30 Modern Wedding Cakes

Black Square Wedding Cakes with Gold Detailing — Photo by Fondly Forever Photography

While we're forever fans of frosting frills and flowers adorning classic wedding cake confections, nothing gives us a sugar rush quite like sleek and refined modern wedding cakes. These new classics in confections have earned their place on the wedding dessert table, boasting crazy-cool designs and dripping with personality. From geometric detailing and moody dark hues to metallic flourishes and art-gallery-worthy designs, there are plenty of ways to make a modern wedding cake stand out on your big day.

Ready to go modern? Scroll through for some wedding cake inspiration.

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Geometric Shapes

Two-tier white wedding cake with geometric designs adorning it — Photo and Concept by Nienke van Denderen; Cake by Astrids Bakkerij; Styling by Much Love

If you don't want to go too modern for your wedding cake, there is a compromise. Simply add some geometric designs to a classic white confection. Triangular-cut fondant in hues of black, gray, and white crawls up this two-tiered cake.

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Clean Lines

Man holding two tier wedding cake with modern design on bottom and top — Photo by Brandon Scott Photography

Minimalism is an easy way to showcase modern design. This simple cake is crowned with pretty prisms.

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Metallic Accents

An industrial topper, an unexpected metal tier, and gold detailing make up this trifecta of modernity.

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Separated Tiers

Three separate square cakes with black and gold detailing — Photo by Fondly Forever Photography

These three square-shaped black cakes drizzled with gold look more like art installations than desserts.

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Bold Colors

Two-tier modern blue wedding cake with geometric design — Photo by Monique Serra Photography; Cake by Flour & Flourish

Many couples aren't afraid to be bold with their color choices. A dotted and geometric design makes this cool, dark-hued cake even more modern.

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Watercolor Details

Modern three-tier wedding cake with watercolor design and geometric accents — Photo by Olive Photography; Event Planning by June Bloom Events; Cake by Le Dolci; Truffles by CXBO; Tray by The Perfect Table

Geometric accents and a wash of watercolor modernize this three-tiered confection.

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Tonal Hues

Two tier modern white wedding cake with grey watercolor design — Photo by Matthew Land

This classic, two-tiered white wedding cake is given a modern twist with subtle brushstrokes of gray and charcoal hues.

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Moody Florals

Black Four-Tiered Wedding Cake with blush colored Flowers — Photo by Stewart Uy Photography; Cake by Vanilla Bake Shop

Modern doesn't mean you can't show off your love of flowers. Blush-hued florals coupled with the cake's black color make this dessert just as lush and romantic as it is dark and dreamy.

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Angular Add-Ons

Two-tier white wedding cake with angular designs — Photo by Mallory Berry for MGB Photo; Cake by Toni Patisseri; Himmeli Ornaments by Hemleva

A classic all-white confection can still feel contemporary thanks to unique angular detailing.

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Deep Ombré

Two-tier modern wedding cake with ombre detailing — Photo by Kristyn Harder Photography; Cake by Pretty Sweet YYC; Planning and Design by Evelyn Clark Weddings

This contemporary confection features dark, ombré watercolor and a frost of metallic detailing.

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Tiny Succulents

Three-tier modern cake with art deco design and succulents — Photo by Carrie J. Photography; Cake by Le Dolci; Table Setting by The Perfect Table; Calligraphy Runner by Thunderloft Paper; Planning by HoneyLemon Events

Say goodbye to the traditional couple on top of the cake. This cactus wedding cake topper is so desert cool.

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Marble Effect

Three-tier modern black cake with marble fondant — Photo by Alicia Hauff Photography; Cake by Sweets Geeky Cakes

Some wedding cakes look too pretty to eat. Case in point: This richly marbleized fondant covers these moody, formal tiers.

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Earth Tones

Modern single tier wedding cake with watercolor drip — Photo by Rachel Joy Baransi

This single-tiered cake featuring muted watercolors and a dripping glaze is the perfect end to contemporary seaside nuptials.

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Textured Fondant

It doesn't take much to give a classic cake a modern twist. This subtle embossed texture is a trend that revamps a basic design.

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Cakes

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Sculptural Toppers

Single tier modern cake with edible art topper — Cake by Don't Tell Charles

Don't waste an inch of a single-tier cake. Marble-like edible artwork blooms out of this spherical sweet treat.

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Dark Hues

One tier modern blue and gold wedding cake with red flower on top — Photo by Heidi Ryder Photography; Cake by Sweet E’s Bake Shop

Simple and sweet, this one-tiered beauty combines a deep blue hue with modern metallic gold. The lush red flower adds a touch of romance and drama.

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Color Blocking

Couples can easily show off their wedding colors through their cake. Get creative—and feature a modern design—with some cake color blocking.

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Square Shapes

Three-tier modern cake with black and white colors and geometric designs — Photo by Ashley Kidder; Cake by Astonishing Cakes

Linear shapes and a bit of color blocking make this square confection totally contemporary.

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Hexagonal Drama

Modern wedding cake with hexagonal shapes and metallic accents — Photo by Katie Shuler

If you really want to shake things up with your wedding cake's shape, think about going hexagonal. This masterpiece should be all the convincing you need.

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