From towering tiers to bite-sized sweets, wedding desserts have never looked (or tasted) better! This blog is packed with 8 stunning cake designs from our WedPlan editorial shoots--plus 3 bonus ideas for treating guests at engagement parties, showers, bachelor(ette) bashes, and more. Whether you're into bold colors, romantic textures, or something totally outside the box, we've got the inspiration to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1) Enchanted Forest Luxe
This fairytale-inspired design by Cowboy David's Bakery had two tall tiers of textured white frosting and sculpted florals with shimmering gold pearl accents. Artful gold leafing crowned each tier, while fresh flowers and twig decor completed the woodland aesthetic.
The dessert selection also included elegant Event Cups™--layered cake and frosting in clear containers, finished with an edible gold leaf.
Obsessed with this natural glam? See the full Enchanted Forest inspiration here!
Publisher, Concept, Coordination & Design: WedPlan Madison
Co-Coordination & Florals: B-Style Floral
Venue: Caribou Bay Retreat
Photography: Bobbi Petersen Photography
Videography: Food + Cake Wedding Films
Stationery & Signage: LK Bridal Studio
Cake & Desserts: Cowboy David's Bakery
Fashion: Bridal Boutique & Men's Wearhouse
Hair & Makeup: Beta Blue Beauty
Rentals: Event Essentials
2) Cultural Fusion & Folklore
Honoring the creative and bold legacy of Frida Kahlo, Craig's Cake Shop brought a delicious, artful array of cakes and desserts. The focal point was a custom white three-tiered cake, beautifully adorned with a symmetrical pattern frosting in vibrant, saturated colors. The intricate detailing paid homage to traditional Mexican artistry and added an eye-catching burst of color to the dessert table.
A sculpted groom's cake took the form of an alebrije, a mythical creature of Mexican folklore. Covered in richly textured dark blue frosting, the cake was accented with bright, intricate designs.
Other desserts included mini key lime pies, fruit-topped cake tacos, and fun cake push-up pops.
Want more culturally rich, artful inspiration? See the full Frida Kahlo Fusion feature on the blog!
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Co-Coordination, Design, Stationery & Signage: LK Bridal Studio
Co-Coordination, Florals & Rentals: Melody Rose Designs
Venue: Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Photography: The Wedding Flashers
Videography: Fletcher Media
Cake & Desserts: Craig's Cake Shop
Hair & Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team
Suit: DuBois Formalwear
Rentals: Velvet Rentals
Trike Bar & Mocktails: The Mane Tap
3) Soaring Literary Dream
Sandy Kakes served a four-tiered cake of varying heights for the focal point of this literary-themed dessert display. Surrounded by a "cake nest" of soft blooms, the cake featured a clean white base and a subtle, monochromatic floral pattern.
Coordinating cupcakes and custom cookies featured a mix of piping techniques and hand-lettered designs. Their varying shapes and sizes made a great option for couples seeking easy-to-serve treats.
Want to live our your own fairytale wedding dream? There's even more to swoon over--view the full Literary Cottagecore Wedding Inspiration blog.
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination, Design, Stationery & Signage: LK Bridal Studio
Venue: Vintage Fields
Photography & Videography: Larissa Marie Photography
Florals: Opal Market Flowers
Cake & Desserts: Sandy Kakes
Fashion: Vera's House of Bridals & DuBois Formalwear
Hair & Makeup: Allure Artistry
Rentals: Velvet Rentals & Event Essentials
Hand-Painted Backdrop: Castle Walls Wedding
4) Colorful, Modern, & Funky
This modern three-tiered cake by Craig's Cake Shop brought fun, funky energy with its fresh color palette and bold textures. The design featured wavy and vertical-lined textures on the top and bottom tiers, respectively. A mix of light green, blue, and orange geometric accents, mostly placed on the center, pale yellow tier, added a playful, contemporary twist.
Clear acrylic columns with florals arranged underneath added to the cake display's fun, artistic style.
Lily's Magical Treats also served artisan cotton candy in unique flavors like Lavender Lemon, Passion Fruit Lychee, and Pineapple Sage. The cotton candy cart was decorated to fit the decor and personality of the design.
Love at first sight? Make sure to check out the full Colorful Contemporary inspo blog!
