Why Simple Wedding Cake Designs are the Way to Go
The wedding cake often becomes the unofficial centerpiece of the reception. Brides and grooms-to-be spend hours pouring over cake designs, colors, and flavors. The end result is a masterpiece that will convey the style and theme of the reception.
Sometimes this may be why brides and grooms don’t think they can stick with a simple wedding cake. However, it doesn’t need to be a 15 tier masterpiece! The style of wedding cakes has trended towards a less-is-more approach. As rustic, intimate and simple become buzzwords for weddings, so has the search for simple wedding cake designs.
K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple, Sweetie!)
Less strain on your wedding budget isn’t the only reason to choose a simple wedding cake. Simple, timeless designs and cakes that focus more on flavor than presentation are on-trend. Plus, you’ll save so much mental space and energy in an already stressful planning phase by keeping it simple in the cake design. Finally, skimping on the fondant means you can put those funds elsewhere in your wedding on things that will matter more to you as a couple!
Simple Wedding Cake Design Options
Most cake bakeries tack on the charges for intricate designs, colors, and other elements. Looking for a little fondant, ombre effects, multiple colors, sugar flowers and gum paste figures? All of these will incur additional charges depending on the level of difficulty.
Here are some hacks when it comes to your cake design to keep the design simple and cost-effective!
Buttercream Instead of Fondant
You can cut your cake bill by a huge amount when you opt for French buttercream frosting instead of the design-friendly, firm fondant. Many bakeries upcharge for fondant by a percentage, and the resulting cost will get higher and higher with more servings. Using buttercream instead will keep the design simple, and the cost low.
Stumped on buttercream frosting designs? There are plenty of ways to make designs in buttercream, such as ruffles, texturing and rosettes!
1. Buttercream Ruffles
An uber simple wedding cake from a recent real wedding, the appeal here is the buttercream ruffle cake set atop a rustic wood round base, topped with a word cake topper. I actually really like how the outsized cake topper works with the proportions of the cake and base.
2. Textured Buttercream
The textured buttercream from the three-tier cake below give it an added wow factor. Flowers placed diagonally from top to bottom really make the cake simple yet elegant.
3. Buttercream Rosettes
A rosette cake topped with flowers is the ultimate in taking simple to the next level. Set atop a wonderful blue cake platter, this pair of cakes really pops!
Barely There Cake Designs
If you’ve truly taken less is more to heart, consider the ultimate simple cake design: a naked cake!
This particular cake design is perfect for rustic, earthy and intimate garden weddings. This design is incredibly trendy, with countless searches and saves on bridal Pinterest boards! You can dress up a naked cake with fresh florals from your florist, or an adorable cake topper.
Elevating Your Simple Cake Design
There are a lot of easy and simple additions to elevate the look of a simple cake. From having your florist keep a few clippings back to place on your cake, or ordering a custom cake topper, you’ve got options when it comes to deciding how to spruce up a simple desing.
Another trick you can try? Literally, elevate your simple cake design with a nice cake platter. Many wedding rental companies and venues even have lovely platters for a nominal rental fee. Or, check out our post on wedding cake stands and pick out a nice one that suits your dessert table design.