Any watcher of baking competitions on the Food Network and wedding competition shows on TLC is probably one Pinterest board away from booking a venue, S.O. or not. We’re all a little guilty of living vicariously through reality television, and in turn thinking we too can create tiered sugary masterpieces. If you’re in need of something borrowed for your future nuptials (or you just want an excuse for dessert), here are some of the most creative and elegant wedding cakes to steal inspiration from.
1. La Vie en Rock
Photo courtesy of @intricateicings on Instagram
One of the newest wedding cake trends is also the coolest, in my opinion. Known as the geode approach, this design by cake master Rachael Teufel went viral, and has since been morphed into many different interpretations. Her original takes the cake, if I do say so myself.
2. Leaning Tower of Macarons
Photo courtesy of @dessertstomach on Instagram
Many people are skipping the cake altogether and replacing with cupcake towers, Rice Krispie Treat pyramids, and… a stack of waffles. But why choose one? Keep it traditional with a cake and macarons tumbling down the side for a design both classy and funky.
3. Sweet Stained Glass
Photo courtesy of @maggieaustincake on Instagram
Mirror the stained glass behind the altar and go with the intricate hand-painted route. This cake combines two different types of artistry for a unique take on a classic wedding staple.
4. I Was Enchanted to Eat You
Photo courtesy of @thecakezone on Instagram
This cake looks like an Aladdin-Secret Garden hybrid, and I couldn’t be more here for it. Prepare for your camera roll to take up the remaining storage on your phone with this beaut on display.
5. Love on Top
Photo courtesy of @thepeoplescake on Facebook
Topsy turvy cakes never get old, and are perfect for throwing in a whimsical twist on any occasion. This tree trunk edition by The People’s Cake kept it personal with initials while retaining its quirky construction.
6. Couture Confections
Photo courtesy of @thecaketress on Instagram
Lori Hutchinson, the cake designer behind The Caketress, takes her inspiration from the runway for her tiered creations. Whether it be Valentino (seen above), McQueen, or Chanel, her original innovations remind us that cake can be art too.
7. Naked and Not Afraid
Photo courtesy of @fayecahillcakedesign on Instagram
Another hot trend in wedding cakes is the naked technique, in other words, a non-fondant approach to cake design. Done right, it looks simple and rustic, perfect for vintage souls who want to keep it low-key.
8. Suit & Tie
Photo courtesy of @heartsweetcakes on Instagram
Haley of Heart Sweet Cakes threw out the traditional white idea and went with this all black design instead. An edgy wedding calls for a gutsy cake, but it’s one that’ll have everybody “oohing and aahing” for days.
9. The Chosen One
Photo courtesy of @sweetheatheranne on Instagram
Of course, had to include this themed Harry Potter work of art. Cakes based off of books, movies, and TV shows run the risk of being gaudy, but take note from the bakers at Sweet Heather Anne to get a cake that screams classy and fangirl.