55 Beautiful Wedding Cake Ideas to Inspire You

4 tier wedding cake on wood table — Photo by Whitney Darling; Event Planning by RO & Co. Events; Cake by Hey There! Cupcake

There are few things we appreciate more than a decadent wedding cake—both in taste and style. Dessert trends come and go, but nothing takes the place of a delicious cake that satisfies more than one of your senses. Our favorite type of wedding cake is the kind that makes a statement by adding to your wedding decor.

Pastry chef Emily Lael Aumiller personally adores the marriage of a sophisticated aesthetic with a relaxed design. "Whether the cake is naturally iced, adorned with fresh fruit, decorated with intricate sugar work or fresh, edible flowers, I strive to create a dessert that tells a story," she explains.

Meet the Expert

Emily Lael Aumiller is a pastry chef with over a decade of experience creating custom cakes with bespoke ingredients that cater to a wide variety of dietary needs. Aumiller is the owner of Brooklyn-based Lāel Cakes and author of Pure Artistry: Extraordinary Vegan and Gluten-Free Cakes.

For bohemian brides, we’re loving delicate flower wreaths, organically placed leafy vines, or anything with an earthy feel. If your style is more contemporary, a sleek, smooth finish and geometric details will always do the trick. If you’re more of a classic bride, traditional white isn’t your only option; hand-painted florals, watercolors, and subtle ruffles all evoke a timeless touch. If your reception is outdoors, consider taking inspiration from your surroundings.

"It's your wedding, your cake, your day," says Aumiller. "Focus on the dream cake you'll want to devour for your celebration. Let your baker determine what designs will be the safest based on external circumstances."

With that said, we’ve rounded up 55 gorgeous wedding cake ideas that promise to do just that. No matter your taste (literally and figuratively), we’ve got a cake for every wedding style. Which one is your favorite?

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Floral-Painted Cake

Five-Tier white Painted cake with floral illustrations — Photo by Lucy Davenport Photography, Cake by Curtis & Co. Cakes

Can a cake be too beautiful to eat? These jaw-dropping floral illustrations deserve to be framed, but will make an even bigger statement at any romantically feminine fête or garden-party themed affair.

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Dramatic Floral Texture

Four-tiered black wedding cake with painted flowers and sugar flowers — Photo by Stewart Uy Photography, Cake by Vanilla Bake Shop

Dark wedding cakes don't always have to be moody and brooding. This stunner exudes a soft elegance with its floral-painted tier and accents of handmade sugar blossoms in powdery tones.

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Textured Florals and Gold

Three-tier matte white wedding cake with 3-d floral appliques and gold finishes — Photo by KT Merry; Event Planning by Bellafare; Cake by Tessa Pinner

A matte white design is elevated with satin-finished petals and bursts of burnished tones. The autumnal hues hint at the sweet potato cake with candied pecan crunch and maple buttercream that lies beneath.

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Watercolor Ombre Sugar Flowers

Three-tier white wedding cake with gradient painted textured Sugar Flowers — Photo by Jen Huang Photography, Cake by Nine Cakes

This is refined whimsy in confectionary form. Pristine white fondant creates the perfect base for a gradient of blue and violet watercolor petals to sweep up the tiers as if carried on a gentle summer breeze.

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Pretty in Pink Watercolor

Two tier Wedding cake with pink watercolor top tier and galmorous gilded tiles on the bottom tier — Photo by Taralynn Lawton Photography, Cake by Pretty Please Bakeshop

Feminine glam is the theme with this two-tiered delight. The top tier is coated in a pastel pink watercolor-blend of icing, while the bottom boasts geometric stenciling in a matte gold finish. Greenery adds a hint of welcomed freshness.

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Minimalist Textured Details

Single-tier white Textured cake With fresh blooms — Photo by Jen Huang Photography, Cake by Nine Cakes

Minimalism isn't always stark. These simple white wedding cakes are elevated with scalloped and latticework textures, and accented with pops of fresh flowers.

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Glamorous Mixed Mediums

Two-tier wedding cake with naked top tier and gilded bottom tier with wreath of fresh blooms — Photo by Sotiria McDonald Photography, Cake by Cake Ink

Two worlds collide as the organic and comforting nature of a nearly-naked chocolate cake is juxtaposed against a base layer of opulent metallic gold. A wreath of florals in a blend of sexy crimson hues, demure pastels, and greenery perfectly merge the two aesthetics.

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Sculptural Foliage

Minimalist three-tier white wedding cake with sculptural leaves — Photo by Cari Courtright Photography, Cake by Ma Petite Maison Cakes

There is something incredibly chic in restrained decor. Three tiers of flawless, stark white fondant are adorned with just two spears of speckled leaves and a single white bud. We love this vibe for a summer or tropical wedding.

