20 Engagement Party Cakes

Two tier semi-naked cake with pink, purple and white flowers on purple stand — Burak Karademir/Getty Images

Whether you’re throwing your own engagement party or planning one for your BFF, there are plenty of details to keep in mind. Of course, you’ll want a great theme and venue, along with a delicious menu of food and drinks—and, of course, dessert! Engagement party cakes can come in all shapes and sizes, so you simply need to find the right fit for you and your partner.

“A lot of the time, wedding planning becomes a mixture of what the couple wants and what the parents want,” says Tiffany MacIsaac, owner of Buttercream Bakeshop. “We think the engagement party should be all about the couple!”

Meet the Expert

Tiffany MacIsaac is the owner of Buttercream Bakeshop, a Washington, D.C.-based bakery with a focus on custom cakes.

If you’ve already chosen your wedding cake, you may have settled on a flavor that everyone on your guest list would like. “This is a great chance to have some fun with flavor and design,” explains MacIsaac. “We also think it’s a fun time to give a little preview of what’s to come on the big day.”

It's also an opportunity to play with designs. MacIssac suggests debuting the monogram or a font that will appear on your wedding stationery or incorporating sugar flowers that mimic the blooms you’ll be showing off in your bouquet. Planning a destination wedding? Incorporate a nod to the locale into your engagement party cake. The sky is the limit!

Read on for 20 sweet ideas to inspire your own engagement party cake.

01 of 20

Add a Special Topper

Small white cake with "Love is Sweet" topper, sitting on cake pedestal — Cake by Couronne Parties

Keep the design simple, but send a message up top with a cake topper. This is an especially cost-effective idea because you can dress up any style of cake to make it look spectacular without spending a lot of money.

02 of 20

Serve Individual Cakes

Individual white wedding cakes covered in gold flecks and pink flowers, placed on small plates — Cake by Maggie Austin Cake

There are plenty of options for sizes and shapes of wedding cakes, and the same goes for engagement party cakes. If you don't want a large, tiered cake at your reception, don't force it. Try out a cute option like these individual mini cakes at your engagement celebration to see if you like the look ahead of the big day.

03 of 20

Go Gold

Small gold cake topped with pink flowers, placed on small white pedestal — Photo by Alexandria Monette; Cake by Elise Cakes

Planning a stunning gold color palette for your wedding day? Bring all that shine to your engagement party! We love the way this single-tier cake is completely covered in gold, paired with a pop of pink for the perfect balance.

04 of 20

Showcase Multiple Sweets

Tower of mini desserts: cupcakes, macarons and small wedding cake with "Love" topper — Photo by Quarter Moon Co.; Desserts by Nutmeg Cake Design

If you can't decide on your day-of desserts just yet, let your engagement party guests help. Put together a display of delicious cupcakes, macarons, and a small cake to see what they love best.

05 of 20

Make a Macaron Tower

All-white macaron tower with a matching flower and ribbon on top — Photo by Corina V. Photography; Desserts by Truffle Cake And Pastry

If you're planning to send your guests home with macarons as favors or showcase this popular sweet at your reception, try it out first at your engagement party. A simple macaron tower can make a big statement.

06 of 20

Embrace a Garden Vibe

Small white cake topped with pale and dark pink flowers, placed on wood pedestal — Cake by Earth and Sugar

Planning a stunning garden party-style wedding? Set the stage with an on-theme engagement party cake. This simple white cake was given a pop of color with a mixture of beautiful blooms on top.

07 of 20

Include Personalized Lettering

Small pink and white floral cake with couple's initials at top — Cake by The Buttercream Bakery

Couples can easily personalize their engagement party cake by customizing it with their names or initials—just be sure to choose one in a color palette that matches the theme.

08 of 20

Hint at What’s to Come

Small white cake with gold flecks, "Mr & Mrs" cake topper, and a pink flower on the side — Cake by Thistle and Lace Design

If you know exactly what you want for your wedding cake, you can show a mini version of it to the guests at the engagement party. You can also use the event as a chance to experiment with different cake flavors to determine what will work best for the big day.

09 of 20

Preview a Masterpiece

Hand painted cake with macarons and pink flowers on a square pedestal — Cake by Earth and Sugar

A hand-painted cake is sure to wow your guests. This single-tiered cake is anything but simple, with buttercream detailing, macarons, and beautiful blooms.

