Unique and Alternative Wedding Cake Ideas for Your Big Day

Published Jan 2024

While a traditional wedding cake is a beautiful and classic choice, many couples are opting for alternative wedding cake ideas to make their celebration even more unique. Whether you’re looking for something different in flavour, style, or concept, there are endless creative options that can perfectly reflect your personality and theme. From donuts and cupcakes to cheese wheels and ice cream cakes, these alternatives are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

A rustic two-tier naked cake with white frosting is decorated with greenery at the base and white flowers on top, set on a wooden slab. A "Mr & Mrs" topper is placed on the cake. Surrounding the cake are mint green and white cupcakes wrapped in lace. A knife rests beside the cake. © Aimee Lince Photography

Alternative Wedding Cakes

1) Cupcakes

A rustic cake with textured white frosting and floral decorations atop a white stand offers one of those unique wedding cake ideas. Below, cupcakes flaunt pastel frostings—lavender, beige, and yellow—arranged on a wooden barrel. The backdrop is a brick wall adorned with soft string lights. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Why have one large cake when you can have a collection of adorable miniature cakes? Miniature cakes are not only visually appealing but also allow guests to have their own individual cake. You can have a variety of flavours and designs, and still have a smaller cake to cut.

Whether you choose to display them on a tiered stand or have them individually packaged as wedding favours, miniature cakes are a unique and charming alternative to the traditional wedding cake.

2) Donut walls & towers

A donut bar display with assorted donuts on pegs sits elegantly on a table with a green cloth runner. Beside it, a floral arrangement of white and purple flowers with greenery adds charm. This adorable setup, perfect for unique wedding cake ideas, is completed by a plate of donuts and six lit taper candles in holders. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

If you and your partner have a sweet tooth, a donut tower could be the perfect alternative wedding cake for you. Instead of layers of cake, stack up delicious donuts in different flavours and colours. Not only will it satisfy your guests’ cravings, but it will also create a visually stunning display.

3) Cheese wheels

For the cheese lovers out there, a cheese wheel cake is an excellent alternative to the traditional sweet wedding cake. Stack different types of cheese wheels, such as brie, cheddar, and gouda, to create a savoury masterpiece.

Decorate the cheese wheel cake with fresh fruits, nuts, and herbs to add a pop of colour and flavour. Serve it with a selection of crackers and condiments for a unique and delicious wedding cake experience.

4) Naked cakes

A three-tiered naked cake graces Woodhall Spa Manor, adorned with fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and a pink flower. Greenery accents enhance the elegance as it sits on a wooden table, with blurred elegant chairs and pastel flowers hinting at a wedding celebration. © Aimee Lince Photography

These are beautiful and definitely a popular choice; especially with all of that fresh fruit! But they are prone to sliding around and trying to make a run for it, so be careful if it’s sitting out for a while during the summer!

That’s it for now!

I’ll update this post as I discover new alternative wedding cake ideas when shooting weddings; for now, enjoy a gallery of wedding cake inspo!

I really hope this helped!

Choosing an alternative wedding cake can bring a fun and personal twist to your big day. Whether it’s a quirky flavour or an unconventional design, your cake can be just as special as the rest of your wedding. Don’t be afraid to break tradition and opt for something truly reflective of you and your partner.

If you’re looking for something specific that’s not in my blog, please let me know using one of my social links below. I’d love to know I’m producing content that’s helpful and people appreciate reading.

with love

with love

AIMEE

 

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

with love

AIMEE

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black top, is seated against a gray background. She is slightly smiling and resting her chin on her hand while looking to the side, conveying a thoughtful expression, like she's pondering ideas for my blog. © Aimee Lince Photography

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

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Watercolor illustration of a green plant sprig with multiple elongated leaves on a slender stem. The leaves vary in shade, giving a sense of depth and texture. The overall appearance is delicate and artistic. © Aimee Lince Photography