First off, happy new year to everyone! This morning, as I was doing some work, planning an upcoming wedding cake for February (which, by the way, I can't WAIT to get started on!), I was struck by how many different, gorgeous ways there are to make a wedding cake modern and unique. Of course we all love a traditional cake, but so many people now are opting for something that is either more contemporary, bright, or personal.
My own wedding cake was rather traditional and conservative - it was, after all, my first EVER attempt to decorate a cake - and I think if I had the chance to make my own cake today, it would be very, very different!
The most popular modern cake that seems to be trending at the moment is the classic Naked Cake, generally accompanied by fresh flowers. Gorgeous, yes, but also getting a lot of coverage at the moment! So here instead are my Top 3 ideas for a fun, fresh, unique and modern wedding cake:
Number 1: Bright and Cheerful
Traditionally, wedding cakes tend to be white, with soft pinks or touches of pale colour. However, adding a burst of colour can make a real splash and set you apart from the crowd. Want to be extra daring? Team bright florals with a black cake.
My own wedding cake was rather traditional and conservative - it was, after all, my first EVER attempt to decorate a cake - and I think if I had the chance to make my own cake today, it would be very, very different!
The most popular modern cake that seems to be trending at the moment is the classic Naked Cake, generally accompanied by fresh flowers. Gorgeous, yes, but also getting a lot of coverage at the moment! So here instead are my Top 3 ideas for a fun, fresh, unique and modern wedding cake:
Number 1: Bright and Cheerful
Traditionally, wedding cakes tend to be white, with soft pinks or touches of pale colour. However, adding a burst of colour can make a real splash and set you apart from the crowd. Want to be extra daring? Team bright florals with a black cake.
Vibrant orange with crisp white florals, by Dream Cakes And Creations
This amazing cake is by Sweet & Saucy Shop, the masters of modern wedding cakes. Do yourself a favour and check them out!
This gorgeous and fun black cake was made by Wild Orchid Baking Company, and shared on The Cake Blog.
Number 2: Alternative Florals
I'm talking using foliage, wafer paper flowers, hand painted flowers, printed wafer paper, the possibilities are endless! Anything outside the realm of the traditional use of peonies, roses, orchids, etc. on a cake will give it a modern edge.
I'm talking using foliage, wafer paper flowers, hand painted flowers, printed wafer paper, the possibilities are endless! Anything outside the realm of the traditional use of peonies, roses, orchids, etc. on a cake will give it a modern edge.
Hey There, Cupcake! is the master of wafer paper. These two stunning cakes show you don't need fresh flowers to make an impact..
Gorgeous succulents from Lulubelles Bakes makes this simple wedding cake a stand out.
The foliage on this cake by Nana & Nana says enough on its own without needing flowers. The different types of greenery give this cake depth while still being fresh and clean.
Number 3: Geometric
This one is fairly self-explanatory, but I justcouldn't leave it out. There are so many gorgeous options for modern geometric cakes, from tiled fondant to stenciled patterns to hexagonal shaped cakes themselves.
This one is fairly self-explanatory, but I justcouldn't leave it out. There are so many gorgeous options for modern geometric cakes, from tiled fondant to stenciled patterns to hexagonal shaped cakes themselves.
This pretty geometric cake by The Frosted Affair is elegant in its simplicity. The colours bring plenty of personality to the cake without being overwhelming.
This stunning cake by De La Creme Studio would have to be one of my favourites in this post. The use of the hexagonal tiers emphasised the geometric patterns repeated in classic white on white. The vibrant flowers really are the crowning glory on this show stopper.
This striking tiled cake by Tortik Annuchka would make a bold statement for a modern couple. This look is also very easy to personalise, by making the squares whatever colour or pattern you like.
Bonus: Groups of Cakes
Another major trend hitting the scene at the moment is groups of cakes, rather than a single, tiered cake. This is a really great idea if, like me, you have trouble deciding on just one cake style. Or also great if you need to feed a lot of people! Being able to have a sweet little group of cakes not only looks gorgeous, but it's practical (easier to transport), fun, and allows you to be a tad more creative with your wedding cake ideas.
Another major trend hitting the scene at the moment is groups of cakes, rather than a single, tiered cake. This is a really great idea if, like me, you have trouble deciding on just one cake style. Or also great if you need to feed a lot of people! Being able to have a sweet little group of cakes not only looks gorgeous, but it's practical (easier to transport), fun, and allows you to be a tad more creative with your wedding cake ideas.
This group of lovely cakes by CAKEWALK Bake Shop shows how you can make three separate cakes still look like they belong together, without being identical.
This delicate trio by Sweet Bakes is absolute perfection. Each cake is gorgeous on its own, without overpowering the others in the group.
This pretty trio is from Sukar Bakery, perfect for a colourful bohemian wedding.
I think the most important factor to making a truly unique and gorgeous wedding cake is to make it personal. Don't just pick an image you like and get it replicated - think about yourselves as a couple and go from there. Like bright colours? Make it colourful. Like donuts? Have a donut cake. Travel a lot? Reflect that in your design. You can't really go too far wrong with that!