35 Simple Wedding Cake Ideas for an Understated (but Still Striking) Centerpiece

Semi-naked cakes are all the rage, so why not keep your wedding on trend? You don’t have to skimp on flavors either. You can try a chai spice sponge with vanilla cream cheese frosting, go the nostalgic route of cookies and cream or keep it classic with red velvet cake.

Or you could say bye to all that extra frosting and opt for a totally naked cake for your big day. It’ll be one to remember, that’s for sure.

Don’t want to overthink it in the color department? Make life easier for yourself by selecting a black and white cake. You can flip this two-tone design any way you want—alternating between tiers, making each layer half black and half white, or having one black cake and one white cake. The choice is yours.

Weddings are stressful as is, so why add more to your plate by trying to experiment too much with an over-the-top sponge flavor. There’s nothing wrong with sticking with classic flavor profiles, such as red velvet or something zestier for the palate like this lemon-flavored Bundt. The best part is you can make this cake yourself, so no need to worry about the bakery delivering it on time.

Your wedding, your rules. So if you want to go with an unconventional flavor, you’re totally entitled to do so. You won’t regret opting for this gluten-free banana cake, which uses pureed bananas and cinnamon in the batter and is topped off with a delicious cream cheese frosting.

Bling out your cake with a touch of gold. Nothing says “we’re indulging” quite like golden desserts.

If gold is not exactly your metal of choice, no worries. You can shut it down with this metallic silver cake. Simple? Yes. Understated? Definitely not.

Take a swing at more timeless touches, such as chocolate drip. It’ll make your guests want to dig in ASAP and it looks ultra-cool in wedding photos. Offer your guests a slice of this chocolate stout cake and they’ll be left wanting more.

Fruit can be a great accent for wedding cakes because not only are they part of the overall aesthetic, but they also kick up the flavor. Win-win.

When we think of cake decorations, we often think about bright florals. However, olive leaves work just as well—especially for a minimalist vibe. The strong shade of green brings a hint of earthiness to the whole cake.

These made-for-indoors houseplants also make the perfect decoration because of their full leaves. Plus, given the way they’re able to thrive in environments that kill other plants, succulents are the perfect symbol of strength and endurance. That’s a nice nod on your wedding day.

Keeping things modest doesn’t mean your guests still can’t be wowed by your cake design. Adding a print can make your otherwise frill-free wedding cake a little more dynamic. This artsy print, for example, is both demure yet interesting to look at.

Stacked tiers is the most common way to showcase your cake, but it’s not the only option. Think outside the box and try out other ways of displaying. Cascading (pictured above) is a great way to show off multiple cakes and fine detail.

Maybe you met in Paris or perhaps you want to incorporate your fur baby into the festivities. Regardless, a personalized cake topper will give more insight into your love story. Try the Eiffel Tower, or a replica of your puppy. Take it one step further and get your favorite love quote molded with chocolate.

Whether you already have kids or you want to please your own inner child, the addition of rainbow sprinkles on your cake is sure to bring some joy.

Are you a life-long Harry Potter fan? Are you one of those people who constantly thinks about Halloween, no matter the time of year? You can fashion your cake after whatever event or holiday that makes you happy. Heck, you could even go for a Christmas cake at your summer wedding if it brings a smile to your face.

This vegan chocolate cake proves that dairy- and egg-free doesn’t have to taste healthy. This recipe is super decadent and delicious.

Having a gluten allergy sucks. And it’s even worse when it means you can’t dig into the most delicious wedding dessert with your loved ones. Cue this gluten free red velvet cake. This recipe includes ingredients to make a gluten-free version of the buttercream we all know and love. You’ll hardly notice a difference.

A slice of cake is great, but why not step it up a bit and serve up a few tiers of cupcakes to give your guests instead? You can have them match your wedding colors or have them in completely different colors, to nicely compliment the décor.

For lovers of the outdoors, pay homage to your favorite getaway by adding a rustic feel to your wedding cake. A wooden platter and some pinecone garnishes will add the right touch of earthy vibes.

We’re all for keeping it simple, but let’s not snuff out the “the wow” factor. Decorative icing is a simple technique to elevate your dessert without going over the top.

It’s a little unconventional, yes. But feathers also make for very elegant cake decorations. Delight your guests with this eccentric embellishment before you go shake your tail feather on the dance floor.