photo by Aly Barnett Photography

Let’s be honest: the wedding cake is one of the best parts of the wedding reception! It’s equal parts a delicious end to the meal and a pretty centerpiece of the reception decor…what could be better? If you’re looking for wedding cake inspiration, we’ve got 8 trends for 2019 that are sure to add the perfect amount of sweetness to your day.

Floating Layer Cakes

The floating layer cake trend is one we didn’t even know we were missing from our lives until we saw it! Adding a non-cake layer between one or all of the layers creates the prettiest “floating” illusion and makes it feel more artsy and modern.

photo by Keisy and Rocky, cake by Platitos de Azúcar; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Henry Tieu Photography, cake by Sift & Gather; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Kaley from Kansas; see more from this wedding here!

Pastel Cakes

If you don’t want a white wedding cake but don’t want to over-do it on color, pastels are that perfect happy medium! A touch of pastel on your wedding cake with fondant or hand-painted details will elevate your cake design with a fresh twist.

photo by The Shepards Photo, cake by Pavlov’s Lab; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Carley Jayne Azorit, cake by Saltadena; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Noble Photographers, cake by Sugar Lane Bakery; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

Fruit-Topped Cakes

Fruit might not be the first topping that comes to mind when you think of wedding cakes, but we think it’s time it joins the list. You can create so many looks with the simple addition of berries, figs, or citrus and it adds another textural component your guests are sure to love!

photo by Taylor Hughes Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Sanford Creative; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Sean Money and Elizabeth Fay, cake by ABCD Cakes; see more from this wedding here!

Ultra Moody Cakes

If you’re not one for pastels or want to create a more dramatic look, an ultra moody wedding cake is the way to go! Think rich colors, eye-catching designs, and unexpected accent elements to really make it feel dramatic and over-the-top.

photo by The Johnsons Photo, cake by Sweet Devotion Cakery; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Fox & Kin, cake by Sweet Bloom Cakes; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Eileen Meny, cake by Samantha Bakes Cakes; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

Floral-Forward Cakes

We sincerely hope that wedding cakes adorned with florals will never, ever go out of style! For 2019, though, we’re thinking the floral accents should be larger and more vibrant than ever before. We’re talking cascading down the sides, covering the top, and essentially looking like a floral arrangement of its own.

photo by Dearly Beloved Photography, cake by Hapacupcakes; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by The Bold Americana, cake by Chef Shop Baking; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Regan Scaife Photo & Video; see more from this wedding here!

Paint Stroked Cakes

For couples who love mid-century modern design, bursts of color, or really creative expressions of artwork, we cannot recommend paint stroked wedding cakes enough! We’ve seen cakes that looks like paint was simply smeared on, cakes with 3D strokes added on, and cakes that have been meticulously hand-painted to look abstract yet still be totally elegant. This is, hands-down, one of the coolest wedding cake trends for 2019!

photo by The Gathering Season, cake by Scoota Baker; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Karly Ford Photo, cake by The Art of Cake; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Lauren Cate Photography, cake by Geneva Stone Cakes; see more from this wedding here!

Macaron Cakes

What’s better than a wedding cake? A wedding cake topped with delicate French cookies, of course! Macarons are sophisticated little nuggets of sweetness that look gorgeous on a cake, whether cascading down the side or sitting pretty on top. It’s a sweet little surprise your guests won’t expect but will be thrilled to see on their plates!

photo by Aline Marin Photography, macarons and meringues by Mac Lab Bakery; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Wianda Bongen Photography, cake by Majesteit taart; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Elina Upmane Photography, cake by Garden Cakes; see more from this wedding here!

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Multi-Texture Layer Cakes

Last but certainly not least is the “go big or go home” wedding cake that features a different texture and design on every single delicious layer! If you just can’t decide on one design, you love the eclectic look, or you want your wedding cake to be the focal point of your wedding reception, this trend is for you!

photo by Brooke Taelor, cake by Zaida Marcos; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Boote Photography Studio, cake by The Starfish Cottage; see more from this wedding inspiration here!

photo by Shelly Anderson Photography, cake by Melissa’s Fine Pastries; see more from this wedding here!

Looking for more wedding cake inspiration? Check out these incredible cake ideas!

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The Best Etsy Wedding Cake Toppers

The Best Etsy Wedding Cake Stands

36 Ideas for Dressing Up Your Wedding Cake with Fresh Florals