Unveiling the Hottest Wedding Cake Trends of 2015: A Comprehensive Review
As we conclude our highly anticipated series, The 2015 Wedding Cake Preview, we reflect on two exhilarating weeks dedicated to the art and innovation of bridal confectionery. We’ve had the distinct pleasure of oohing and aahing over truly marvelous cake designs, all while gaining invaluable insights into the emerging cake trends for 2015 directly from the industry’s most esteemed designers. These top-tier cake artists generously shared their predictions for the hottest trends of the year, subsequently translating their vision into innovative, exclusive new cakes crafted specifically for this series and, most importantly, for you, our cherished readers. If you happened to miss any of these exquisite creations, we invite you to catch up on the entire series right here and immerse yourself in the beauty.
Join us now as we take a delightful look back at the past two weeks, offering a quick recap and a detailed breakdown of the standout wedding cake trends that are set to define 2015 and inspire countless celebrations.
Each participating designer approached this project with a distinct artistic perspective, resulting in a stunning collection of eight completely unique and breathtaking cake designs. However, when we take a step back and examine the broader landscape, we can discern several overarching themes and trends that beautifully overlap and intertwine. These shared visions illuminate the direction that wedding cake artistry is heading in 2015. Let’s delve into some of the most prominent highlights and break down these captivating trends for your inspiration:
Defining Wedding Cake Trends for 2015
Metallics: A Touch of Glimmer and Glamour
Metallics are poised to maintain their dominant presence in the world of wedding cakes throughout 2015, evolving to offer even more versatility and sophistication. Brides and designers alike will continue to gravitate towards luxurious shades of gold, silver, and pewter, but anticipate seeing these precious hues integrated into an even wider variety of designs and styles. From shimmering full tiers that capture the light to delicate metallic accents on intricate details, these tones add an unparalleled sense of glamour and opulence. Whether applied as elegant foils, shimmering edible dusts, or meticulously hand-painted details, metallics elevate any cake, providing a sophisticated sheen that perfectly complements both classic and contemporary wedding themes. This trend speaks to couples looking to add a touch of luxury and a celebratory sparkle to their special day.
Relaxed Elegance: Organic Forms and Effortless Beauty
The prevailing aesthetic of 2015 is undeniably “relaxed elegance,” where cake designs embrace a more fluid and natural flow. This trend marks a shift away from rigid structures towards softer, more organic expressions. Geometric patterns, while still popular, are losing their sharp, angular edges in favor of more rounded, flowing, and free-form interpretations that feel more harmonious and less formal. The unconventional, artistic, and free-spirited style we’ve come to know and love as Bohemian is making a significant mark, appearing everywhere from floral arrangements to overall cake aesthetics. Expect to see floral arrangements that are loose, asymmetrical, and embody a delightful wildflower-ish vibe, bringing a touch of natural beauty indoors. Furthermore, the charmingly imperfect shadings and washes of watercolor techniques make it an absolutely perfect choice for the nuanced beauty of 2015, adding a painterly, soft, and romantic touch to any design.
Hand-Painting: Bespoke Artistry on Every Tier
For those with an artistic flair, it’s time to brush up on those painting skills, because hand-painted details exploded onto the scene, featuring prominently in five out of our eight exclusive designs! This trend is a testament to the desire for bespoke, personalized elements that transform a cake into a true work of art. Hand-painting allows for incredible customization, from delicate floral motifs and intricate patterns to abstract designs and even personalized narratives. Each brushstroke adds a unique, artisanal quality that factory-produced decorations simply cannot replicate. The beauty of hand-painting lies in its ability to create depth, texture, and a truly one-of-a-kind statement piece. Whether it’s a subtle wash of color or a vibrant, detailed scene, hand-painted wedding cakes offer an unparalleled level of sophistication and personal expression, making them a captivating focal point for any reception.
