The Wedding Cake Trend Shift: Unique Alternatives to the Traditional Cakes
As a Hudson Valley wedding planner and luxury New England wedding designer, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some of the most breathtaking wedding cakes. Many of them were beyond anything I could have imagined. However, over the years, I’ve noticed a dramatic shift in this tradition.
More and more couples are choosing to forgo a large, elaborate wedding cake. Instead, they’re opting for a small, ceremonial cake for an intimate cake-cutting—keeping the tradition alive without making it a grand production. This approach not only simplifies the moment but also allows for a greater variety of dessert options for guests.
Fun and Unique Wedding Cake Alternatives
With this shift in tradition, I’ve come across some truly creative and beautiful alternatives to the classic wedding cake. Below are a few standout ideas that my couples have chosen over the years.
1. Multi-Tiered Cheese Wheel Cake
As a Sicilian with a deep love for cheese, this is one of my all-time favorites. A cheese wheel cake made from stacked wheels of different cheeses can be a stunning and sophisticated alternative to a traditional cake. The addition of figs, honey, and edible flowers can make it feel just as timeless and elegant.
2. Donut-Inspired Wedding Cakes
A few years ago, donut walls were everywhere, and while the trend has slowed, people’s love for donuts has not! I always encourage couples to bring personal touches into their wedding, and donuts have proven to be a fun way to do that. Some creative ways my couples have incorporated them include:
Replacing the wedding cake with a tower of donuts
Adding donuts as a decorative (and edible!) cake topper
Skipping the cake-cutting altogether for a donut-feeding ceremony
3. Multi-Tiered Coffee Cake Wedding Cake
One of the most unique wedding cakes I’ve seen was a multi-tiered coffee cake wedding cake, made from a cherished family recipe. This sentimental touch brought a whole new level of meaning to the couple’s wedding day, proving that a wedding cake can be just as personal as it is delicious.
More Wedding Cake Inspiration
Below are some other wedding cake styles we’ve featured in our Hudson Valley and destination weddings over the past 15 years. I hope they inspire you as you consider your own wedding desserts!