Publisher, Concept, Coordination & Design: WedPlan Madison
Venue & Drinks: The Tinsmith
Photography: Thrive Photography & Films
Videography: Paul F. Gero Photography
Stationery & Signage: Fest Paper and Design
Florals: daffodil*parker
Cake: Craig's Cake Shop
Cotton Candy Bar: Lily's Magical Treats
Bridal Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria, Etc.
Hair & Makeup: Melissa Ann Artistry + Co.
Rentals: Event Essentials & Velvet Rentals
5) Vintage Crystal Serenade
This show-stopping dessert display by The Knock Shoppe Country Cakes featured a full table of lights, layers, and--of course--delicious cakes.
A towering three-tiered cake stood in the center, raised on tall, illuminated acrylic columns, with a glowing base and a classic cake topper figurine. Eight coordinating white domed cakes were arranged symmetrically on tiered stands of increasing height, creating a dramatic visual. The entire setup was accented with candles, crystal details, and fresh florals.
Luminous, grand, AND nostalgic? Yes, please! See the full Bringing 80s Back editorial shoot on the blog for even more inspiration.
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination, Design, Florals & Rentals: Melody Rose Designs
Venue: The Eloise
Photography: Rhonda Rogers Photography
Videography: Paul F. Gero Photography
Stationery & Signage: LK Bridal Studio
Cake: The Knock Shoppe's Country Cakes
Balloons: Aerial Balloons & Backdrops
Hair & Makeup: Beta Blue Beauty
Bridal Gown & Tuxedos: Brides N' Belles
Reception Dress: Thrifted
6) Elegant Simplicity
The Madison Club crafted a sophisticated three-tiered cake that offered a fresh take on a traditional white wedding cake. With a smooth, clean white frosting base, each tier was visually separated by a refined band of greenery. A custom, circular monogram featuring the couple's initials was elegantly displayed on the center tier, and floral motifs added subtle dimension to the top and bottom tiers.
Inspired by understated luxury for your big day? Click here to explore the full Old Money Equestrian-Inspired styled shoot on the blog.
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination & Design: OSO IN LOVE Wedding & Event Curators
Venue & Cake: The Madison Club
Photography: Twig & Olive Photography
Videography: Larissa Marie Photography
Stationery, Signage & Projection Graphic: Heartily Designs
Florals: Hy-Vee Fitchburg
Bridal Gowns: Vera's House of Bridals
Hair & Makeup: Melissa Ann Artistry + Co.
Casino Tables, Uplighting and Projector: Celebrations Entertainment
Rentals: Event Essentials
7) Organic Table Cakes
For the Lakeside Lawn editorial, Miggy's Bakes introduced a fresh and functional twist on wedding cake presentation with their beautifully crafted table cakes. Two rectangular sheet cakes were placed on either end of a long, 16-seated table, doubling as edible cake centerpieces and eliminating the wait for traditional cake service.
Decorated with textured white frosting, seasonal flowers, and fresh fruit, each cake blended effortlessly into the natural tablescape. The self-serve setup invited guests to help themselves right at their seats--making dessert feel personal, relaxed, and delightfully interactive.
Obsessed with this unique setup? Don't miss the complete Organic Lakeside Lawn feature on the blog!
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination, Design & Rentals: Orange Door Weddings
Venue: Bishops Bay Country Club
Photography: Skyler & Vhan Photography
Videography: Fletcher Media
Stationery & Signage: Whimsical Design & Decor
Florals: Klein's Floral & Greenhouses
Cake: Miggy's Bakes
Fashion: DuBois Formalwear
Rentals: Event Essentials
8) Clean & Modern
The Baked Lab created a sculptural three-tiered cake that perfectly fit the Pearls & Prosecco theme. With a clean silhouette, the cake featured a soft, heathered finish reminiscent of delicate brushstrokes. Rolled white wafer paper formed airy, artistic flourishes that gave the design a sense of movement and dimension, while shimmery pearls added luxury to the beautiful dessert.
If you love this sculptural styling, make sure to check out the full Pearls + Prosecco editorial feature on the blog.
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination & Design: Renee Breanne Design + Co.