Deliciously Beautiful: Taste Meets Exquisite Design
While aesthetics are paramount, taste truly matters, and the “Deliciously Beautiful” trend ensures that design elements are as delectable as they are gorgeous. This trend emphasizes the use of edible decorations that are not only stunning visually but also contribute to the overall flavor experience of the cake. Buttercream flowers and chocolate flowers, for example, are emerging as a brilliant way to achieve both exquisite beauty and incredible taste. These edible blossoms offer a rich texture and delightful flavor profile that traditional sugar flowers, while beautiful, sometimes lack. Imagine biting into a delicate rose made of creamy buttercream or a decadent chocolate peony; it’s an experience that elevates the entire dessert. This focus on edible artistry ensures that every part of your wedding cake is a treat for both the eyes and the palate, guaranteeing an unforgettable culinary experience for your guests.
Sequins, Sequins, Sequins: Adding Dazzling Texture
Prepare for a dazzling display as sequins of all shapes and sizes become a must-have element to add dynamic texture and sparkle to 2015 wedding cake designs. Far from being relegated to fashion alone, edible sequins are meticulously applied to create breathtaking effects, from subtle shimmer to full-on glittering tiers. Whether they are tiny, iridescent disks scattered artfully, or larger, more prominent circles arranged in intricate patterns, sequins catch the light beautifully, creating a mesmerizing effect. This trend is perfect for couples seeking a touch of modern glamour, a festive feel, or a playful yet sophisticated vibe for their celebration. Sequins can add depth, dimension, and an undeniable ‘wow’ factor, making the cake truly sparkle and shine as the centerpiece of your reception.
Designer Details: Fashion-Forward Cake Statements
The runway continues to inspire the tiered masterpiece, with current fashion trends translating seamlessly and beautifully into innovative cake designs. In 2015, we are absolutely loving the incorporation of sophisticated “designer details” such as delicate feathers, playful fringe, and luxurious gold-dipped pieces. Feathers can add a whimsical, ethereal touch, creating movement and lightness. Fringe, whether subtle or dramatic, offers a tactile texture and a sense of playful sophistication. Gold-dipped elements, often seen in cutlery or ceramics, find their way onto cakes to provide a chic, modern edge with a hint of luxury. These fashion-forward accents allow cakes to become true extensions of the bridal style and overall wedding aesthetic, making a bold and memorable statement that reflects contemporary design sensibilities.
Color: Embracing a Vibrant Palette
This may very well be the year that color truly breaks free from traditional constraints and makes a bold statement! We observed an incredible array of hues across our designer showcase, moving beyond classic pastels to embrace a vibrant and diverse palette. From the serene charm of pale blues and the joyful pop of vibrant pinks to the sophisticated depth of rich gem tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, 2015 cakes are a canvas for brilliant color. And of course, no discussion of 2015 color trends would be complete without mentioning the Pantone Color of the Year: Marsala. This naturally robust and earthy wine red adds a grounded yet sophisticated warmth, perfectly complementing rustic, vintage, and even glamorous themes. Its versatility makes it ideal for integrating into floral elements, metallic accents, or even as a primary cake color, offering a distinctive and memorable touch.
You may have noticed all of the lovely cake stands gracefully featured throughout this series. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Sarah’s Stands for their wonderful collaboration on this project! As a special treat for our readers, Sarah’s Stands is delighted to offer The Cake Blog community a 10% discount on all orders placed through February 16th, 2015. Simply use the promo code CAKEBLOG10 when ordering to claim your exclusive saving and elevate your own cake display.
Meet the Visionary Cake Designers Behind the 2015 Trends
Our profound gratitude goes out to the incredible cake designers who poured their talent and vision into this inspiring cake series. Their creativity and dedication brought the 2015 trends to life in spectacular fashion. We highly encourage you to delve deeper into their artistic processes and discover more about their individual inspirations and masterful techniques by visiting their dedicated posts:
Cake No. 1: Rachael Teufel of Intricate Icings Cake Design
Rachael Teufel, from the renowned Intricate Icings Cake Design, presented a cake that epitomizes meticulous craftsmanship and delicate artistry. Her creation masterfully showcased how intricate details can transform a simple form into a showstopper, subtly weaving in elements of refined elegance and possibly even a hint of understated metallic shimmer. Rachael’s work is a testament to the power of precision and vision in cake design. See her exquisite cake HERE.
