Fresh and Creative Rehearsal Dinner Cake Ideas to Kick Things Off on a Sweet Note

Celebrate one more day until "I do" with these marvelous confections.
Collage of three rehearsal dinner cake ideas
Photos, from left to right: Topper Kingdom/ Etsy, Kami Arant Creative, Amazon
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by
Jacqueline Mann
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Jacqueline Mann
The Knot Contributor
  • Jacqueline writes articles for The Knot Worldwide that cover an array of wedding-related topics.
  • She previously worked as a marketing manager for a wedding venue where she learned the intricate details of wedding planning.
  • Jacqueline graduated from Bluefield University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and communications.
Updated Nov 30, 2023
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Complement your rehearsal dinner menu with a delectable treat to celebrate the soon-to-be weds. A rehearsal dinner cake is a sweet way to end your evening with family and friends before the big day. Choose a design that reflects the couple, or serve the groom's cake during the rehearsal dinner. No matter what you decide, include a cute or funny phrase on your confection. Don't forget to hop over to The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find a talented baker for your rehearsal dinner cake. From cake sayings to photo inspiration, we have all the details you need to know about serving a rehearsal dinner cake.

In this story:

Do You Have a Cake at a Rehearsal Dinner?

You can absolutely serve a cake at your rehearsal dinner. Choose a small design that's just enough to feed your guests, and has a different flavor profile from the wedding cake. It's also a fun way for the to-be-weds to practice cutting a cake together. Serve the cake on its own, or with an assortment of other small desserts.

Can the Groom's Cake Be Served at the Rehearsal Dinner?

The rehearsal dinner is a great time to serve the groom's cake. It allows the cake to stand out on its own and won't compete with the wedding cake on the big day. Look for groom's cake ideas that are focused on the groom's tastes and interests. This could include a sports team motif, a hobby or his favorite movie. Decide if the groom's cake will be a surprise, or let him pick out the flavors and design he wants.

Rehearsal Dinner Cake Sayings: What to Write

Include a cute or funny phrase on your pre-wedding cake. Here are a few of our favorite rehearsal dinner cake sayings.

  • Celebrating the Future [Pluralized Couple's Last Name]
  • One More Day Until "I Do"
  • Best Wishes for the Soon-To-Be Mr. and Mrs.
  • It's the Night Before the Wedding: Let's Celebrate
  • The Countdown Has Begun
  • Mr. and Mrs. To Be
  • How Sweet it is to Celebrate [Couple's Names]
  • Pre-Wedding Jitters? Cure it With Cake
  • Tomorrow [Couple's Names] Tie the Knot
  • Practice Makes Perfect
  • We Can't Wait Until the Wedding Day
  • Today We're Just Rehearsing, Tomorrow is the Real Deal

Rehearsal Dinner Cake Toppers

Every cake needs an equally festive wedding cake topper. These rehearsal dinner cake toppers help you celebrate one more day before "I do."

One Day Away Rehearsal Cake Topper

Gold Glittery 'One Day Away' Rehearsal Dinner Cake Topper
Photo: Topper Kingdom

The wedding is just one day away. Celebrate with this glittery rehearsal dinner cake topper available in gold, silver, black or white.

Silver Glitter Cake Topper

Tomorrow We Do Rehearsal Dinner Cake Topper
Photo: Amazon

This "Tomorrow We Do" cake topper is made of sturdy cardstock and covered in silver glitter. We love the engagement ring detail hidden inside the text.

Soon to Be Rehearsal Cake Topper

Soon To Be Mr and Mrs Rehearsal Dinner Cake Topper
Photo: Amazon

Show off the to-be-wed's almost newlywed status with a "Soon to be Mr. and Mrs." rehearsal dinner cake topper. This beautiful design is available in black acrylic or natural wood.

Monogram Rehearsal Dinner Cake Topper

Rustic custom initials wedding cake topper
Photo: Mint To Be Us

A simple design is versatile for any pre-wedding celebration. Personalize this topper with the couple's initials, and choose from a wood, gold, black, silver or rose gold finish.