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Rustically Refined Texture

White two tier wedding cake with embossed geometric texture on the bottom tier — Photo by Jen Huang Photography, Cake by Nine Cakes

A refined take on rustic wedding cakes. The two-tiered cake features a geometric print embossed on the bottom and a smattering of dried florals for an earthy touch.

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A Bohemian Dream

Two-tier white Wedding cake with macrame texture on bottom tier and vibrant pink blooms — Photo by Ashley Ludaescher Photography, Cake by Paper Cake Events

These boho details scream summer beach wedding or desert nuptials. Piped macramé detailing nails the eclectic vibe while bold bougainvillea and sorbet-colored ranunculi add a vibrant flair.

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Fresh Fruit Toppings

White single-tier Fruit topped wedding cake with fresh fruit topping — Photo by Mademoiselle Fiona Photography, Cake by Lāel Cakes

This delicious trifecta of cakes is straight out of a Renaissance still life. White stucco-textured buttercream is decorated with fresh pomegranates, plums, and figs. "We created a divine dessert table for this upscale farm wedding," explains Aumiller. "With lavish blue velvet under multiple cakes, tarts, donuts, and pies. Keeping the decor fresh and purposeful balanced the rustic surroundings."

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Gilded Florals

Five-tier white Wedding cake with textured flowers and gold details — Photo by KR Moreno; Event Planning by Katie Gregg Events & Co.; Cake by Sweet Heather Anne

This five-tiered wedding cake is a flourish of white and gold sugar flowers, trellising upwards through the layers. Inside, the cake features flavors of chocolate, salted caramel, and raspberry cream.

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Minimalist Florals

White three-tier wedding cake with minimalist Floral details — Photo by Jen Huang Photography, Cake by Nine Cakes

Another breathtaking example of the beauty in restrained elegance. A single metallic stripe and stems of powdery blush florals tucked into its layers is all this wedding cake needs to shine.

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Colorful Sugar Flowers in Asymmetric Ombre

Two-tier white Wedding cake with asymmetric swag of colorful sugar flowers across the front — Photo by Ashlee Brooke Photography, Cake by Flour and Flourish

A swag of citrus-toned florals and tiny kumquats completely transforms this simple two-tiered cake into a ray of sunshine. Fair warning, your guests may need reassurance that these hyperrealistic blossoms are entirely edible.

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Semi-Nude Texture

three-tiered semi-naked wedding cake with blush flowers and leaves — Photo by Sotiria McDonald Photography, Cake by Cake Ink

Countrified, but make it oh-so refined. This three-tiered, semi-naked wedding cake allows the spongey base to peek through the layer of icing while blush flowers and eucalyptus finish off the tender look.

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Gold-Standard Glamour

Four-tier Wedding cake in white and metallic gold fondant with asymmetric flower details — Photo by Nickol Cady, Cake by Fox Tail Bakeshop

It doesn't get much more luxurious than this. Three tiers of white fondant brushed with metallic gold and one entire tier of textured, gilded goodness all wrapped up in a fresh swag of pastel blossoms and greenery.

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Something Blue

three-tier Wedding cake in watercolor blue painted fondant with metallic trim and sugar flower details — Photo by Judy Park Studios, Cake by Nine Cakes

This three-tiered masterpiece of ocean blue brushstrokes has us picking our jaws up off the floor. The rich base is deftly accented with glittering metallic trim and a bouquet of sunshine-hued blooms.

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A Statement White Cake

Five-tier white Wedding cake with sculptural sugar flowers cascading down the front — Photo by Lauren Volo, Cake by Lāel Cakes

"Monochrome designs create a unique sculptural form," explains Aumiller. "We hand sculpted varieties of sugar orchids and layered them in a romantic, abstract spread."

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Ruffle Textures Galore

White five-tier Wedding cake with ruffled texture and greenery and white buds growing up the base — Photo by D'Arcy Benincosa, Cake by A White Cake

Something about ruffled buttercream always makes us smile. This wedding cake wonder boasts a whopping five layers of ruffles all swept up in a cradle of crawling greenery and buds. It all just feels like the romantic freshness of spring and summer.

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Peachy Keen One-Tier

One-tier Floral naked mini cake with peach and apricot buttercream — Photo by Historias del Ciervo, Cake by Historias del Ciervo

Peach and apricot tones are oh-so sweet for balmy summer celebrations or springtime fêtes. This speckled peach-hued frosting has a slightly-naked effect and is topped with soft roses in matching tones, halos of rosemary, and a touch of eucalyptus. Just imagine how scrumptious it all smells.

