Classic Elegance Continues
This year has seen some of the trends from last year, such as the classic pearls and silk bows carry through. As with all classic designs, they are always going to retain an element of elegance and style and will hold steadfast throughout.
However, 2025 has brought with it some trends of its own.
Nature-Inspired Designs Flourish
There are lots of designs which are nature inspired and they have flourished throughout the year. The meadow cake, my own design, was changed a little this year and has proved popular, particularly with venues that have been a little more rural.
The opportunity to collaborate with your wedding florist is an opportunity a cake artist should never miss. The flower meadow has been a feature of 2025 and may it stay for a while as it provides a joy for the eyes to feast on. It is also a wonderful centrepiece celebrating all the beauty of a wedding.
Texture and Romance in Buttercream
Textured buttercream or using contrasting textures has been another pleasure. The chance to create visual interest whilst maintaining the romantic feel is always a fun way to make your wedding cake different. Bear in mind, weather can have an impact on buttercream but there is generally a plan b to be found to provide an answer to your vision.
Vintage Techniques with a Modern Twist
Classis techniques brought in with a modern twist have been huge this year. Whether Bridgerton has continued to have an effect or it is a general love of a renaissance feel, couples have been excited to embrace the look. The Lambeth style, celebrating ornate pipework, garlands and scrollwork is enjoying a resurgence, adorned with ribbons of colour they provide visual interest. Vintage styling alongside cakes with intricate piping designs or layered buttercream effects have also gained a new level of popularity, almost creating vignettes of a story yet to be told.
Bold Colours and Sculptural Statements
Bold or solid colour cakes creating drama are establishing themselves again and asserting themselves against the white cakes that have been so popular this year. It is a statement that cannot be ignored.
Sculptural or geometric design are also garnering some popularity and are definitely moving into 2026 as they take with them the elegant, classic feel.
Alternative Formats and Guest Interaction
Lastly, alternative formats are slowly creeping into the enquiry box. Long low cakes are still on the periphery but are definitely a style to look out for. They are practical to cut whilst also providing some interest on the table, as they can be served as the dessert. This allows for some interaction of the guests too—always a fun photo opportunity.
A similar option to the above, are small individual cakes on each table. These have only recently started to show themselves as an option but again give the guests the chance to be involved. They may gain greater interest into next year.
Dessert Tables and Cake Vignettes
Given the clear intention to bring guests into the celebration, then it is not such a huge leap to have the dessert table. This could be a laid-out version where guests choose whatever they fancy but it could also be a mobile hire that incorporates some guest interaction, with generous supplies of all types of delicious treat to suit all comers. Take a look at our sister product @cakebar2025
Lastly, creating a vignette using the cake and other décor elements, provides a personal moment for a couple to display their own story and this is definitely something to watch for in 2026. A candlelit corner, with bud vases, draping, personal elements that give every guest a chance to pause, maybe whilst they sign a guest book, or sample a tasty treat.
Looking Ahead to 2026
We have referenced some trends that appeared this year and may follow us into next year, but there are signs of some changes already.
The taller, grander cakes are definitely having a moment. For some, creating a wow moment, an architectural showpiece at the centre of the celebration is definitely being sought and we are there for it.
Sentimental story cakes reflecting personal journeys whether that is through symbols, flavours or a theme to travel over the tiers are also gathering pace. Hand painted elements are a delight and can reflect generations of love
The Evolution of Cake
Cake has undergone an evolution in 2025 with textures, flavours, vibrancy and interaction becoming key elements that will carry on into 2026. These will definitely expand further whether that is becoming grander and more showstopping, or becoming part of a vignette, telling a story. Wedding cakes are part of a tradition but they continue to evolve as couples choose to be more personal with their choices and weddings are looking to provide an experiential experience.
Much love Julie x