Cake Designs

How to Design a Wedding Cake as Magical as Your Destination

CATEGORIES

January 20, 2024
Words by Kinsley Brown
Photos courtesy of various

Designing a wedding cake that’s as magical as your destination is all about capturing the essence of the location. Whether you’re tying the knot in a romantic vineyard or a tropical paradise, your cake should reflect the unique charm of the setting. Below are some tips to help you create a cake that’s as enchanting as your wedding destination.

uneven four tier cake by Cherry Blossom Designs(Photography: Rebecca Marie Photography // Venue: Dalhousie Caslte // Cake: Cherry Blossom Designs)

Pair it With the Venue

Your cake should complement the theme and style of your wedding venue. If you’re saying “I do” in a tropical destination, consider a beach-themed cake adorned with seashells and palm trees. For a fairy tale wedding in a historic castle, a cake with intricate lace details and regal gold accents would be a perfect fit.

three tier wedding cake with dried citrus by Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes(Photographer: Holly Shankland Photography // Second Shooter: Angie Silvy Photography // Planner: Garden Gate Events // Cake: Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes)

Incorporate Local Flavors

Infuse your destination into your cake by using local flavors. For example, if you’re getting married in Italy, consider using ingredients like limoncello, mascarpone, or pistachios in your cake. If you’re tying the knot in Hawaii, flavors like pineapple, coconut, or passionfruit can add a tropical touch. The above cake featured citrus, inspired by the surrounding California countryside.

three cakes with floral designs using cake paint, fondant and fresh flowers((left) Cake: Sweet Heather Anne; Photographer: Beyond Jade // (middle) Photographer: Photography by Jo; Host: Styled Shoots Across AmericaConcept & Planning: Heather Benge; Floral Design: Intrigue Designs with K. Hazel Designs; Cake: Duchess of Desserts // (right) Photographer: Yuliya Jul Photography; Florist: Zuri Floral Design)

Mirror the Floral Designs

Adding non-toxic or edible flowers to your cake is a great way to elevate its look. These flowers not only add a beautiful touch but also allow for a cohesive look with the wedding floral arrangements. Request your florist to provide flowers that match or complement the wedding theme or colors, ensuring that the cake seamlessly carries on the wedding’s aesthetic. Another way to get a similar look is to request a design with “painted” or fondant florals.

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Forty Five, Macon, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel)

Consider the Climate

Keep the climate of your destination in mind when designing your cake. If you’re getting married in a hot or humid location, choose a cake that can withstand the temperature. Fondant or buttercream cakes are often better suited for warmer climates than delicate whipped cream or meringue cakes.

blue and white cake with couple's wedding logo(Photographer: Kellie Hetler Photography // Wedding Planner/Florist: Keisha’s Kreations // Cake: Sweet Details Grand Rapids)

Work with a Skilled Baker

Finding the right baker who can bring your vision to life is crucial. Look for a baker with experience in creating wedding cakes specifically. Schedule a consultation to discuss your ideas and collaborate on the design.

(Photography: Ricardo Arellano // Planning & Design: Penzi Weddings // Florist: Angelica de Solache // Cake: Jacinto Patisserie)

Incorporate Symbols of What’s Important to You as a Couple

A fun trend we love is couples skipping the traditional cake topper and instead featuring figurines of their fur babies. This is a sweet way to incorporate your pet into the special day, especially if you can’t bring them along.

two tier cake with purple "smoke" effect and white flowers(Photography: Rebecca Marie Photography // Venue: Dalhousie Caslte // Cake: Cherry Blossom Designs)

Don’t Forget the Tasting

Finally, don’t forget to schedule a cake tasting to ensure that the flavor of your cake matches the beauty of its design. Consider offering a variety of flavors and fillings to cater to your guests’ preferences.

Remember, your wedding cake is a reflection of your love story by incorporating elements of your destination into the design, you can create a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also delicious!

(Featured Image: Cake: Cake Envy // Photography: Kismet Visuals & Co.)

destination wedding in jamaica
Weddings by Palladium
Destination wedding couple on the beach wearing all white
destination wedding couple on the beach in all white
Palladium Weddings
Destination Wedding Proposals at Sandals
Destination I Do Podcast
destination wedding in jamaica
person laying by pool
dark haired woman in bright green patterned bridesmaid dress

Find a Vendor

Access our list of vendors based on your destination location.