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Glamorous Gold-Accented Florals

Glamorous four-tier white wedding cake with metallic Gold accents and white flower details — Photo by Sotiria McDonald Photography, Cake by Cake Ink

White and gold, you never let us down. Four tiers of impeccably smooth fondant, a brush of shiny gold leaf, and an asymmetric swag of creamy sugar florals—what more could we possibly ask for?

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A Natural Minimalist Finish

Minimalist white two-tier wedding cake with geometric embossed texture on bottom layer and fresh muscari accents — Photo by Jen Huang Photography, Cake by Nine Cakes

This two-tiered delight is anchored with a base of geometrically embossed fondant and is practically sprouting muscari buds, berries, and greenery. This natural and fresh aesthetic just screams of spring.

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Tonal Blooms

Two-tier Wedding cake with powdery muted blooms — Photo by Lauren Volo, Cake by Lāel Cakes

Eggshell is a color rarely seen in the bridal sphere as its more white-balanced counterparts usually take precedence. This beauty makes a serious case for the overlooked shade with the addition of a dusty wildflower ensemble that harkens back to that luscious, deep-summer haze. "Mixing fondant with organic, fresh decor makes for a unique pairing," explains Aumiller. "Organic branches against the clean lines makes the movement of the nature decor really pop."

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Statement Sequins

Black four-tier Wedding cake with glamorous sequin detailing — Photo by Kate Headley; Cake by Sweet Heather Anne

This soft-black buttercream cake is comprised of thousands (thousands!) of hand-punched, edible sequins all individually set by hand. “We felt bad cutting into that masterpiece, but after we tasted the cake, it was totally worth it,” bride Diana explains. The layers were made up of vanilla cake filled with caramel-praline buttercream and a blood orange curd-filled olive oil cake.

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Glamorous Pastel Palette

Two-tier wedding cake with pastel watercolor fondant and blush blooms — Photo by Tayler Enerle Photography, Cake by Paper Cake Events

A lavender watercolor base tier ascends into a smooth top tier with a smattering of gold leaf and the tiniest hints of cake peeking through. The delectable delight is finished off with accents of fresh lavender, gilded leaves, and faded pastel blooms.

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Subtle Ombré Watercolor

Three-tier Wedding cake with light blue watercolor gradient and glittery gold trim — Photo by Judy Park Studios, Cake by Nine Cakes

This fondant in a light blue watercolor gradient is so fluid it appears to be perpetually in motion. The captivating flow is accented with glittering metallic trimmed edges.

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Asymmetric Organic Wreath

four-tiered white wedding cake with satin finish and moody floral crescent — Photo by Katrina Jayne, Cake by Vanilla Bake Shop

This four-tiered wedding cake has an alluring luster to its perfectly smooth, satin-finished fondant. A crescent-shaped swag of autumnal-hued, dusty mauves and brooding crimsons completes the most divine fall or winter wedding confection.

"Cost is affected by how intricate your design may be," explains Aumiller. "Talk to your cake designer about their offerings varying from fresh to sugar decor and icing to fondant finishing."

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Pops of Painted Oranges

two-tier wedding cake with painted orange illustrations and fresh citrus fruit — Photo by The Ganeys, Cake by Sweets Illustrated

It doesn't get much sweeter than an allover citrus illustrated print. Topped with oranges and accented with spray roses in the same color scheme, this darling dessert is the epitome of summer.

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Ruffled Radiance

Frout-tiered white wedding cake with ruffled texture and sugar anemone flowers — Photo by SYLIVE GIL; EVENT PLANNING BY ELISE JOHNSON FOR SHANNON LEAHY EVENTS; CAKE BY JASMINE RAE CAKES

These four tiers of ruffled splendor were inspired by peony petals, and executed to absolute perfection. What's equally as impressive? The underlying layers of salted caramel, almond cream, and espresso buttercream almond cakes and rose, vanilla bean cakes with raspberry, hibiscus curd, and Swiss meringue buttercream.

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Whimsical Watercolors

Two-tiered white wedding cake with watercolor painted fondant and flowers — Photo by Chris Isham, Cake by Tessa Pinner

This two-tiered wedding cake is emblazoned with a crescendo of blue and green watercolor strokes softened by metallic gold veins. Frilly scabiosa bonnets add a pop of pink to the vibe.

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Cascading Florals

Two-tier white wedding cake with blush painted florals and fresh flowers — Photo by Chris Isham, Cake by Tessa Pinner

A spray of painted watercolor florals is topped with a crown of their three-dimensional counterparts. We're loving the slightly asymmetric balance between the two tiers, adding a slight edge to the otherwise romantic scene.

