Wedding Cakes Don’t Have to be White!

Can we just say it louder for the people in the back? Wedding cakes do NOT have to be white! That’s right—there’s no rulebook, wedding etiquette manual, or ancient cake decree that says your wedding cake must be white. Seriously. White fondant and ivory buttercream may be the classic go-to options, but they’re far from your only choice.

As a wedding cake designer who’s been serving style-savvy couples since 2010, I’ve seen so much colour in wedding cake design—and I am 100% here for it. Bold wedding cakes, colourful buttercream finishes, dramatic dark cakes, painted tiers… if you can dream it, we can make it happen.

So if you’ve been secretly craving a cake that’s bright and vibrant, moody and romantic, whimsical and fun, or even totally unconventional—this is your official permission slip to make that vision a reality.

A Wedding Cake Is So Much More Than Dessert

Your wedding cake is more than just something sweet for guests to enjoy after dinner—it’s part of your reception décor. It’s a visual centerpiece. It often has its own special moment: displayed under a spotlight, perched on a gorgeous linen-draped table, photographed from every angle by your photographer and adored by your guests before the first slice is ever cut.

With all that attention, your cake should absolutely reflect the aesthetic and energy of your celebration. Whether your wedding is romantic and garden-inspired, bold and modern, or full of playful, personal details, your cake can (and should!) match that same vibe. Just like your flowers, your outfits, and your playlist, the cake is an expression of your style.

Black Wedding Cakes? Yes, Please.

If you're still on the fence about colour, allow me to shine a spotlight on one of the most underrated—and undeniably elegant—wedding cake styles: the black wedding cake.

Yes, black. Dramatic, sophisticated, and just the right amount of edgy, black wedding cakes are a show-stopping choice. Paired with deep red florals, soft blush sugar blooms, or sleek gold accents, they’re guaranteed to turn heads and give your wedding day a unique twist that guests won’t forget.

Fondant vs Buttercream: The Colour Edition

Here’s a little inside scoop from someone who has been elbow-deep in frosting for over a decade: if you’re going for bold or deep colours, fondant is your best friend.

While buttercream is beloved for its soft, natural finish and delicious flavour, it’s not always the best option for darker hues. Colours like navy, burgundy, emerald green, and black can be tricky in buttercream form—they tend to stain lips, teeth, and even clothing if guests aren’t careful. (And let’s be honest, no one wants to look like they’ve just eaten a lipstick in their wedding portraits.)

Fondant, on the other hand, allows us to create rich, saturated tones without the mess. It gives us a super smooth, flawless canvas to work with, perfect for intricate details like hand-painted designs, stencilled patterns, textured finishes, or even luxe metallic touches. So if you’re leaning into a more dramatic colour palette, fondant is a practical and polished choice.

Set Your Own Wedding Cake Rules

At the end of the day, this is your wedding. If you’ve always dreamed of a non-traditional wedding cake that breaks from the expected, go for it. Whether that means incorporating bold colours, unusual textures, or playful design elements—do what feels right to you.

A wedding cake doesn’t have to be traditional to be beautiful. It just has to feel like you.

So whether you’re dreaming of a dark and moody masterpiece, a playful pastel design, or something completely out-of-the-box, I’ll be right here cheering you on—and happily sketching out cake designs that reflect your vision, your story, and your celebration.

There are so many beautiful colours in the rainbow. Why not choose one (or several) for your wedding cake?