We’re all for a statement-making cake, but understated cakes can go a long way. Enter the simple wedding cake. Lightly adorned and often wrapped in white buttercream, simple wedding cakes tend to trend more classic than anything else. But you can still keep things minimal while spicing up the tradition—adding a monstera leaf for a tropical twist, edging layers with pearl-like fondant, or infusing metallic foil as a glitzy touch.
And there are other ways to go bold without decking out your cake! Opt for multiple single-tiered cakes to create a lavish table spread. We also love the idea of filling a traditional-looking cake with a surprising flavor inside, like banana or raspberry jam.
Simple wedding cakes are perfect for an informal, intimate wedding—but also if you’re a couple who prefers a minimalist look or timeless touch. Besides the elegant simplicity of these cakes, there’s another bonus: the less fuss, the lower the cost (typically).
Below, 43 simple wedding cake ideas that will do the trick.
30 Minimalist Wedding Ideas for the Cool Bride
01of 43
Go Minimalist
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__31__5c5343dcbcd8a02d741c45ba_yuki-and-john-wedding24-f9aca3fe8b834e1596b873fd2469c260.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (1)")
Drape a simple white wedding cake in greenery and place it in a shallow bowl for a minimalist, organic effect. Inside, the red velvet cake is paired with cream cheese filling and buttercream frosting.
02of 43
Add Florals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__02__26__5c75996ed61e8e234ebfb700_erin-and-nick-wedding27-8f7f7722663540218862302ac2d77e2f.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (2)")
A vine of earth-toned flowers and vivid greenery dresses up frosted tiers and seminude layers. The look, like the rest of the wedding, was inspired by the bride’s grandparents’ safari honeymoon. We love a nostalgic nod!
03of 43
Get Naked
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__11__03__59fccc9bef7a697b076b9aab_courtney-guth-and-gordon-blank-wedding20171023_24-1930e702b1e244dca512285f009a3540.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (3)")
This double chocolate chip cake gets a rustic charm from its semi-naked layers and a sweet touch thanks to delicate rose accents.
04of 43
Evoke a Tuscan Feel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__10__31__59f8aefbc906dc0acd636032_ariel-clay-and-patrick-gerety20170908_14-4058fe85342d48e7a41432300c891e48.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (4)")
A simple two-tiered white cake gets a Tuscan twist with wreaths of olive leaves and fresh orange slices. Set it on a wood charger and finish it off with a wrought iron cake topper to complete those rustic Italian countryside vibes.
05of 43
Create Romance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__12__19__5c1ab8026b6bc209f403828f_danika-daly-wedding27-bf12c0db1d2c4cb39adce94eaece3c10.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (5)")
A three-tiered white wedding cake is a classic choice, but this one carries a more laid-back vibe thanks to its textured fondant. Fresh flowers in a mauve and pink palette bring a dash of romance.
06of 43
Pick an Unexpected Flavor
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__09__04__5b8ef21847c0372dcaeb99bd_kristina-and-david-cabo-wedding27-31f2405106e642358ac4539425d835c7.JPG "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (6)")
This fondant-pleated confection looks classic on the outside with its three white tiers, but the inside surprises with an unexpected banana flavor. Adorn it with a swath of ferns and white blooms for a botanical touch.
07of 43
Think Sleek
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__31__5c53528418e987683e14e918_taylor-and-brian-wedding20-84800e002e56446a91ff46b9c21259be.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (7)")
A lemon cake with raspberry jam is sleek and stunning with simple, slender tiers. Dried lunaria and fresh roses delicately decorate the cake for some minimalist romance.
08of 43
Use Bougainvillea
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__02__24__58b067be2d657c2799fa4cd2_26-Colorful-Nicaragua-Destination-Wedding-Brumley-and-Wells-f43ac2b375ef4605a0c2d92ba23259a1.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (8)")
If you’re having a destination wedding, this cake is for you! Bougainvillea and foliage are the perfect accents to lend your cake an escapist feel. Inside this beauty are layers of chocolate, salted caramel, and vanilla almond.
09of 43
Create Texture
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/clarypfeiffer-da811fb721824b2b9d4ddb0ec52968a9.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (9)")
A simple white cake goes for a spin with textured stripes on the top layer and a delicate floral design on the bottom layer. Added fall leaves create an autumnal vibe by bringing a subtle, husky color.