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A Bed of Roses

two-tier white wedding cake with fresh pink blooms — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography, Cake by Magnolia Bakery

Simplicity is key. This two-tiered, white wedding cake needs little more than an apricot-hued garden rose or sprig of green berries tucked here and there.

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Semi-Naked Drama

three-tier white Semi naked wedding cake with fresh flowers in moody hues — Photo by Kelly Anne Berry Photography, Cake by Peche Petite Boutique Bakery

This three-tiered wedding cake packs a serious visual punch. Crisp layers flank a semi-naked chocolate tier brimming with moody florals evocative of fall and wintry drama.

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An Anemone Attraction

Five-tier white Wedding cake with anemone and ranunculus flowers — Photo by Judy Park Studios, Cake by Nine Cakes

We've seen roses and peonies aplenty, but these sugar anemones have a captivating darkness about them. The dramatic theme is brightened with bursts of blush petals and yellow ranunculus buds.

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Tonal Texture

Three-tier Textured cake with white flowers — Photo by D'Arcy Benincosa, Cake by Pippa Cakery

There's something to be said about the elegance of white monochrome. With a slightly stuccoed texture and pale felt flowers growing out of the tiers, this all-white wedding cake is anything but flat.

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A Spectacular Floral Spectrum

Five-tier white Wedding cake with spectrum of vibrant flowers cascading down the side — Photo by Judy Park Studios, Cake by Nine Cakes

Why choose one color when you can have them all? A full rainbow spectrum of confectionary flowers crawl down all five tiers of this colorful cake.

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Marbled Marvel

Three-tiered marbled Wedding cake — Photo by Blair Heagerty, Cake by Jasmine Rae Cakes

This masterpiece takes an organic aesthetic and gives it a stony twist. Three tiers of the most realistic gray marble texture we've ever seen feature veins of metallic bronze and hints of wispy, gray rice paper petals for a touch of softness.

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Blue Brushstrokes

two-tier white wedding cake with stucco texture and blue paint strokes — Photo by Chris Isham, Cake by Tessa Pinner

This two-tier white wedding cake boasts an imperfect stucco texture that screams of rustic elegance. A jolt of blue brushstrokes mimic the design of the cake stand and add a swath of color.

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Glamorous Stroke of Genius

Five-tier white wedding cake with metallic brush strokes and flowers — Photo by Heather Waraksa, Cake by Nine Cakes

Bronze brushstrokes add a rich warmth to a white wedding cake. A touch of romance is incorporated with sensual scarlet tones balanced with tender pink blossoms.

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Vintage Floral Romance

four-tiered white buttercream cake with blush vintage-hued flowers — Photo by WHITNEY DARLING; EVENT PLANNING BY RO & CO. EVENTS; CAKE BY HEY THERE! CUPCAKE

This four-tiered buttercream cake emanates a vintage-inspired, boho romance with florals of peach, citrus, and copper coloring. What lies beneath the surface? Oh-so fun Oreo and confetti flavors, of course!

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A Personalized Approach

White four-tier Wedding cake with painted floral illustration and fresh flowers — Photo by Alex Bramall; Event Planning by Jennifer Zabinski Events; Cake by Madison Lee's Cakes

This wedding cake design is completely personalized to the newlyweds that commissioned it. The hexagonal shape pays homage to the architecture of the groom's family home where the nuptials took place, and the hand-painted flowers are a reflection of the bride's sequined Valentino wedding dress.

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Gilded Glory

White three-tier wedding cake with gold details and white sugar flowers — Photo by AMANDA K; EVENT PLANNING BY MARJORIE BURGARELLA OF BY MADEMOISELLE C; CAKE BY MADE IN CAKE

Pristine frosting, delicate gold ornaments, and bunches of sugar anemones, ranunculus, and daisies all make for a gorgeous display. A colorful confetti cake surprise awaits just below the luxe facade.

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Glamorous All-White Wonder

Five-tier white wedding cake with glamorous ruffled floral texture — Photo by Christian Arevalo; Cake by Maria Andree Couture Cakes

An all-white cake is quintessentially bridal. This four-tiered, lemon-poppy seed cake ups the glam ante with a cascading array of sugar rose petals.

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Monogram Magic

four-tiered white wedding cake with gold trim, sugar flowers, and a gilded monogram — Photo by CHRISTIAN OTH; EVENT PLANNING BY FÃTE NY; CAKE BY RON BEN-ISRAEL

Monogram lovers, rejoice! This four-tiered wedding cake features gold marbling, sugar flowers, and a gilded interpretation of the couple's monogram.

