Why Lambeth Wedding Cakes are the New, Hottest Dessert Trend

If there's ever a trend we love to see making a comeback, it's gotta be retro styles. And nothing takes the cake (full pun intended) like Lambeth wedding cakes. These decadent designs are fit for royalty, and there's no shortage of fun elements you can add to make it uniquely yours. This is one of many current wedding cake trends that seamlessly fit into any wedding theme or aesthetic. If you're looking for Victorian-era design or cottagecore wedding ideas, there's something timeless and versatile about Lambeth cakes.

We'll answer all of your burning questions about this stylish cake, including what is a Lambeth-style cake and what to ask your baker when booking. We also spoke with wedding cake experts and Lambeth cake extraordinaires, Kelly and Andy Scott of Get Caked Bakery in Rochester, New York, and Jenny at Jenny's Cake Creations in Metairie, Louisiana. They gave their best tips and tricks on adding this unique style to any wedding day. So, let's take a look at everything you need to know about Lambeth cakes (and even some examples that will totally have you craving a bite).

In this article:

• What Is a Lambeth Cake?
• Why Is It Called a Lambeth Cake?
• How to Find a Lambeth Cake Near You
• Lambeth Wedding Cake Ideas

What Is a Lambeth Cake?

Sure, the name may sound unfamiliar, but there's no doubt you've seen a Lambeth cake or two while scrolling. A Lambeth-style cake is one with intricate piping, typically in ornate scrolls, patterns and curves. They have a European flair, thanks to their origins and the British bakers who brought them over to the US. It balances delicate details with opulence, giving the feel of a royal dessert. "It is a classic style that has never truly gone away, but it's been back on trend for the past several years and is an excellent choice for couples who love timeless elegance," Jenny adds.

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Why Is It Called a Lambeth Cake?

Though these intricate cakes originated in Europe around the 19th century, a man named Joseph Lambeth brought them to America in the 1930s. They were originally made with royal icing, but are now more commonly made with buttercream. The ornate details, variety of colors and addition of sweet cherries mean this wedding cake with piping is a cut above the rest. One reason there's been a surge in popularity with these elegant cakes? Jenny says, "With all that texture and detail, they photograph beautifully and are a timeless show-stopping centerpiece to your wedding reception and photos."

How to Find a Lambeth Cake Near You

Thankfully, many bakers are hopping on the Lambeth cake trend, so you won't need to Google "Lambeth cake near me" when you have a resource like The Knot Vendor Marketplace. This is a must-have tool to find the perfect wedding cake baker near your location. You can even further filter by price, different cakes and desserts, and dietary options like gluten-free, vegan and more. (And since they'll be decorating a buttercream wedding cake, this is a favorite for any couple who's anti-fondant.)

Jenny adds, "We recommend having cake for about 75% of your estimated guest count for a reception-style service, or 100% of your guests for a sit-down course of cake. Your baker should help guide you based on your guest count, but there are also some fun style choices to think about." So, if you need multiple tiers or multiple mini-cakes to account for the guest count, be sure to speak with your baker about this.

Another tip? Kelly Scott says, "The average size two-tiered wedding cake consists of 8-inch and 6-inch round tiers, which serve 24–36 on average. If you plan to save your top tier, make sure you let the baker know so you end up with the appropriate amount of servings."

How to Ask a Baker for a Lambeth-Style Cake

Lambeth cake decorating requires a certain patience and skill, so ensure you're working with a baker who has experience with this type of cake. Jenny says, "It's a good idea to talk with your baker about how intricate you want the piping to be since that can greatly affect the options and wedding cake cost… You can go the more traditional route with shorter, wider tiers for that classic vintage look or go modern with tall, slender tiers. Some bakers offer faux tiers to give the cake extra height without needing to serve that much cake."

One great thing about these versatile cakes is that you can choose a variety of styles, tiers and elements. If you provide your baker with photo references or preferences, that is also helpful to ensure your wedding cake comes out perfectly. Kelly Scott says, "I always recommend compiling a group of photos (via Pinterest or another way) that have styles or design features that you would like to see replicated on your cake. This helps us provide exactly what you are looking for and can assist in pricing out your cake so you aren't surprised with any costs down the road."

Another thing to consider is your display. With piped wedding cakes made of buttercream, you'll want the dessert to be in a temperature-controlled area so you won't risk any of the decorations melting.

Lambeth Wedding Cake Ideas

These vintage wedding cakes are sure to be a hit at your reception. And if you're looking for some ideas, our baking experts say white or ivory Lambeth cakes pair beautifully with classic wedding styles, but they're also a fun way to add personality or color. Icing colors can range from soft pastels to deep greens and even gray. Here is some photo inspiration to help you start planning your wedding cake aesthetic.