10of 43
Build a Tower
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__04__09__5acb9659acdcc770d16e6056_ed-and-gabe-wedding2018032620_-a9b0dde07dca40ac8a0162411db6272f.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (10)")
This towering confection is a showstopper. Lanky brushed tiers emit an artsy, disheveled effect, while tropical blooms and greens create a feeling of paradise.
11of 43
Combine Looks
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__10__25__5bd202dfcbda612d1b8b855a_haley-and-charlie-wedding24-8d75886ae1e347bf975587dbd6b63a3b.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (11)")
A four-tier, vanilla wedding cake with fresh strawberries and Italian buttercream frosting has a classic-meets-modern look when decked out with pastel-colored flowers and perched on an ornate silver pedestal.
12of 43
Channel the Tropics
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/milena-and-robert-wedding-28-b641fb8f841d4fa28e157d8c3c96e986.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (12)")
Festooned with gorgeous white blooms and lush leaves, this two-tiered wedding cake is clean and tropical in a way that manages to be bold without being over the top. It tastes just as good as it looks, featuring chocolate chip with mocha buttercream and vanilla with dulce de leche flavors.
13of 43
Layer Fruit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sarah-thomas-wedding-44-7036e612ed2d4a7db047172069eb9474.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (13)")
Forget flowers—fruit works as an accent, too! Add fresh apricots, figs, and olive branches to a buttercream cake for a hearty, rustic vibe. We’re loving this one for a farm or countryside wedding.
14of 43
Use Dried Florals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jacqueline-and-john-wedding-kurt-boomer-31-8a7638d24653448baf3a81cecf068e26.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (14)")
We think this simple wedding cake belongs to a dreamy forest wedding. Accenting your cake with sugar-dried florals and branches evokes a bohemian, ethereal feeling that comes with the magic of the woods.
15of 43
Give a Personal Touch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ashling-and-andrew-wedding-whitney-neal-studios_29-4a0efdaff49f46b0be30e410df35f672.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (15)")
This three-tier cake includes three flavors: white chocolate raspberry, chocolate champagne, and lemon cream cheese. It also includes a personal touch: a fondant portrait of the couple’s black cat, Toast!
16of 43
Keep It Clean
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/carter-and-foxy-wedding-olivia-rae-james-photography_29-963d342d82cb4c8298a70b6aee3ca23c.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (16)")
Business on the outside, party on the inside. Sometimes, a cake shines best without any adornments, like this classic five-tier cake boasting textured stripes. But slice that baby open, and you’ll find a Funfetti surprise.
17of 43
Break Tradition
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hope-and-jove-wedding-norman-and-blake_22-8a103d203139452685a93f3c7aa77921.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (17)")
Ditch the classic white wedding cake in favor of a naked cake sandwiched between layers of decadent frosting. Top it off with strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a punch of color and flavor.
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Cakes
18of 43
Incorporate Citrus
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/megan-and-harry-wedding-jenn-emerling_31-ec17de2106a04d99bd599e43c81d0abc.JPG "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (18)")
An apricot-and-corn wedding cake decorated with blood oranges is the perfect tribute to a rustic wedding in California wine country.
19of 43
Evoke Natural Elegance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__06__19__5d0aaa162a155618fd658b98_emma-and-bobby-wedding_26-f99c08fc669d4241a2c301551d3ce8d3.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (19)")
Create a look of natural elegance by adorning a pleated buttercream cake with olive leaves. The airy palette complements an outdoor wedding.
20of 43
Avoid Color
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__04__04__5ca6524e8193317a954dea44_leah-and-herman-wedding19-ee696dc411f34e089010c3f3d1ccf44c.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (20)")
Ruffled white buttercream is layered over chocolate cake with fresh fruit filling, while white roses bring classic romance. The white-on-white effect is perfect for a chic spring wedding.
21of 43
Act Sweet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__04__02__5ca3bf792fada7c69795f9c4_cara-and-james-wedding35-f736c273128c4b4ebd140bd3fa744342.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (21)")
Decorate the rim of a white buttercream two-tier cake in delicate pearl-like fondant for a sweet, feminine touch, and complete the look with a clematis vine. This confection features a chocolate cake with a ganache filling, a lemon berry cake, and a lemon custard filling.
