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Wedding cake cutting featuring buttercream wedding cake

The Different Types of Wedding Cake Explained


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides
Alison Updated:
26th of June 2023

The wedding cake forms an important part of your wedding celebrations and is the centrepiece of the wedding breakfast. It also tends to be one of the elements that your guests will all have an opinion on, so it is important to make the right choice. Here you can find an explanation of the various styles that are available to you to help you choose your wedding cake.

Traditional Royal Iced Wedding Cakes

Fondant wedding cake with three tiers and sugar flowers

If you dream of an ornately iced cake with delicate sugar lace and intricate piping, a traditional royal iced wedding cake is the right choice for you. For a firm base under the ornate sugar work you ideally need a marzipan covered fruit cake which is then covered in several thin layers of royal icing, however, many couples prefer a sponge cake with softer fondant icing which can give a similar effect, however the shorter shelf life of sponge cakes will mean a slightly simpler design than is possible with royal icing.  For more Great Ideas on Traditional Wedding cakes

Chocolate Wedding Cakes

Hayley's Cake Studio | Chocolate Cakes | Guides for Brides

A very popular choice of wedding cake for many couples is the chocolate wedding cake. It is always guaranteed to be popular with your guests! White Belgian chocolate curls and fresh flowers can give a traditional wedding cake look, or a smooth glossy dark chocolate ganache forms the base for many contemporary cake designs. The most recent chocolate wedding cakes designs incorporate chocolate transfers to add a very modern twist. More Great Ideas for Chocolate Wedding Cakes

Buttercream Wedding Cakes

5 tier buttercream wedding cake

For those that prefer their cake to look similar to the traditional royal icing with a softer, smoother twist, then a buttercream wedding cake would be best for you. These cakes have a delicate finish and clean design. The icing is light and sweet, made with butter and icing sugar; so, this cake will need to be kept in a fairly cool environment. Consider the logistics of choosing this kind of wedding cake when speaking to your venue. If you're having a summer marquee wedding, for example, you may need to ensure your caterers can keep the cake cool to avoid melting until the moment it's cut!

Naked and Semi-Naked Wedding Cakes

Semi naked wedding cake decorated with fresh flowers

Naked and semi-naked wedding cakes have grown in popularity alongside the rustic barn wedding venue setting. This style of cake features layers of sponge with plenty of filling and is often decorated with fresh fruit or fresh flowers to match the wedding bouquet. Semi-naked cakes feature a subtle coating of buttercream icing while naked cakes feature none at all and rely on thick fillings between the layers for moisture and flavour. Learn more about the Naked Cake.

Wedding Cupcakes, Brownies, Doughnuts and More

Wedding cake on display above pile of delicious doughnuts

From wedding cupcakes to brownies, doughnuts and individual cakes, sweet treat alternatives are growing in popularity for wedding couples. The bigger American style wedding cupcakes with a swirl of buttercream and a simple decoration are popular; doughnuts, brownies and individual iced cakes are also great options and will suit every style! Generally displayed with a larger top tier for ceremonial cutting, this option is perfect for couples who want the best of both worlds. Choosing wedding cupcakes means that each guest could take home a cupcake in a special wedding cake box, as a keepsake from your wedding! More Great ideas for Wedding Cupcakes

A Croquembouche or Piece Montée

Croquembouche wedding cake with sugar flowers and spun sugar

A Wedding Croquembouche is a stunning cascade of choux pastry and crème patisserie surrounded by delicate caramel strands will provide a star centre piece for your wedding reception. They can vary in size according to the number of guests and can be dramatically cut into using a sword. This masterpiece can also double up as dessert. More Great Ideas for Wedding Croquembouche

Cheese Wedding Cakes

Godminster cheese wedding cake with multiple colours of tier and various cake styles

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From a Real Bride

My partner and I are having a cheese wedding cake for our October wedding. We still wanted the cake cutting moment to happen on our big day, but are more lovers of brownies than sliced cake. So, we chose the cheese and to have a selection of brownies and blondies as sweet treats. Additionally, our evening food will be cheese and biscuits which is just ideal for us!
Nikita Thorne Guides for Brides
Nikita Thorne, Wedding Planning Expert and Newlywed

If you don't have a sweet tooth or if a wedding cake just is not for you, don't worry you do not have to miss out on the wedding cake fun! The cheese wedding cake, made up from a selection of your's and your partner's favourite cheeses is a lovely way to finish your wedding breakfast. More Great Ideas for cheese wedding cakes 

Looking for your wedding cake maker?

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides

About the author


Alison

Getting the right wedding cake, as well as other tasty treats, can make your wedding day even sweeter. Alison began her career in weddings as a wedding cake maker and understands the key traditions, styles and trends for wedding cakes and their alternatives. Contact her for suggestions of the best cake designers in your area.

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