Cake No. 2: Allison Kelleher of AK Cake Design
Allison Kelleher of AK Cake Design captivated us with her bold yet organic approach. Her distinctive black & white organic striped cake beautifully illustrated the “Relaxed Elegance” trend by taking a classic pattern and infusing it with a softer, more fluid feel. This design proves that striking contrasts can still feel natural and effortless, making a modern statement that is both chic and approachable. It’s a perfect example of how contemporary design can embrace organic flow. See her captivating cake HERE.
Cake No. 3: Erica OBrien of Erica OBrien Cake Design
Erica OBrien, from Erica OBrien Cake Design, truly embraced the “Deliciously Beautiful” trend with her stunning modern buttercream flower cake. Her creation celebrated the artistry of edible florals, proving that buttercream can be sculpted into incredibly realistic and delicate blossoms. This cake was not just a visual delight but also promised a delectable experience, showcasing how taste and aesthetics can perfectly converge in a contemporary design that feels fresh and inviting. See her exquisite cake HERE.
Cake No. 4: Jenna Illchuk of Jenna Rae Cakes
Jenna Illchuk of Jenna Rae Cakes brought the sparkle with her glamorous gold & marsala sequin cake. This design was a vibrant embodiment of both the “Sequins, Sequins, Sequins” and “Color” trends, with Marsala as the undeniable star. The luxurious gold sequins added a dazzling texture, perfectly complementing the rich, earthy tones of Marsala, creating a cake that was both opulent and on-trend. It’s a perfect example for brides looking to incorporate the Pantone Color of the Year with a touch of modern glitter. See her stunning cake HERE.
Cake No. 5: Robin Martin of Gateaux Inc.
Robin Martin of Gateaux Inc. showcased the exquisite potential of the “Hand-Painting” and “Metallics” trends with her hand-painted chevron & gold cake. This sophisticated design married bold geometric patterns with delicate, artistic brushwork and luxurious metallic accents. The hand-painted chevron provided a dynamic visual interest, while the gold elements added a touch of modern glamour, proving that artistic techniques can flawlessly integrate with contemporary styles for a truly bespoke finish. See her artistic cake HERE.
Cake No. 6: Erin Gardner of Erin Bakes
Erin Gardner of Erin Bakes presented a cake that beautifully combined two key trends: “Deliciously Beautiful” and “Relaxed Elegance.” Her creation featured organically styled florals crafted entirely from chocolate, offering a rustic yet refined aesthetic. This innovative approach highlighted the appeal of edible artistry while embracing the natural, flowing forms characteristic of the year’s relaxed elegance trend. Erin’s cake was a delicious testament to creativity and a perfect choice for couples seeking both beauty and flavor in harmony. See her delightful cake HERE.
Cake No. 7: Paloma Efron of Coco Paloma Desserts
Paloma Efron of Coco Paloma Desserts truly captured the essence of “Relaxed Elegance” with her stunning bohemian-inspired cake. Featuring soft watercolor washes and charming succulents, her design perfectly embodied the free-spirited, organic aesthetic that is so popular in 2015. The blend of delicate artistry and natural elements created a whimsical yet sophisticated cake, ideal for bohemian or outdoor-themed weddings. Paloma’s work showcases the beauty of embracing imperfection and natural forms. See her enchanting cake HERE.
Cake No. 8: Sherri Meyers of The Pastry Studio
Sherri Meyers of The Pastry Studio concluded our series with a dynamic demonstration of “Metallics + Color.” Her captivating cake fearlessly integrated shimmering metallic elements with a vibrant color palette, creating a bold and unforgettable statement. This design showcased how these two powerful trends can coalesce to produce a cake that is both luxurious and full of personality. Sherri’s creation serves as a brilliant example for brides who want their wedding cake to be a focal point that exudes both grandeur and modern flair. See her vibrant cake HERE.
Embrace the Beautiful Possibilities of 2015 Wedding Cakes
We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring series and feel truly ready to embrace the boundless creativity of 2015 wedding cake designs. Whether you are a dedicated professional working closely with discerning brides-to-be, or you yourself ARE the bride-to-be eagerly planning your dream wedding, we raise a toast to many beautiful and memorable wedding cakes this year! Our aim has been to spark your imagination, get your mind racing with innovative concepts, and set your heart dreaming of the endless possibilities for your perfect centerpiece. May your 2015 wedding be adorned with a cake that is not only visually stunning but also a true reflection of your unique love story and personal style.