22of 43
Offer Multiple Cakes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__03__21__5c93ac3ca92ae9268ec3d6ee_james-and-kimerley-wedding23-7ba9152f9d0f4a86b3cc65c426b53c1c.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (22)")
What's the upside of a simple wedding cake? If you go all out in simplicity with a single-tiered cake, it’s easy to have more than one! This couple had five, offering five different cake flavors: almond amaretto, caramel, white wedding cake, and vanilla bean.
23of 43
Design a Rustic Masterpiece
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__03__12__5c87eb0199b6952dec548e78_anne-laure-and-edouard-wedding25-1dd9a6033e0b4005b8d3b8132c21b7a4-7fef07c807ef4458bde77e84888f105d.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (23)")
This towering wedding cake has layers of vanilla cake paired with fresh berries and meringue for a light and fresh finish. Somehow, it pulls off a look that is both rustically relaxed and stunning.
24of 43
Pay Tribute to the Locale
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__03__11__5c869934047c512dd3a69be0_brittany-and-andrew-wedding26-737d9c75a0c64e6294750ebe3097851a.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (24)")
Let your wedding cake give a nod to your wedding location. This four-tiered cake features layers of maple bourbon, complementing the couple’s Vermont destination. Cascading, fresh pink blooms complete the look.
25of 43
Get Chic
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__02__22__5c701d22d61e8e234ebfb569_brie-and-marco-wedding27-676bbd7e17524d28b5bf6a2372726af8.JPG "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (25)")
This stylish chocolate cake is a fashion bride’s dream. A half-naked finish combined with fresh peach and white florals has an effortless, chic feel.
26of 43
Decorate with Organics
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2016__12__20__58589fee6fa51c5e5a47ceb5_20-Flower-Filled-Natural-Philadelphia-Wedding-Lauren-Fair-Photography-918901cfac6c4bc994ecc222d0c8aa66.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (26)")
Bring out the greens! Deck out a four-tiered wedding cake, featuring layers of vanilla sponge cake filled with kirsch mousseline and gres strawberries, with eucalyptus and olive branches.
27of 43
Infuse Springtime Vibes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__07__05__595d4b0c899f525cc97d9719_Illana26Grant20170705_10-47001c2f92d64bff818b1996f10d3703.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (27)")
This confection is giving us some serious spring fever. A semi-naked vanilla cake filled with chocolate ganache gets a cheerful flair with a topper of fresh dahlias and a bed of eucalyptus.
28of 43
Take Winter Inspiration
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__06__01__593078d3c33e4444f65a1f26_24-Monique_And_Carlos_1377-2ebe1c4601b9449396b8c58ac5098030-79dc28ebf3f14aae998f677ae33ac7d7.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (28)")
This three-tiered cake has us dreaming of winter. A semi-naked design featuring layers of cake and frosting looks like it was dusted in snow, complete with a richly hued topper of fresh fruit and florals.
29of 43
Go Glam
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__06__07__59382f6b44a39c3b40d8b37a_Larissa_Cleveland-camillelouis-highlights-56-ee6ea59fb43a4ec6808c0e54824fdf8b.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (29)")
These cakes are part of a cake table boasting 17 wedding cakes, each with its own décor and unique flavors. When opting for a series of single-tiered cakes, mix and match their designs for a cohesive, complementary look. This display gets glam with gilded metallic foil accents in gold.
30of 43
Look to Art
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__12__14__5a32d610bb654e0eb590a0f2_melissa-fortunato-and-zach-sharpe2017120425_-180282e792224a27ad0cfd84f1fd9116.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (30)")
Cake or artwork? This masterpiece was decorated with thin strips of fondant painted in shades of sage, pale blue, ivory, and soft peach. The result is a hybrid of the Impressionist era’s watercolors and the geometric patterns of today’s modern art.
31of 43
Bring In Blackberries
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2017__06__07__59382fee38ffd45dff852723_Larissa_Cleveland-camillelouis-highlights-58-282d640cb8c64f1aba430853bc649069.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (31)")
We can’t turn away some decadent frosting, but a chiffon cake that goes light on the icing can be just as delicious—like this blackberry compote with vanilla buttercream confection.
