35 One-Tier Wedding Cake Ideas

One-tier white wedding cake with dried white rosebuds, florals, and foliage on a cake stand — Photo by KT Merry

While a towering, multi-tiered wedding cake brings a sense of awe and drama to a wedding reception, a single-tier cake can make just as big of an impact at a fraction of the size. Whether you need your cake to match an intimate guest list or want a cutting cake for just you and your new spouse to enjoy, you don't need to trade taste, detail, or impact for tiers. A one-tier wedding cake can be an elegant and delicious option for your wedding celebration.

Ahead, we rounded up 35 one-tier wedding cakes to help inspire your own dream reception confection. Let these lovely petite cakes prove to your guests that good things often come in small packages.

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Clear Winners

Three one-tier white wedding cakes on acrylic stands with white and pink florals on table — Photo by Elizabeth LaDuca Photography

Acrylic stands filled with florals displayed three unique white cakes at a backyard garden wedding.

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Pretty Peonies

One-tier white carrot wedding cake topped with pink peonies on cake stand next to "carrot cake" sign — Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography

At an intimate Denver wedding, fresh peonies topped a pretty buttercream-iced carrot cake that was made from a family recipe.

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A Tongue-in-Cheek Topper

One-tier white cake with painted buttercream white and green florals with "Friggin Finally" cake topper on cake stand surrounded by greenery — Photo by Sean Thomas Photography

Buttercream flowers and gold flecks wrap the sides of this one-tier cake, while a topper reading “Friggin’ Finally” adds a cheeky accent.

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Flavorful Trio

Three single-tier white cakes on stands decorated with pink, white, and purple flowers on a pink table — Photo by Ninety Three Creative

Choosing to display three individual cakes allowed a couple to offer treats in three distinct flavors, including almond, chocolate, and blood-orange.

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Red Alert

Single-tier semi-naked cake topped with red florals on white cake stand — Photo by Kurt Boomer Photo

Vibrant red flowers provide a dose of bright color against a small, semi-naked wedding cake.

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Top With Sugar

One-tier white cake with ripple topped with pink and white sugar flowers next to candles — Photo by Justine Milton Photography

Don't want to add to your floral budget? This single-tiered design was topped with a lush bouquet of flowers—all made with sugar.

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Lovely Leaves

Single-tier white wedding cake with pressed white florals and leaves on cake stand — Photo by Larissa Cleveland Photography

Want a design that is simple and sweet? Take note of this smooth white cake, which was decorated with tiny pressed wildflowers and leaves. The cake even coordinated with the printed linens.

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Something Blue

Single-tier semi-naked white wedding cake with violets and white roses on a white cake stand — Photo by Adriana Rivera

At a coastal microwedding, a single-tier, semi-naked vanilla rum cake was topped with bold blue flowers and emerald leaves for a colorful pop.

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Pressed to Impress

One-tier white wedding cake with pressed florals topped with honeycomb on cake stand — Photo by Emily Melissa Photo

One-tier cakes won’t stop your baker from including intricate decorations, like the fresh-pressed flowers set by hand on this honeycomb-topped confection.

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Branching Out

Single-tier pale blue watercolor cake with cherry blossoms on white cake stand — Photo by Rosalind Miller Cakes

Give a single-tier cake more height and width with an architectural adornment, like the cherry blossom branch on this watercolor cake.

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Garden-Inspired Sweet

One-tier white wedding cake with orange, pink, and white florals and dried grasses — Photo by Love Is My Favorite Color

A small garland of fresh flowers and understated texturing add visual interest to this cream and genoise cake from a Portugal celebration.

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Fruit Forward

Single-tier white wedding cake with blackberries, red berries, greenery, figs, and pink and red flowers — Photo by Suzanne Li Photography

Textured buttercream and abundance of fresh berries, vines, figs, and flowers make this cake well-suited for an outdoor wedding.

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Three of a Kind

One-tier chocolate, caramel, and coconut cakes on cakes stands surrounded by yellow tulips, yellow and white roses, and small yellow blooms — Photo by Emily Barbee

A trio of single-tier cakes in different flavors were displayed on individual stands and surrounded by cheerful yellow florals at a bayside Alabama wedding.

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Neutral Territory

Single-tier semi-naked cake with white orchid, pink roses, and dried foliage on cake stand — Photo by Kaylee Chelsea Photography

A semi-naked Funfetti cake on a simple wooden stand was decorated with white and terracotta flowers to complement a wedding's earth-toned aesthetic.

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Dog Day

Bundt cake with white frosting and a three-dog cake topper with the sign "We Do Too!" — Photo by We the Romantics

Opting for a single-tier cake allows you to choose a cake shape that wouldn’t easily stack. Take note of this wedding bundt cake, which was decorated with a custom topper of the brides’ dogs at their Texas nuptials.

