We’ve finally arrived at the sweetest day in our roundup of the best of 2021 in weddings — it’s cake day! Wedding cakes are like the cherry on top when it comes to the big day and similarly, it’s how we’re wrapping up our 2021 roundups. (Catch up with the most popular real weddings, favorite wedding dresses, bouquets, and design details.)
So, what stood out in wedding cake trends in 2021? Small wedding cakes were BIG this year, with smaller gatherings leading to downsizing in all areas. But from intricate painted designs to explosions of flowers, it was clear that small doesn’t mean boring. Boho vibes were still on-trend and flowers in all shapes and sizes brought cakes to another level.
Let’s have a look at our favorite cakes of the year, in no particular order!
1. This Modern Italian Renaissance-Inspired Cake
photography: Emily Delamater Photography | cake: Autumn Nomad
If we’re honest, we’re never not inspired by the incredible creations designed by Autumn Nomad. This was one cake of several designed for a truly transporting wedding inspiration and it’s like a painting come to life!
Featured in: This Modern Vintage Wedding Oozes Italian Renaissance Romance
2. This Simple Cake Surrounded by Flowers
cake by D’Amico Catering | florals by Ashley Fox Designs
We LOVED this unique cake idea. Turns out a simple white cake surrounded by lots of colorful flowers makes a big statement!
Featured in: The 63 Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes For 2021
3. This Boho Moon Phase Cake
cake: A Cake Story | concept, design & planning: Nicole Please Weddings | concept & photog: Kuenzli Photography
florist: Awina
This modern cake featured the phases of the moon in a truly stunning matte design.
4. This Cake + Donut Combo That’s Perfect for a Brunch Wedding
cake: Blue and Ruby Cake Art| photog: Liz Barnes Photo | florals: When Frankie Met George
We love donuts, we love cake — we love donuts + cake! This sweet combo was done right with white icing and fresh showers stacked to perfection.
5. This Fresh Floral Half Cake
cake by Bee’s Custom Cake’s | photog: Casi Yost Photography | event design: Peachy Keen Coordination | florals: Wildflower Portland
This cake is a party on the inside and we’re here for it! Fresh and pressed flowers revealed a colorful design on this unique + happy cake.
Featured in: The 63 Most Beautiful Wedding Cakes For 2021
6. This Stunning Sugar Flower Cake
cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio | photography: The Foxes
Sugar flowers continue to evolve and stun in 2021 and this cake…well, it took the cake! With a combination of trending colors and floral designs, it’s genuinely good enough to eat.
Featured in: This Florist Bride Was Inspired by the Sunset for Her Backyard Wedding Decor
7. This Pressed Flower Naked Cake
cake: Blushing Cook | photo: Hannah Adams Photography
Pressed flowers were an obsession that, we can confidently say, will live on as we enter 2022. And what sweeter way to showcase the whimsical trend than a naked cake?
8. These Boho Mirror Cakes
cakes by Nutmeg Cake Design
We loved the idea of twin cakes with different flavors to represent two halves of a whole! And this monochrome boho rainbow design was an absolute favorite for 2021 (and 2022!) weddings.
9. This Small + Stunning Floral Painted Cake
cake by Cynthia Irani Design
Just because you’ve got a small wedding cake doesn’t mean that it can’t be absolutely stunning! The intricate detail of the painted flowers is museum-worthy.
10. This Ornate Gold Flake + Floral Cake
photography: Lindsey Michelle Media | cake: Ellie’s | florals: Haven Floral Company
This cake is like a secret garden of delights and we adore every single layer.
Featured in: Carrie + Big Reimagined: The Sex and the City Wedding We All Wanted
11. This Sweet Pink Sugar Flower Cake
cake by Cake Ink
Our final favorite cake of the year is a pink dream with gorgeous sugar flowers in the most beautiful soft colors. Too pretty to eat? Perhaps…but that wouldn’t stop us!
Featured in: 15 Small Wedding Cakes That Are Perfect for a Micro Wedding!
Absolutely gorgeous designs. Love the “Boho Moon Phase Cake” especially.