Once upon a time, wedding cakes came with a fairly fixed set of expectations: three tiers, white icing and a formal slice after dinner. But in 2026, couples are rewriting the rulebook entirely, and the cake table is all the better for it. Today’s wedding cake isn’t just dessert. Here are the wedding cake “rules” newly-weds are happily breaking, and why it’s making celebrations feel more personal than ever.

Cakes Should Look Traditional

If you’ve seen cakes lately that resemble sculpture more than sponge, you’re not imagining it. One of the biggest shifts this year is the move toward cakes as art pieces. Sculptural cakes with abstract shapes, unexpected silhouettes, and textured finishes are taking centre stage.

Blanc-Tailleur Bastien

Think pleated buttercream, curved tiers, wafer paper details, and designs that feel almost architectural. Couples are choosing cakes that look like they belong in a gallery, and it’s turning the cake table into a true statement moment.

SNP Cake Atelier

Your Cake Has to Be Tall and Tiered

The era of towering tiered cakes being the default is fading fast. In 2026, smaller cakes are having a major moment, and they’re not just a budget choice; they’re a style choice. Single-tier cakes, especially in modern oval shapes, feel chic, understated, and very current.

Butter AU

Wedding planners are realising that a cake doesn’t need height to have an impact. A beautifully crafted one-tier design can feel just as special, especially when paired with a thoughtful display or surrounded by a dessert table. It’s less about size, more about presence.

Alex Johns of Third Wheelin

Wedding Cakes Should Always Be White

White will always have its place, but husband and wife are embracing colour in a way that feels bold and sophisticated. Monochromatic cakes in deep neutrals, soft pastels, or even rich statement shades are everywhere right now.

Mali Bakes

A cake in all buttercream blush or dramatic chocolate brown can feel incredibly modern, especially when it ties into the wedding’s wider palette. Colour is no longer an “extra”. It’s becoming part of the design language of the day.

Blos Bakery

Decoration Has to Be Delicate

For years, wedding cake décor leaned heavily into soft florals and subtle finishes. But these days, couples are leaning into texture, contrast, and a little drama. Metallic accents, mixed finishes, and bold detailing are everywhere, from edible gold leaf to pearlised brushstrokes.

Greg Fink

Cakes combine smooth fondant with rougher buttercream or pair shimmer with sculptural edges. It’s luxe, modern, and a little unexpected, which is exactly the point.

Blos Bakery

The Cake Should Match Everyone Else’s

One of the loveliest things about wedding cakes right now is how personal they’ve become. Newlyweds are no longer choosing designs because they’re popular; they’re choosing them because they feel meaningful. Some are taking inspiration from fashion, with cakes that echo couture draping or ruffled fabric.

Jagodowo Mi

Others are bringing in nostalgic touches, like playful piping or retro bows inspired by the glamour of decades past. The cake is no longer about fitting in. It’s about reflecting the couple’s style, whether that’s minimalist, maximalist, romantic, or completely offbeat.

SNP Cake Atelier

Flavour Comes Second to Appearance

For a while, wedding cakes became almost too focused on looks. Beautiful, yes, but often forgettable once it came time to eat. In 2026, flavour is firmly back as the main character. We're seeing more and more people choosing cakes with real personality in taste, from pistachio and raspberry to citrus layers, floral notes, or rich caramel combinations.

Butter AU

Many are serving different flavours across tiers or pairing the main cake with extra dessert options. The goal is simple: guests should remember how it tasted, not just how it photographed.

Butter AU

Cutting the Cake Has to Be a Formal Moment

The traditional cake cutting is becoming less of a staged performance and more of a relaxed part of the day. Some couples are cutting their cake earlier, during cocktail hour. Others are skipping the spotlight moment entirely, choosing instead to have it served quietly later. In a fun twist on tradition, some are turning their confectionery delight into the guest book, having their nearest and dearest leave sweet nothings in icing!

Dear Vincent & James Raper

The focus is shifting from ceremony to enjoyment. A trend we've been absolutely loving is partners topping their cakes with candles they blow out together. It’s another reminder that modern weddings are about doing what feels natural, not what feels expected.

- Gráinne