50 Contemporary Wedding Cakes
Long gone are the days of the traditional white wedding cake. Today, more and more brides and grooms are opting for a cake that reflects both their personalities and the wedding’s theme or sizing down on the cake size to incorporate a more diverse sweets table. The result? A dessert that is stunning, unique, and modern. Think personal patterns, metallic accents, artsy adornments, marble frosting. We could rave on about these beautiful touches, but why don’t you take a look yourself?
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Artsy and Industrial -168847
Industrial meets cozy in rugged strokes of chocolate brown and metallic gold.
Photo Credit: Rustic White Photography / Cake by Sugar and Slate
Modern Mix
With a different personality in every layer, this three-tiered cake is a work of art. Crystals, quartz, and geodes combine with copper and marbled fondant for an edgy, yet feminine look.
Photo Credit: Kristina Adams / Cake by Rooney Girl Bakeshop
Black One Tier
Moody and dark, this single mini cake is modernly romantic with a black body and hand-painted roses.
Photo Credit: Lindsay Nickel Photography / Cake by Sugar by Tracy
Cracked Surface
Clean and simple, this minimalistic cake revels in elegant beauty. Intentional gilded cracks show that imperfections can be beautiful, and fondant gem clusters create a bohemian chic vibe.
Photo Credit: Siobhan H Photography / Cake by Andi Freeman Cakes
Primary Hues
Watercolor blots in primary hues give this wedding cake a fun and playful vibe.
Photo Credit: Sylvie Gil Photography / Cake by The Whole Cake
Slick Marble
Thick marble-inspired swirls mimic the inside of a geode and create a sleek finish. A splash of gold adds a bit of a glam.
Photo Credit: Emily Wren Photography / Cake by Jeffrey Miller Catering
Autumn Decadence
Dripping in deep hues, this slender fall-inspired cake is wickedly good. A rich plum color, honeycomb top tier, and fondant floral adornments play up various textures.
Photo Credit: Dina Chmut / Cake by Artisan Cake Company
Brushstrokes
This single cake may be mini in size, but it sure is large in color, with wisps of teal and orchid and a splattering of metallic gold.
Photo Credit: Cavin Elizabeth Photography / Cake by Sweet as Bliss
Jewel Tone Geode
Gems and geodes make this white tiered cake pop with vibrant jewel tones.
Photo Credit: Alex Lasota Photography / Cake by Frost Me Sweet
Airbrushed
This airbrushed cake imitates the husky tones of the beach’s sand and green sea, complemented by crystal toppings and encrusted salt around the edges.
Photo Credit: Laura Murray Photography / Cake by Vanilla Bake Shop
Modern Rustic
Rustic meets modern in this two-tiered cake with a slightly naked top layer and marble bottom later. The result is romantically whimsy.
Photo Credit: Jeff Brummett Visuals / Cake by Loft 22 Cakes
Agate Beauty
This agate cake in stunning teal and copper is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Photo Credit: Marisa Belle Photography / Cake by 21 Cakes
Watercolor Swatches
Thick, rough amethyst and gold watercolor swatches transform this cake into an oil painting.
Photo Credit: Connie Whitlock / Cake by Megan Joy Cakes
Greenery
This may be a classic white cake, but a draping of olive garlands gives it a whole new look with a bit of Grecian inspiration.
Photo Credit: Rachel Smith Photography / Cake by Winnie’s Bakery
Watercolors
Watercolor blue mimics the oceans waves, with heavy drips of metallic gold icing for a bit of edge.
Photo Credit: La Vie Douce Design
Preppy Stripes
Solid gold stripes bring a preppy and timeless twist to a white wedding cake. A single bloom brings a touch of romance.
Photo Credit: Sarah Beth Photography / Cake by Melissa’s Fine Pastries
Ombré
From soft brick to red to neon orange, this ombré cake is a colorful delight.
Photo Credit: Blest Studios
Modern Luxury
A black canvas and jagged gold steaks make this sumptuous cake luxe and chic.
Photo Credit: Anna Delores Photography / Cake by MJB Cakes
Shades of Pink
Watercolor drips in various shades of pink, red, and peach make this cylindrical cake hot, hot, hot, ideal for a bright summer wedding.
Photo Credit: Ivy Road Photography / Cake by The Cake That Ate Paris
Bohemian Vibes
A pastel marble bottom tier, metallic gold paint splatters, and feather accents lend this cake an understated Bohemian flair.
Photo Credit: Suegraphy / Cake by Sugarlips Cakes
Arabian Nights
Handmade sugar gems in vibrant hues, detailed motifs, and hand-painted shades of blue and gold evoke a rich, enchanting, and exotic feel.
Photo Credit: Calvina Photography / Cake by Paper Heart Patisserie
Layers
Ombre plum ruffle layers lend this cake a bit of whimsical charm, coupled with a wreath of greenery for an organic touch.
Photo Credit: Marissa Lambert Photography / Cake by The Royal Cakery
Crystals and Beads
A thick layer of gold fondant beads and crystals graces the top tier for a vintage 1920s look in a modern style — a perfectly subtle juxtaposition.
Photo Credit: Krista Esterling / Cake by The Copper Hen
Scales
Scales in a mix of blue, green, and purple hues take inspiration from mermaids at sea.
Photo Credit: Warm Photo / Cake by Tortik Annushka
Winter Romance
Icy blue, whispers of metallic silver, and delicate lace captures the essence of a Parisian winter.
Photo Credit: Catherine O’Hara / Cake by Berties CupCakery
Impressionism Touches
Blurred watercolor brushstrokes steal the show in this artistic cake, reminiscent of Impressionism. The couple’s monogram hand-painted in the middle adds a personal touch.
