Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering traditions and history.
Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.
Updated Jun 30, 2023
And if a flowery white cake isn't your style, there are plenty of unique wedding cake designs that'll make your confection stand out. Because we all know of all the sweet moments you'll have on your wedding day, one of the best will be enjoying your cake. Fresh twists like tilted tiers, geometric cake stands or hand-painted patterns will elevate your cake and make it an unforgettable part of your reception. If this sounds like what you envision serving on your wedding day, you'll be thrilled to know there are plenty of ideas to get you started.
Below, we've rounded up our favorite unique wedding cakes for maximum inspiration. Find one (or more) that you love, and show your wedding cake baker (which you can find on The Knot Vendor Marketplace) so they can make your dessert dreams a reality.
A geometric stand separates the top two tiers from the bottom, making this unique wedding cake design impossible to miss. With a light gray marble finish and eucalyptus sprouting from all angles, this confection is perfect for those who love clean, minimalistic styles. The addition of gold geometric cutouts around the cake adds a pop of color to the muted palette.
This topsy-turvy cake is a must for those hosting a whimsical wedding. Branches and hanging grass add a woodsy flair to the white textured tiers, while Spanish moss poking out from under each layer makes this cake feel like a 3D work of art.
If you're all about the details, a hand-painted cake is a must for your wedding. The gold geometric designs on this cake table are accented with gold foil encircling the cutting cake. With gold and white florals and a small pop of crimson, this unique wedding cake is a total eye-catcher.
Who wouldn't be delighted by a sugary gem cluster hidden in the center of a wedding cake? Not only would a geode cake make for a great Instagram snap, but it's also one of the best unique wedding cake ideas for couples who want to break tradition.
Are you having a beach wedding? Let your confection match the environment. This unique tropical wedding cake has pink orchids and pretzel details to resemble bamboo.
We are all about reusing and recycling wedding details. The groom's sister created this topper using extra floral decorations from the bride's bouquet.
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If you're an art lover and having a spring wedding, ask your baker to recreate your favorite painting or freestyle a whimsical nature scene like this single-tier wedding cake. This is definitely one of those desserts that look almost too good to eat.
Unique wedding cakes don't have to include over-the-top elements. This small serving cake is perfect for a ceremonial photo op—plus, with modern additions like gold flecks and simple greenery, it's a trendy addition to the sweets table.
9. Unique Wedding Cake With Alice in Wonderland-Theme
At this Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding, the happy couple had a five-tier unique wedding cake with playing cards, a teapot, the Mad Hatter's hat and much more. Not a single detail was missed on this childhood favorite-based dessert.
There's more than what meets the eye with this unique rustic and fall wedding cake. The couple's friend gifted them this cake, with each tier representing the tire pattern from their vehicles because of their love for off-road driving.
If you don't want a geode in the middle of your cake but like the look of them, consider having a similar topper. Get it personalized with your monogram or leave it plain—no matter what, the eye-catching decoration will bring a unique touch to your dessert.
13. Simple Unique Wedding Cake Design with Chocolate Drip
Chocolate lovers, this unique cake idea is for you. White wedding cakes don't always have to be clean and polished. Serve your guests a mouth-watering treat with your favorite flavor icing dripping from the top of your cake.
14. Carnival-Themed Unique Colorful Wedding Cake
Photo: Tom Falcone Photography
You'll be shocked, but this one-of-a-kind cake was made by the bride, who isn't a professional baker. Inspired by a circus-themed wedding cake on Pinterest, she added vintage circus performers' portraits and a hollowed-out tier with a carousel horse music box.
If "Honey Bee," by Blake Shelton is your favorite song, have a sweet honeycomb cake for your big day. We love the special touch of adding small fondant honeybees around the cake.
This wedding was at a mountain resort in Colorado, so it makes sense that this couple asked their baker for a cake that matched their wedding's surroundings. The best part about the cake is the fresh foliage and fruit that bring an earthiness to this unique wedding cake.
Embrace nature even if you're celebrating your marriage indoors. Not a single detail was overlooked on this confection. From the moss-lined wooden cake stand to the faux birds perched on branches on each tier–– this cake is a rustic masterpiece.
This couple had a watercolor stained glass wedding cake, which fit with the yellow and blue color palette of their wedding. This is also a creative way to incorporate something blue if you like classic wedding traditions.
19. Unique One-Layer Wedding Cake Design
Laura Clarke Photography
One-tier wedding cakes don't have to be simple. Topped with vibrant physalis and surrounded by wildflowers, this olive oil cake stopped guests in their tracks.
If you're having a summer wedding, fresh fruit needs to be somewhere on the menu. At this bohemian backyard wedding, the husband's cousin served a naked cake filled with rich cream and jelly and draped with seasonal fruits.
Can we take a moment of silence and appreciate how gorgeous and glamorous this cake is? This unique cake was just one of the many things that brought drama to this rooftop wedding.
Stunning fresh green orchids add a tropical element to this unique wedding cake. The blue-stenciled paisley design also brings some life to an otherwise plain white confection.
Yes, it's white, but what makes this three-tiered almond wedding cake unique is the cake topper and the words written on it. This Disney cake has Cinderella's castle (white chocolate flavor) on top, which fits perfectly with the "And They Lived Happily Ever After" phrase on the dessert.