10 of 20

Show Off Your Wedding Colors

Pale blue macaron tower on matching cake pedestal — Photo by Amanda K. Photography

Use your engagement party as a way to showcase one of the most prominent hues in your wedding color palette. We love the look of this tall macaron tower, and it can be customized to showcase any color you choose.

33 Delicious Alternatives to the Classic Wedding Cake

11 of 20

Highlight Your Destination

Two-tier blue and white cake topped with lemon peel and surrounded by lemon decor — Cake by Lucky in Love

Jetting off to a distant locale for your vows? Give your nearest and dearest a hint. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or eloping on the beach, serving up a cake that embodies the destination is such a fun way to kick off the celebration.

12 of 20

Celebrate With Mini Cheesecakes

Mini cheesecakes topped with small hearts, surrounded by donuts and cupcakes — Photo by Corina V. Photography; Desserts by Truffle Cake And Pastry

Who says it has to be just one cake? If you're planning a dessert spread for your wedding day, this is such a sweet way to give a little taste. We love these mini cheesecakes topped with cute hearts!

13 of 20

Have Some Fun

Two tier white cake with fun cake topper and pink and white flowers on block of wood — Cake by Wedding Pros

This is a celebration, so have some fun with your engagement party cake. Whether it's a whimsical cake topper or a uniquely themed cake, use the dessert as a way to show off your personality.

14 of 20

Bring in Small Touches

Small white cake with blue detailing and white flower on a pedestal — Photo by Connie Balluff; Cake by Annie’s Cakes

Just the simplest touch of detailing can go such a long way, especially if you're hoping to give a tiny preview of what's to come on your wedding day. Ask your baker to incorporate the smallest detail to match your upcoming wedding’s aesthetic.

15 of 20

Embrace the Season

Semi naked cake topped with flowers and fruits on a pedestal surrounded by fruits — Photo by David And Kathrin; Cake by Kuisine

Your wedding may be planned with plenty of jewel tones for the fall or winter, but if you're having an engagement party earlier in the year, it may seem like you can't give any nod to the planned aesthetic. Totally wrong! This semi-naked cake is decked in rich hues, paired with fruit and fresh blooms, to celebrate multiple seasons.

16 of 20

Think Tropical

Small white cake topped with gold flamingos and white flowers — Photo by Everence Photography; Cake by Hometown Desserts

If you're planning a tropical-themed summer wedding, this engagement party cake is the perfect preview. Top a simple cake with shimmery gold flamingos for a little pizzazz that's full of meaning.

17 of 20

Be Bold

Small white cake with dripping, flowers and fruits, on a wood board with fruit — Photo by Whim and Willow Photography; Cake by Plum Lucky Pie P.I.

The engagement party cake is the perfect chance to step outside the box, especially if your wedding cake will lean more traditional. This small cake has plenty of unique details, including a delicious drip and the creative use of fruit.

18 of 20

Keep it Simple

Small semi-naked cake with white flowers and green leaves, surrounded by macarons — Photo by Kristen Marie Weddings + Portraits; Cake by Rolling in Dough; Design by Emily Reno Events

If you're planning your engagement party before you've had time to think of your wedding date, theme, or color palette, there’s no need to worry. Keep things simple by sticking with your favorite flavor. We love the idea of a simple chocolate cake with semi-naked vanilla buttercream. Then, use other custom sweets to decorate the cake to fit your engagement party's theme.

19 of 20

Set the Stage

Small white cake with blue seashells on top, surrounded by pink gauze at the bottom — Photo by Fortuna Photography; Cake by Totally Charmed Parties

Your seaside nuptials may not be happening for a while, but that doesn't mean your engagement cake can't celebrate the location. Show your guests just how excited you and your partner are for your beachside wedding with a few seashells adorning the top of your cake.

20 of 20

Dress it Up

Small cake with dripping, fruits, and flowers, placed on green pedestal and foilage — Photo by Eve Rox Photography; Cake by Nicole Bakes Cakes

Good things can come in small packages. Since you're not paying for a multi-tiered cake, you can really step it up by serving an extra decadent dessert at the engagement party. Choose exotic flavors, creative techniques (like this dripping), and bold decorations.

20 Bridal Shower Cake Ideas for a Sweet Celebration