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When it comes to wedding cakes, brides and grooms are going big — from the scale of their confections to the cost.
According to some of the country's most in-demand wedding cake makers, a growing number of couples are prioritizing their cakes and are more willing to splurge on a special, show-stopping centerpiece for their reception.
"Couples are putting emphasis on this historically traditional but sometimes overlooked detail and using it as an opportunity to make it an ultimate expression of their personalities," Kelly Gray of Kelly Gray Cakes tells PEOPLE. "It is the perfect element to not only make the whole event cohesive but to also take risks in design to showcase their individualism."
Kyra Bussanich, founder of Lake Oswego, Oregon-based Kyra's Bake Shop, tells PEOPLE the shift comes after several years of couples opting for elopements or small, intimate weddings necessitated by the pandemic and a desire for more personal celebrations. For these nuptials, "a simple, symbolic cutting cake" sufficed.
"Now, there's a palpable shift back towards grandeur and extravagance in weddings, manifesting in significantly larger dessert budgets. The average budget for a wedding cake has astonishingly more than quadrupled in the past three years," says Bussanich, a four-time champion of Food Network's Cupcake Wars.
She explains that brides and grooms are not only allocating more of their wedding budget to their cake, they're also regarding it as an opportunity to showcase their unique story as a couple.
"This isn't just about splurging on a cake; it's about investing in a unique, tailor-made experience that reflects the couple's personality, tastes and love story," Bussanich says. "Whether it's through elaborate cake designs, exotic flavors or innovative presentations, couples are seeking to make a statement with their wedding cake."
As wedding cakes take the spotlight, some exciting new trends have emerged — from maximalist to vintage designs. Here is a look at the inspirations behind today's confectionery creations.
Gina Territo
Texture
To add a little dramatic flair to their cakes, couples are choosing to incorporate visually striking textures that range from simple stencil patterns to more abstract elements resembling waves, tree bark, flower petals and more.
"These artistic touches not only create a visual spectacle but also mirror the unique tastes and stories of each couple," Bussanich says, explaining that stencils in particular offer "endless possibilities" for customization.
"From the intricate delicacy of floral patterns to the boldness of geometric shapes, stencils allow couples to infuse their cakes with personal significance or thematic elements," she notes.
Allie Lasso
Pressed Flowers
While flowers have long been a popular wedding cake adornment, a new trend involves decorating with colorful pressed blooms, either fresh, dried or made from sugar.
"Pressed flowers are a sweet way to add an organic, whimsical feel to your wedding cake," notes Gray. "I like to make my own version of a pressed flower out of sugar — it's a delicate touch that creates gorgeous texture and movement to the cake as well as a way to weave color into your design."
Eric Kelley Photography
Maximalism
Simple, understated cake designs are making way for grander, more over-the-top cakes — the bigger the better.
"These towering creations, often featuring many tiers that soar majestically, offer more servings than the number of guests, symbolizing abundance and generosity," says Bussanich, noting the cakes are not only big in scale but decorated with lots of lavish details — including edible gold leaf, gilding, layers of textures and stenciled designs, bold splashes of color, and flowers and other tactile elements.
"These cakes are not just desserts; they're masterpieces of culinary art, designed to be as memorable and unique as the celebration itself," the baker adds.
Melody Root
Vintage Charm
Bussanich says there is a growing interest in cake designs that hark back to previous decades or even centuries.
In addition to retro color pairings, such as pink and green, this trend has sparked the comeback of Lambeth piping, a classic English tradition of over-piping icing to create elaborate ruffles, scrolls, garlands, pearls and more. (Royal watchers will recognize the technique from Princess William and Kate Middleton's wedding cake.)
"Thanks to shows like Bridgerton that highlight the lavishness of the Golden Era, this vintage-inspired technique, known for its intricate frills, ruffles and swags, is experiencing a renaissance in modern celebrations," Bussanich says.
"Lambeth piped cakes stand out for their meticulous decoration," she adds. "We're seeing a beautiful spectrum of color palettes that cater to every couple's thematic vision."
Getty
Sheet Cakes
While tiered wedding cakes have long been traditional, more couples are opting for sheet cakes for their nuptials.
"Sheet cakes are the casual fun cousin of the poised, grand wedding cake," says Gray, who has worked with celebrities including Lily Collins and Derek Hough.
"If done with fun intricate piping and cute inscriptions, they can find their way to the spotlight, earning the right to be displayed at your dessert table," she continues. "I’m a fan of them, and they are perfect for the low-key 'anti-bride' looking to do something a little less traditional."
Kyra Bussanich
Mini Cakes
Why settle for just one wedding cake when you can have an array of cakes? The trend of mini cakes allows couples to offer their guests a more exciting dessert experience, Bussanich says.
"Instead of a larger stacked cake, some couples are choosing a spread-out arrangement of smaller, individual cakes, each with its own unique design and flavor," she explains. "Each table gets its own exquisite cake, making the dining experience more intimate and personalized for guests. This setup is also a great ice breaker at tables and encourages conversation and admiration, as guests can appreciate the intricate details and creativity of the cakes up close."
Along with a mini cakes spread, interactive dessert displays — featuring everything from mini hand pies and bite-size doughnuts to brownies and sugar cookies — are increasingly popular. "It adds an element of fun and exploration to the dining experience by encouraging guests to move around, interact and personalize their dessert course," Bussanich notes.
Custom Flavors
If you can dream it, you can have it on your wedding day. Custom cake flavors are increasingly popular — and Grays says the ideas are as unique as the couples.
"I love creating a brand new flavor combination that no one has ever done before. It’s such a special touch for the reception to help my clients personalities shine," she says, noting that she likes to give her clients an in-depth questionnaire to fill out to help her craft their custom flavors.
"Two of my favorite flavor creations have been a White Chocolate Huckleberry Lavender Cake for Derek and Hayley Hough and a Tres Leches Mantequilla Cake with Peach Puree for Arielle Vanderberg and Matt Cutshall."
Jeremy Chou Photography
Virtual Cake Tastings
Not only are cake designs changing, but cake tastings are too. Instead of visiting a bakery to sample flavors ahead of their big day, couples can have the cake sent straight to them for virtual tastings. The baker ships the cake samples, allowing the bride and groom to taste them at home and then jump on a Zoom call to discuss their choices with the baker.
"It’s a very practical option for brides with destination weddings," Gray explains. "It’s also a great excuse for couples to throw a tasting party at their own home, inviting family and friends who would not otherwise be able to be involved with that process of their wedding."
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