1. Cherry on Top Lambeth-Style Wedding Cake

Photo: Rachel Fosbenner Photography

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Cake: The Bellwether House

Something about this photo is giving Polaroid camera vibes in the very best way. You can't beat a classic three-tiered white cake, but with the Lambeth-style piping and cherries? Every guest is sure to love this combination.

2. Ornate, Tiered Lambeth-Style Cake

Photo: Love Is Rad

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Cake: Jenny's Cake Creations

Speaking of three-tier wedding cakes, this moody gray option is the perfect alternative color choice to turn heads at your wedding. With the intricate detailing and blend of off-white shades, it's almost too pretty to eat. (Okay, who are we kidding? Cut me a slice, please.)

3. Sweet and Simple Lambeth Cake

Photo: MC Weddings

Keep it simple and keep it sweet with a one-tier, heart-shaped cake with Victorian-style icing. You won't need a cake topper when the "just married" message is sweet enough as is. And the flower display takes this cake table to the next level.

4. Peachy Piping Wedding Cake

Photo: Tracy Rinehart Photography

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Baker: Over the Rainbow Desserts

This wedding cake has a slightly pink hue, quite like the blushing bride cake topper. This makes a wonderful springtime table display, and it matches the florals to a T.

5. A Touch of Modern Lambeth Cake

Photo: Brittany Barb Photography,Cake: Velvet Valley

Are we seeing a bit of a trend here with the heart-shaped wedding cakes? The answer is yes, and we're totally here for it. Wear your heart on your sleeve, or as your cake, with a classic style adorned with sweet cherries.

6. Lambeth Cake With Pillars

Photo: Ruét Photo,Cake: Feathers and Frosting

Mixing old-school trends with the columns and piping decorations is such a throwback. Pro tip: Use your parents' wedding cake topper as your "something old" to make your cake even more special.

7. Heart-Shaped Tiered Lambeth Cake

Photo: Callaway Gable

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Cake: Cake and Art

A pink wedding cake is a fun way to add even more color to your day, and we love how this couple matched the cherries to the tablecloth. Be sure to ask your baker what other tasty fruits will go well with your Lambeth wedding cake, like blueberries or chocolate-covered strawberries.

8. Classic Wedding Cake With Lambeth Piping

Photo: Tara Beth Photography,Cake: The Box House Hotel

We're living for the tiny rose buds and pearl buttons on this cake. Serving an off-white cake with touches of white makes it easy to match any decor or color palette.

9. Make It Pink, Make It Blue Lambeth Cake

Photo: Ashleigh Coleman Photography

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Cake: Cocoa Bean Bakery and Cafe

Can't decide on a color for your wedding cake? (Who says you have to?) This whimsical wedding cake brings lovely shades of pink, blue and a touch of gold, making it both luxurious and eclectic.

10. I Heart You One-Tier Lambeth Cake

Photo: Alasandra Photography LLC,Cake: Nantucket Bakery

If you're having an intimate celebration but still want the Lambeth style, don't worry. You can easily go for a smaller cake that still packs a big punch, like this heart-shaped cutie.

11. Glamorous Victorian Wedding Cake

Photo: Creel & Co.

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Cake: Jenny's Cake Creations

Here's a cake fit for a queen or king. This five-tiered masterpiece, complete with a floral arch and arrangement, will surely wow your guests. Plus, you can choose a different flavor for each tier.

12. Elopement-Style Wedding Cake

Photo: Nikki Daskalakis

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Baker: Sweet Fix Custom Cakes and Desserts

Inject your sense of humor into your cake, like this couple did for their elopement. Consider some other funny phrases you can add, like "about time" or "married AF."

13. Mirrored Piping Lambeth Wedding Cake

Photography: Get Caked Bakery

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Baker: Get Caked Bakery

This mirrored piping design has some hidden treasures throughout. Can you spot the white pearl balls? This is a fun way to incorporate more wedding-white hues into your palette in a seamless design.

14. Just Married Lambeth Wedding Cake

Photo: Ashley Ice Photography,Cake: McLains Bakery

Sometimes, the sweetest treat of all is knowing you married the love of your life. This adorable cake has just the right touch of Lambeth-style piping and a simple message that you can't wait to share with your new spouse during cake-cutting.

15. Heart of Gold Lambeth Wedding Cake

Photo: Get Caked Bakery

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Baker: Get Caked Bakery

Adding colorful embellishments to your cake gives that extra touch of elegance, like with these gold pearls. Ask your baker what sprinkles and decorations will complement your design, or let them get creative for a sweet surprise.