32of 43
Mix Gold Accents
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__04__09__5acb7a18acdcc770d16e6019_shay-mooney-of-dan-and-shay-wedding201804040196-d9ede1c9385a436882b7bfb3a2c49d01.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (32)")
Gold leaf accents this semi-naked cake, creating some bucolic glitz. Inside, layers of vanilla cake sandwich vanilla and strawberry buttercream.
33of 43
Pack a Summer Punch
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2016__11__09__58238371e2a65147fdcbacd0_33-Colorful-Marthas-Vineyard-Wedding-Ashley-Caroline-5a055b96a6e64545856e84bf41ba02c3.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (33)")
A three-tiered carrot cake filled with cream cheese frosting gets a summery touch with colorful garden roses and ranunculus.
34of 43
Design a Timeless Look
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__10__5c378ec7f53d47684df4db42_justine-and-rory-wedding31-dc84b4066dae4e6b8432b18e2f89cc75.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (34)")
Nothing is quite as timeless as a neutral-colored palette, and this naked vanilla sponge cake with lemon and buttercream icing seals the deal. Add some romantic white roses, and we’re head over heels for this confection.
35of 43
Choose Blush
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2019__01__03__5c2e68c255d9642cc58651ff_hannah-shankman-and-shane-donovan-wedding25-8f18fd2d97a94ecf963e5c6c0b48bb56.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (35)")
Traditional white dresses have gotten a blush-hued take, so why can’t traditional white cakes? This blush semi-naked cake has layers of champagne vanilla and sparkling rose cake with champagne vanilla buttercream. A grand display, complete with a lavish arch of vines, elevates the look.
36of 43
Pick Wildflowers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__12__03__5c057f09a7466a2d6f0e924e_kristen-and-jonathan-wedding29-5bda9d0edd9240828d67a00efcad2e07.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (36)")
This traditional Portuguese olive oil wedding cake is topped with fondant, olive leaves, and wildflowers. A cut-out bride and groom topper adds a dash of whimsy.
37of 43
Showcase Garden Charm
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__brides__public__brides-services__production__2018__09__17__5b9fc221c601172d5eb151fd_jenny-and-michael-wedding54-58a5daf2997d403999cbf875f665d847.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (37)")
A semi-naked, champagne-flavored cake with mascarpone filling and vanilla buttercream icing gets some garden charm with white roses and eucalyptus. It’s hard to envision a cake more perfect for a spring wedding!
38of 43
Pair Prints
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kristine-herman-photography-80-ed65e101230d4a3d885e2174e364bf00.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (38)")
Make a statement by keeping one tier simple and the other textured. How chic is tile-embellished look with a touch of greenery?!
39of 43
Show Off Sugar Flowers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/simplecake-e4da3da9ed6e4b188d7a228ddde730c8.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (39)")
Add a touch of whimsy to a simple white wedding cake by decorating it with some dainty sugar flowers. You can either match the color of the cake's frosting or add some color to the confection.
40of 43
Get Creative With Color
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/simplecake1-30ce1000e0cc4a5da8888f59678d2d6c.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (40)")
Simple doesn't have to be boring. This wedding cake boasts a middle tier with a blue design that adds an unexpected twist to an otherwise basic look.
41of 43
Decorate With Orchids
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SophiaTrandandLouisWilsonWedding120.5-e792d3f9473940eb9627373567bb74e0.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (41)")
Orchids are a delicate bloom, perfect for a simple yet stunning wedding cake. Placing them on each tier brings some depth—and a touch of drama—to this all-white creation.
42of 43
Celebrate a Boho Vibe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/simplecake3-c8af179f0fba48efb3b6b26f8a3b3094.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (42)")
Couples hosting a boho-style wedding will love this single-tier, semi-naked cake. The muted florals add just the right amount of color without going over the top.
43of 43
Bring In Baby's Breath
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/simplecake4-84378da3c20c4d48a92cadd1fe3d3b3a.jpg "43 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration (43)")
A simple wedding cake calls for small touches. This multi-tiered cake is topped with a touch of baby's breath, giving it a feminine touch.