Venue: Overture Center
Photography: Emi's Images
Videography: C*Lee Creations
Stationery & Signage: Lettered By Shi
Florals: Sunborn Gardens
Cake: The Baked Lab
Hair: BK Salon
Makeup: JV Makeup Artist
Music: Camerata String Quartet
Fashion: Brandi's Bridal Galleria, Etc. & DuBois Formalwear
Rentals: Velvet Rentals
BONUS: Sweet Ideas for Pre-Wedding Parties
Your wedding day isn't the only time to treat yourself! From ask parties to showers and bachelor(ette) bashes, these pre-wedding celebrations are the perfect excuse to get creative with your dessert spread. Think outside the cake box with fun, themed treats and interactive sweets that match the vibe of your event. Here are a few bonus ideas to satisfy every sweet tooth before the big day.
9) Small Bites & Grazing Table
The Madison Club provided a charming array of petite, graze-friendly desserts for a Tea Party themed bridal shower. A single-layer cake, delicately decorated with hand-painted frosting florals and greenery, served as a sweet centerpiece among a spread of beautifully styled treats.
Mini cupcakes, colorful macarons, and dainty charcuterie bites completed the elegant table, offering a lovely balance of sweet and savory, perfect for an afternoon celebration.
Loving these colorful small bites? Head to the Posh Petals + Tea Bridal Shower blog for all the stunning details!
Publisher: WedPlan Madison Concept, Coordination, & Design: Copper Feather Events
Venue, Food, Desserts, & Mocktails: The Madison Club
Photography & Videography: Larissa Marie Photography
Florals: Melody Rose Designs
Stationery & Signage: Lettered by Shi
Hair: Lovely Elegance Hair & Makeup
Makeup: Makeup by Francesca
Rentals: Velvet Rentals
Seating Wall: Cedar & Spice
Floral Wall: Enchanted Wallflowers
Charcuterie: Stanila Creations
Forever Bracelets: Willow + Weld
Cotton Candy: Lily's Magical Treats
10) Moody, Dramatic, & Interactive
A collaboration between LK Bridal Studio and Sunny Celebrations, the desserts at the 'Til Death Murder Mystery Bach Party were as clever as they were delicious. A standout heart-shaped cake featured a "bury-away" top layer that revealed a hidden message underneath--perfect for surprising the guest of honor or customizing a game or activity. Decorated with bold frosting details and paired with edible-ink printed cookies and coordinating cupcakes, the dessert display leaned into the theme with playful drama and interactive flair.
If you're a fan of spooks and surprises, see the full story unfold on the Til Death Murder Mystery Bach Party blog.
Publisher & Concept: WedPlan Madison
Coordination, Design, Photography, Stationery & Signage: LK Bridal Studio
Venue, Charcuterie, Drinks & Vintage Car: Iron Amethyst Inn
Videography: Hello Darling Films
Florals: B-Style Floral
Cake & Desserts: Sunny Celebrations
Hair & Makeup: AB On Site Beauty
Rentals: Event Essentials
Fog & Dry Ice Machine Rentals: Celebrations Entertainment
Dry Ice: A+ Heler's Dry Ice & CO2
11) Whimsical & Sweet
Sweet, playful, and full of color, these Lover-themed bachelorette party desserts were as fun as the celebration itself. A heart-shaped cake by Sandy Kakes took center stage, decorated with pastel and bold hues, whimsical butterflies, and sprinkles. Surrounding it, coordinating cake pops added a pop of color and texture, while custom cookies in heart, butterfly, lip, and circle shapes tied the theme together.
Topping it all off, fluffy cotton candy by the Sugarsmith was used as a festive garnish for cocktails, adding a fun and fizzy twist to every sip.
Vibing with these trendy sweets? Discover every beautiful detail in the full feature--available on the Taylor Swift Lover Era Bachelorette Party blog!
Publisher, Concept, Coordination & Design: WedPlan Madison
Venue: Harvest Moon Pond
Photography: Azena Photography
Videography: Food + Cake Wedding Films
Stationery, Signage & Custom T-Shirts: LK Bridal Studio
Florals & Bloom Bar Truck: Mobile Mini Trucks
Cotton Candy: Sugarsmith
Cake & Desserts: Sandy Kakes
Balloons: Aerial Balloons & Backdrops
Hair & Makeup: Rooted Culture Bridal
Rentals: Event Essentials
Ready to find the perfect sweet treat for your celebration? Check out our top Madison-area wedding cake and dessert professionals HERE to start planning the dessert of your dreams!