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All Natural

Four-tiered white textured wedding cake with flowers and fruit cascading down — Photo by JAMES & SCHULZE; EVENT PLANNING BY CALLUNA EVENTS; CAKE BY SHAMANEâS BAKESHOPPE

Four flavorful tiers of crème caramel, almond, raspberry, and vanilla are enveloped in smooth fondant embossed with a natural tree-scape. A vibrant array of florals and cornucopia of delicious fresh figs, grapes, and plums snake down the side.

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Glamorous Grayscale

Four-tier Gray painted textured wedding cake with peach and red roses — Photo by Molly Peach; Cake by Copper Whisk Cakes

Soft gray is rare in the wedding world, but this beauty has us totally obsessed. Irregular trims of dove gray texture encircle the base of each tier as a rich, autumnal color scheme of deep crimsons, faded apricots, and light blues are injected through florals.

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Nuptial Nudes

Three-tier Naked wedding cake with olive branches and white roses — Photo by Heather Waraska; Event Planning by AaB Creates; Cake by Sugar Sugar Custom Cakes

While it can be easy to get distracted by all the bells and whistles of fondants and luxe gilded accents, there's something inherently captivating and comforting about a homey, naked wedding cake. With a neutral color palette and a bevy of fresh roses, peonies, and olive branches, this humble masterpiece is just as stunning as its decked-out counterparts.

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Crowd-Pleaser

White four-tiered wedding cake with watercolor fondant, gold leaf, and ruffled texture — Photo by IMOGEN XIANA; CAKE BY LUCY'S SUGAR SHACK

There's something for everyone when each tier boasts a personality all its own—from feminine ruffles, to gold leaf, to fluid watercolors, to monochromatic magic. The flavors also follow suit with selections from boozy fruit cake, honey and almond cake, Victoria sponge cake with rosewater buttercream, and raspberry and white chocolate.

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Feminine Florals

Three-tier white wedding cake with Softly textured buttercream and a cascade of roses and peonies — Photo by REBECCA YALE; EVENT PLANNING BY TOAST SANTA BARBARA; CAKE BY ENJOY CUPCAKES

Softly textured buttercream and a cascade of massive garden roses and peonies create a breathtaking display. We seriously can't stop staring at this magnificent piece.

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Mediterranean Minimalism

Three-tier minimalist white wedding cake with olive branches and frosted topper of bride, groom, and dog — Photo by Kent Drake; Cake by Bent Fork Bakery

Celebrations with a decidedly Mediterranean feel can do no wrong with a simple wedding cake that exudes the coast's natural splendor. Crisp white fondant decorated with lush olive branches and filled with fresh strawberries speak of the design's Italian inspiration.

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Peaches and Cream Perfection

A three-tiered white wedding cake with peach and cream-colored flowers and metallic painted brush strokes — Photo by Christina McNeill; Event Planning by Ruby & Rose; Cake by Pretty Please Bakeshop

Fall weddings have a sumptuous richness about them. Nail the look with an autumnal palette of dusty-toned eggplants, burgundies, lilacs, mauves, and dusky-peaches on a canvas of creamy white frosting.

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A Classic Textured Cake With Florals

White three-tiered wedding cake with combed texture and fresh blooms sitting on wooden cake stand — Photo by JEREMIAH & RACHEL; EVENT PLANNING BY GREENWOOD EVENTS; CAKE BY MISS PATTI CAKES

A classic white wedding cake gets a feminine twist with horizontally-combed buttercream. A tender display of tea roses, dahlias, and golden ferns finish off the rustic vibe.

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All Ruffled Up

White four-tier Wedding cake with ruffled texture — Photo by Robyn Rachel; Event Planning by Big City Bride; Cake by Amy Beck Cake Design

We know we've made quite a show of lobbying for ruffles here, but seriously consider the amount of time and expertise it takes to create each individual ruffle. This beauty features ruffled layers that ascend into a burst of floating petals.

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All the Glamorous Trimmings

White four-tiered Wedding cake with gold metallic trim and fresh blooms — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari; Event Planning by Tiffany Rivera of Simply Breathe Events; Cake by Belle Mer

This four-tiered confectionary dream is dripping in gold trim and fresh pastel blooms. What awaits beneath the refined exterior? Funfetti!

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Palm Paradise

simple minimalist white two-tier wedding cake with palms — Photo by Biancca Wallace; Event Planning by Courtney Tibbets of After The Engagement; Cake by Over The Rainbow Desserts

Add a retro vibe to your tropical destination wedding with a minimalist white cake deftly decked with birds of paradise and dried palm leaves. A vintage cake topper completes the look.

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