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Center Stage

Single-tier white cake surrounded by pink and orange roses and orange and red cupcakes — Photo by Peyton Byford

A frosted cake surrounded by blush-toned florals serves as a pretty centerpiece for a colorful cupcake display.

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Name Plate

Single-tier semi-naked cake with pink, red, and yellow florals and a "Alex & Shannon" cake topper on blue stand — Photo by Deborah Ann Photography

This simple, semi-naked cake gets a boost of personality from vibrant flowers, a blue cake stand, and a shimmering topper with the couples' names.

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Petal Pusher

One-tier white wedding cake with purple and red pressed florals on wood cake stand — Photo by Meraki Wedding Photo & Film

At a minimalist outdoor wedding, a single-tier cake decorated with edible flowers was a rustic after-dinner delight.

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Fruit-Topped Treat

One-tier naked cake topped with white and red frosting on a cake stand and a single-tier white cake — Photo by Mo Davis Photography

A small cake with carefully piped filling complements a more traditional single-tier frosted cake at a New Orleans wedding's dessert table.

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Bold Black

Single-tier black wedding cake with greenery on cake stand — Photo by Ivy & Stone Cake Design

While you might think a black cake has no place at a wedding reception, this bold frosting color creates a super-chic contrast against fresh flowers or vines.

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Marbled Magic

Single-tier marbled white, green, and black wedding cake on wooden stand on table with light greenery — Photo by Ari Simphukham

Green and black marbling on this small chocolate-truffle cutting cake stood out against white linens and an industrial venue at a San Francisco celebration.

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Big Blooms

Single-tier white naked cake with large white flower and greenery on cake stand — Photo by Anna Roussos

An oversized white flower and vibrant green leaves complement this cake’s green drip icing topper.

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Going Green

Single-tier white wedding cake adorned with succulents, leaves, and green and purple florals — Photo by Amy Caroline Photography

Vivid greens and fresh succulents give this one-tier cake a nature-inspired aesthetic.

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Chic Chocolate

Single-tier semi-naked chocolate cake with silver dollar eucalyptus and white flowers on cake stand above macarons — Photo by Kristen Marie Weddings and Portraits

Adding a single-tier, semi-naked chocolate cake to your wedding day dessert spread allows you to satisfy every type of sweet tooth.

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Square Deal

Square on-tier meringue cake with white drip icing, blackberries, blueberries, raspberry meringue and white accents — Photo by Wilton

A meringue and berry cake drizzled with frosting is an unexpectedly modern single-tier dessert option.

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Leveling Up

Three square One-Tiered Wedding Cakes on elevated acrylic stands with pink, orange, and purple flowers and greenery — Photo by Andre Maier Photography

Make a memorable presentation of your single-tiered cakes by draping them with oversized flowers and securing the confections on raised stands.

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Seasonal Hues

Single-tier yellow cake topped with orange and pink florals — Photo by Carley Jayne Photo

A beautiful burnt orange cake topped with autumnal blooms is perfect for a fall wedding.

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Pretty in Pink

Single-tier white wedding cake with pink dahlias, roses, and daisies on cake stand — Photo by Annie McElwain

Add rosy and citrus-hued blooms to a semi-naked cake to create a punchy accent at a summer reception.

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Simple and Elegant

One-tier white wedding cake on cakes stand with dried white floral buds and dried grasses — Photo by KT Merry

Asymmetrical grasses placed on top of this smooth white cake were a subtle callout to a wedding's Wyoming ranch venue.

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Put a Ring on It

Single-tier wedding cake with white frosting, silver pearls, faux engagement rings, and a "Mrs. & Mrs." cake topper — Photo by Stacey Salter Moore

A homemade one-tier spice cake dripping with simple icing gets a dose of sparkle from silver adornments, two rings, and a glittering "Mrs. and Mrs." topper.

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Filled With Love

Single-tier pink cake with gold leaf and red heart-shaped macarons with gold leaf on cake stand — Photo by Steve Steinhardt Photographer

Gold leaf accents, heart-shaped macarons, and light pink fondant combine to create a sweet treat that’s all about love. This design is perfect for a Valentine's Day wedding.

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Sage Advice

Single-tier sage wedding cake with an orange rose, white flowers, and gold leaf — Photo by Megan Montalvo Photo

On a scallop-edged cake, gold leaf and antique-toned blooms stand out against sage green frosting for a bohemian vibe.

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Flowing Flowers

One-tier semi-naked cake with pink and white roses and pink dried foliage on marble stands — Photo by Chellise Michael Photography

Pastel flowers and draping blooms are organic accents atop this semi-naked olive-oil cake with vegan buttercream.

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Sweet Sprinkles

Single-tier white cake on table with chocolate sprinkles and "foreva eva" cake topper with gold cake cutting set — Photo by Emily Gude

A single-tier confetti cake decorated with chocolate sprinkles puts a fun and festive twist on traditional wedding cake at a glamorous Baltimore wedding.

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