- Wedding Cakes
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From geometric designs to bold colors, these confections are perfect for a modern event.
By
and
Updated on 03/23/23 10:29AM
While we're forever fans of a classic wedding cake confection, nothing gives us a sugar rush quite like sleek and refined modern wedding cakes. These new confection styles have earned their place on the wedding dessert table, boasting cool designs and dripping with personality. From geometric detailing and moody dark hues to metallic flourishes and artistic designs, there are plenty of ways to make a modern wedding cake stand out on your big day.
Want to see some styles to give you inspiration for your own contemporary reception? Read ahead to see inspiration from real weddings and expert bakers who have a unique and modern take on how to craft a wedding cake.
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Romantically Modern
This four-tiered almond cake from a chic all-white wedding looks sleek and modern with a whimsical adornment of rice paper sales.
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A Dramatic Design
Black fondant and gold leaf lends some major drama to this modern cake design. Florals like roses and anemone help soften the look.
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Architectural Sweet
As a nod to the mid-century modern design of the Parker Hotel where they hosted their wedding, one couple had their baker mimic the façade of the building with the cake design. The result is a modern masterpiece.
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Separated Tiers
These three square-shaped black cakes drizzled with gold look more like art installations than desserts.
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Bold Colors
Many couples aren't afraid to be bold with their color choices. A dotted and geometric design makes this cool, dark-hued cake even more modern.
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Ruffle Cake
The bold sugar ruffles of this buttery lemon cake makes this confection at a Barbados wedding look like a work of art. The treat was filled with mixed-berry meringue buttercream.
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Tonal Hues
This classic, two-tiered white wedding cake is given a modern twist with subtle brushstrokes of gray and charcoal hues.
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Moody Florals
Modern doesn't mean you can't show off your love of flowers. Blush-hued florals coupled with the cake's black color make this dessert just as lush and romantic as it is dark and dreamy.
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Angular Add-Ons
A classic all-white confection can still feel contemporary thanks to unique angular detailing.
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Oceanic Ombré
At this surf-inspired wedding, the couple had an ombré cake designed to mimic the hues of the ocean. The technique to create a gradient of color has a uniquely modern feel.
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Tiny Succulents
Say goodbye to the traditional couple on top of the cake. This cactus wedding cake topper is so desert cool.
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Marble Effect
Some wedding cakes look too pretty to eat. Case in point: This richly marbleized fondant covers these moody, formal tiers.
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Earth Tones
This single-tiered cake featuring muted watercolors and a dripping glaze is the perfect end to contemporary seaside nuptials.
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Textured Fondant
It doesn't take much to give a classic cake a modern twist. This subtle embossed texture is a trend that revamps a basic design.
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Sculptural Toppers
Don't waste an inch of a single-tier cake. Marble-like edible artwork blooms out of this spherical sweet treat.
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Embrace Dried Grasses
Dried grasses and pampas grass are a strong part of a modern aesthetic today. You can add them to your cake design by elegantly arranging them around your confection.
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Embrace a Hue
Couples can easily show off their wedding colors through their cake. This terracotta style ties in the hues of this cool dinner party wedding along with added floral motifs.
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Square Shapes
Linear shapes and a bit of color blocking make this square confection totally contemporary.
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Hexagonal Drama
If you really want to shake things up with your wedding cake's shape, think about going hexagonal. This masterpiece should be all the convincing you need.
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Make it Marble
Modernity can still be clean and classic, as proven by this marble effect. This design would be great for a minimalist wedding.
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Striking Contrasts
Minimalist and modern, this wedding cake will be a contemporary couple's dessert of choice.
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White Arches
This wedding cake is simply classic with a modern twist. Small textural arches etched into the frosting makes this design elevated and contemporary.
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Fringe Effect
Unexpected string-like frosting detailing is another contemporary way to update a white wedding cake.
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Terrazzo Treat
Take a cue from modern interior design and decorate your cake with a bold terrazzo tile-inspired design.
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Glam Foil
A flourish of gold foil is a modern way to go glam. We love the juxtaposition of the fresh greenery at the base.
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Gray and Gold
A gorgeous gray tint, a wash of gold color, and lush white blooms are both romantic and marvelously modern.
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Artistic Approach
Have your cake look like a modern of modern art with a watercolor-inspired design.
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Glimmering Geodes
At this San Francisco wedding, the grooms chose a unique cake design that makes it appear as if the cake is like a geode. Inside, the confection had a sweet mix of caramelized pear and chocolate raspberry cake, and peanut butter cake with chocolate ganache and cream.
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Paint Your Cake
An illustration-inspired print is definitely an unexpected and modern take on a wedding cake design. We're loving this citrus style for an outdoor wedding.
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Stunning Swirls
Swirls of marbleized gray hues modernize this sweet wedding treat.