Photo Credit: Ludovica Lanzafami and Valerio Elia / Cake by Dolce Mente con Torta
Soft Marble
Marble gray and delicate gold iced hibiscus combine for soft, modern romance.
Photo Credit: Jenna Bechtholt Photography / Cake by Honey Crumb Cake Studio
Street Art
This rainbow of a wedding cake takes inspiration from bold street art. Placed in the middle of an art gallery, it looks like a piece of art itself.
Photo Credit: Katie Lopez Photography / Cake by Sugar Fancies
Agate Geodes
Agate geodes influence the striking emerald design of the bottom tier, while a classy black and gold top tier serves as an elegant contrast to the jewel tone.
Photo Credit: Apryl Ann Photography / Cake by Sugar Bee Sweets
Copper Foil
Each tier crafts its own persona, from a simple white to a copper foil appearance to hand-painted spring flowers. Topped with roses, the look is eclectic romance.
Photo Credit: Live View Studios / Cake by Sugar Euphoria
Ruffles
A bottom tier rich in ruffles pays homage to the frills of a wedding dress for a feminine look in a sultry, opulent blue.
Photo Credit: Andrew & Tianna Photography / Cake by Buttercream Bakeshop
Pleats
Rustic merges with glam in gilded pleats and a topper of summer botany.
Photo Credit: Kristin La Voie Photography / Cake by Urban Icing
Square Tiers
Gunmetal black buttercream lend this cake a concrete resemblance while offset square tiers provide a bit of edge. Dripping edible gold paint, raw quartz, and tumbling amaranthus finish off the look.
Photo Credit: Christina Marie Photography / Cake by Kuba Kreations
Sky Blue
Why have traditional white when your cake can match the color of the sky? Warm florals juxtapose with a cool blue for some sunny elegance.
Photo Credit: Marina Mauletkali Photography / Cake by Fancy Cakes by Leslie / Flowers by Petals by the Shore
Gilded Cake
This dreamy one-tiered cake is drenched in glamorous romance, from cascading red blooms to a gilded body rife in texture.
Photo Credit: Natashia Nicole Photography / Cake by Jenny’s Cake
Navy Watercolors
Thick navy watercolor splotches grace only the bottom tier of this cake for a simple, yet stunning look. A hint of silver metallic frosting skirting the edges combines for a wintry feel.
Photo Credit: Maria Lamb / Cake by Sainte G. Cake Company
Geometric Designs
This non-traditional cake is all about the shapes. Round and hexagonal silhouettes contrast with one other while various geometric designs play together for an urban artsy vibe.
Photo Credit: Clique Photography / Cake by Bang Pop Shop
Metallic Frosting
With a sleek black finish and gold metallic frosting, this three-tiered cake makes a dramatic statement. Coupled with a purple flower, the result is autumn romance.
Photo Credit: Tyler Branch Photo / Cake by Frost It Cakery
Watercolor Brushstrokes
This dreamy cake painted in soft pastel watercolors calls to mind a magical seaside escape.
Photo Credit: Little Hunny’s Cakery
Agate Slices
Lights and darks combine for a dramatic feel, accented with agate slices. Pastel and black have never looked so good.
Photo Credit: Leighanne Herr / Cake by The Custom Cakery
Geometric Lines
From a hexagonal shape to a marble pattern and copper foil icing triangles, this cake knows how to play up geometry.
Photo Credit: Katie Shuler Photography / Cake by Whisk and Whittle
Abstract Art
This magnificent cake truly is art. Square and rectangle accents in intricate watercolors offset four square tiers for an abstract look that perfectly mirrors the painting behind it.
Photo Credit: Priyanca Rao Photography / Cake by Madison Lee’s Cakes
Gold Medallions
This wedding cake is a wine lover’s dream. A scattered gold medallion appearance provides texture underneath an adornment of wine grapes, figs, and blackberries, all for a Bordeaux inspired look.
Photo Credit: Emily Steffen Photography / Cake by Cocoa & Fig
Musical Notes
Unique patterns like musical notes are an ideal way to reflect the bride and groom’s personalities. In this cake, the look is beautifully whimsical.
Photo Credit: Love by Serena / Cake by Sweet Fix RVA
Jewel Tones
A light cobalt blue marble pattern, deep red flora, and flecks of gold make this cake a jewel-toned masterpiece.
Photo Credit: KT Crabb Photography / Cake by Anna Cakes
Tropical Vibes
A smattering of oversized palm leaves along the spine of this timeless marble cake creates a tropical flair.
Photo Credit: Ruth Eileen Photography / Cake by Sugar Couture
Mussel Shells
This white and gray-blue cake features loose-handed brushstrokes in different directions, taking a cue from the laidback vibes of the surrounding beach, with an adornment of hand-painted gold mussel shells for a full sea effect.
Photo Credit: Ashley dePencier Photography / Cake by Paper Cake Events
Organic Charm
A stunning plum and gold corner geode design and botanic accents lend this square tiered cake an earthy and organic charm.
Photo Credit: Our Love is Loud / Cake by Astonishing Cakes
Multiple Geodes
Corner geodes in gold, silver, and violet blue are all this simple white cake needs for a breathtaking look. Paired with a matching agate topper, this cake is a real gem.
Photo Credit: Tyler Rye Photography / Cake by Sweet Cakes by Karen
Metallic Stripes
Carefree wispy stripes of metallic gold add a bit of rustic glam to this garden inspired cake.
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard Photography / Cake by Sweet E’s Bakeshop