Almost Married Cake Topper

'Almost married' rehearsal dinner cake topper
Photo: Amazon

Top your cake in a festive gold cake topper that reads, "Almost Married." This design is made from glitter-covered card stock and is perfect for a small wedding rehearsal cake.

Rehearsal Dinner Cake Ideas

From comical to sweet, get inspired with these creative rehearsal dinner cake ideas.

Decadent Chocolate Cake With Flowers

Chocolate cake with a rich chocolate frosting is a popular combo for a rehearsal dinner cake or groom's cake. Brighten the dark colors with fresh flowers and greenery.

Blue and White Hand-Painted Rehearsal Dinner Cake

Blue and White Hand-Painted Rehearsal Dinner Cake
Photo: Chad Munro Photography

Navy blue lends a touch of elegance to your event without being too formal. We love this hand-painted, two-tiered cake that is perfect for a moderate-sized rehearsal dinner gathering.

Pastel Pink Ombre Cake

A romantic pastel pink design is a beautiful wedding rehearsal dinner cake idea. Pair a single-tiered cake with additional desserts if you need to feed more people.

Elegant Black and Gold Rehearsal Dinner Cake

Choose an elegant black and gold rehearsal cake if you're hosting a formal dinner. This modern confection features a geometric gold-flaked design.

Boho Naked Wedding Rehearsal Cake

Pair a casual, boho rehearsal dinner cake with in-season blooms and greenery for a fresh vibe.

Camping Couple Rehearsal Dinner Cake

Show off the to-be-wed's shared interests with a themed confection. This creative rehearsal dinner cake is an adorable motif for a camping couple.

Rainbow-Inspired Rehearsal Dinner Cake Idea

Include the colors of the rainbow for a colorful cake that's sure to brighten any space.

Rehearsal Dinner Cake with Chocolate and Gold

End your dinner with a tempting dark chocolate and mint dessert. Gold flakes and eucalyptus take this rehearsal dinner cake up a notch.

Whimsical Funfetti Rehearsal Cake

Add a bit of playfulness to your rehearsal dinner menu with a cute Funfetti cake topped with paper decorations.

Bold Green and Gold Rehearsal Dinner Cake

Bring on the drama with a rehearsal dinner cake boasting deep green and gold frosting, dark red flowers and purple berries.

Wedding Rehearsal Cake With Kissing Fish

Wedding Rehearsal Cake With Kissing Fish
Photo: onelove photography

Decorate a simple, single-tiered cake with vibrant florals and a quirky topper. We adore this design that features a sweet kissing fish topper that's perfect for an outdoorsy couple.

Rehearsal Dinner With Mini Bundt Cakes

Instead of one rehearsal dinner cake, opt for multiple mini bundt cakes in a variety of cake and frosting flavors.

Simple Cake With Sugared Blueberries

Delightfully plump blueberries add a fresh pop of flavor to your rehearsal dinner cake. Lightly dust the berries in powdered sugar for a frosted look.

City Skyline Wedding Rehearsal Cake Idea

City Skyline Wedding Rehearsal Cake Idea
Photo: Laura Stone Photo
,
Cake: Bold American

Represent the couple's home city or where they met with an elegant cake showcasing the town's prominent skyline.

Berry-Topped Rehearsal Cheesecake

Berry-Topped Rehearsal Cheesecake
Photo: Affinity Photography
,
Cake: Annie Sparks Dempster

If the couple was shy about choosing a cheesecake for their wedding day, ask your baker to make one for the rehearsal dinner instead. Adorn with berries, chocolate, caramel, or any flavor you desire.

University Rehearsal Dinner Cake

Did the to-be-wed's meet in college? Give a nod to their alma mater with a festive rehearsal dinner cake.

Classic White Rehearsal Cake With Dahlias

Classic White Rehearsal Cake With Dahlias
Photo: Alexandra Celia Photography,Cake: Saltadena

Create contrast with a classic white cake and dark blooms or berries for a modern vibe on your rehearsal dinner dessert table.

Caramel Rehearsal Dinner Cake Idea

Caramel is a tasty alternative to a chocolate rehearsal dinner cake. Top the rich and creamy confection with fresh berries and greenery.

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