us she loves that some couples are choosing to get really creative and artistic with their designs. “Right now, I see cakes going towards a more abstract and artistic style. Less perfect and geometric. Really having fun with florals.

The buttercream floral design look is definitely still very trendy. However, now we’re making the florals look less perfect and almost worn. Like flowers emerging from stone. Or an oil painting feel.”

We love all these ideas! Designing a cake is a fun and creative process, and it’s even more fun when your cake shows off you and your partner’s personalities!

Romantic Wedding Cakes

No explanation needed here! The wedding cakes in this section are ultra-romantic and swoon-worthy. We CANNOT get over these cake designs.

What cake designs do cake bakers wish more couples would try?

Looking to be a trend-setter on your wedding day? These are the cake styles Jaime of Autumn Nomad says she wishes more couples would try. It’s safe to say, if you tried any of these, your cake would be a total hit.

She tells us, “I wish more of my couples would go more modern. Or modern boho. I’m still creating a lot of floral or rustic cakes. Trends got confusing with covid, since we’re settling up designs that were initially curated 2-3 years ago. So I’m very optimistic about the cake future!”

Mini Wedding Cakes

Have a small guest list? A collection of mini wedding cakes might just be the perfect fit! We love the way these smaller designs cater to tinier weddings (so on-trend right now!).

Any advice for how couples can figure out how much cake they will need for their wedding, based on their guest count?

Jaime demystifies cake pricing for us. She says, “once a couple decides the design of their cake, the cake is typically priced per serving/slice. 

For example, $12 a slice, is a fairly simple cake with some artistic detail. But nothing very over the top. 100 guests=$1200, plus delivery, set up, and a cake stand.

We also offer “kitchen cakes”, which are simple slicing cakes that are priced lower. The couple would, say, order a 50 guest serving cake, which is a smaller 3 tier, then have 50 servings of additional cakes that are simply decorated. Not part of the decorated display cake.

The bigger the cake, more servings, more decoration, the more expensive the cake is.”

Geode Wedding Cakes

Have a little piece of the earth incorporated into your dessert with a gorgeous geode wedding cake design. Seriously, how cool are these cakes?! Such an unexpected and three-dimensional touch.

Curious about the most popular wedding cake flavors?

We were dying to know what wedding cake flavors couples have been loving lately. So Jaime at Autumn Nomad shared the top choices for her couples. Here’s what she tells us:

1. London Fog: honey earl grey cake, soaked with an earl grey & honey simple syrup, filled with creamy vanilla bean mascarpone cheese
2. Chocolate Blackberry Espresso: chocolate cake, soaked in espresso ganache, filled with blackberry sauce and espresso buttercream
3. Chocolate Salted Caramel: chocolate cake, soaked with homemade espresso ganache and homemade salted caramel, filled with caramel buttercream
4. Lemon & Wild Maine Blueberry: lemon cake layered with our homemade wild Maine blueberry filling and lemon buttercream
5. Champagne Raspberry: champagne cake, filled with our homemade raspberry sauce and champagne buttercream

Ok, yum! Our mouths are watering! We’re kind of obsessed with how unique these flavors are, and how couples are making such awesome and bold flavor choices.

Movie + Disney-Inspired Wedding Cakes

If you’re a sucker for all-things Disney or the silver screen, we love the idea of going with a movie or Disney-inspired wedding cake. Bring a little childhood into your wedding day. We love the nostalgic vibes!

Frosting vs fondant: which should you choose for your wedding cake?

Jaime at Autumn Nomad breaks this choice down easily for us. She says, “artistically, some designs will just look better in fondant, and can not be accomplished with buttercream. In those instances, definitely use fondant. 

If a couple wants something simple and doesn’t like the taste of fondant, or is on a tighter budget, they should go with buttercream, as it is less expensive.”

So think about the vibe of your cake design and your budget. Each of these will play into whether you use frosting or fondant on your wedding cake.

Where to Next, Wedding Cake Lovers?

A huge thank you to Jaime Melfi of Autumn Nomad for sharing her amazing advice with us on this roundup! You can find Autumn Nomad on Instagram at @autumnnomad to see the prettiest dessert inspo imaginable!

Need more wedding cake inspo? Browse our gallery of all desserts featured on GWS.

Check out more of our fave wedding inspiration for 2022 + 2023 couples!