30 Modern Wedding Cakes

Modern white wedding cake with arch design — Photo by Dmytrii Puga Cake Design

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

Want to see some styles to give you inspiration for your own contemporary reception? Read ahead to see inspiration from real weddings and expert bakers who have a unique and modern take on how to craft a wedding cake.

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Romantically Modern

Brianne and Kirk's four-tier white cake — Photo by Jana Williams

This four-tiered almond cake from a chic all-white wedding looks sleek and modern with a whimsical adornment of rice paper sales.

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A Dramatic Design

Nicole and Kristen's four-tier black cake with gold leaf — Photo by Lena Mirisola

Black fondant and gold leaf lends some major drama to this modern cake design. Florals like roses and anemone help soften the look.

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Architectural Sweet

midcentury modern cake modeled after Parker Hotel — Photo by Jake Anderson

As a nod to the mid-century modern design of the Parker Hotel where they hosted their wedding, one couple had their baker mimic the façade of the building with the cake design. The result is a modern masterpiece.

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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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Ruffle Cake

Natalie and Ross's sculptured cake — Photo by Leah Marie Photography

The bold sugar ruffles of this buttery lemon cake makes this confection at a Barbados wedding look like a work of art. The treat was filled with mixed-berry meringue buttercream.

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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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Oceanic Ombré

water-inspired wedding cake — Photo by Brett Hickman

At this surf-inspired wedding, the couple had an ombré cake designed to mimic the hues of the ocean. The technique to create a gradient of color has a uniquely modern feel.

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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.

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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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Embrace Dried Grasses

modern boho wedding cake with grasses — Photo by Hugo Coelho Fotografia; Cake by Migalha Doce

Dried grasses and pampas grass are a strong part of a modern aesthetic today. You can add them to your cake design by elegantly arranging them around your confection.

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Embrace a Hue

six tier orange wedding cake with florals — Photo by Joe + Kathrina

Couples can easily show off their wedding colors through their cake. This terracotta style ties in the hues of this cool dinner party wedding along with added floral motifs.

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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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Make it Marble

Two-tier modern wedding cake with marble design — Photo by Hanna Photography; Cake by Frost It Cakery

Modernity can still be clean and classic, as proven by this marble effect. This design would be great for a minimalist wedding.

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Striking Contrasts

Two-tier modern wedding cake with contrasting colors and designs — Photo by Sheila Nolt Photography; Cake by 50/Fifty The Art of Dessert.

Minimalist and modern, this wedding cake will be a contemporary couple's dessert of choice.

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White Arches

white modern boho wedding cake — Photo by Dmytrii Puga Cake Design

This wedding cake is simply classic with a modern twist. Small textural arches etched into the frosting makes this design elevated and contemporary.

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Fringe Effect

Two-tier modern wedding cake with fringe frosting — Photo by Jen Rodriguez; Cake by Paper Cake Events

Unexpected string-like frosting detailing is another contemporary way to update a white wedding cake.

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Terrazzo Treat

geometric modern terrazzo wedding cake — Photo by Macy Spencer; Cake by sweets by sam

Take a cue from modern interior design and decorate your cake with a bold terrazzo tile-inspired design.

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Glam Foil

Single tier white modern wedding cake with gold foil — Photo by Haley Austin; Cake by Sweets by Millie

A flourish of gold foil is a modern way to go glam. We love the juxtaposition of the fresh greenery at the base.

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Gray and Gold

Two-tier modern cake with gray tint, gold top, and floral details — Cake by Sweet Bakes

A gorgeous gray tint, a wash of gold color, and lush white blooms are both romantic and marvelously modern.

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Artistic Approach

watercolor cake — Photo by Ashley Sawtelle

Have your cake look like a modern of modern art with a watercolor-inspired design.

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Glimmering Geodes

geode wedding cake — Photo by Blue Note Weddings

At this San Francisco wedding, the grooms chose a unique cake design that makes it appear as if the cake is like a geode. Inside, the confection had a sweet mix of caramelized pear and chocolate raspberry cake, and peanut butter cake with chocolate ganache and cream.

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Paint Your Cake

White cake with orange design — Photo by The Ganeys

An illustration-inspired print is definitely an unexpected and modern take on a wedding cake design. We're loving this citrus style for an outdoor wedding.

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