When it comes to wedding cakes these days, pretty much anything goes, in terms of color, style, and decorations. There is something to be said, however, for the restrained elegance of a classic white wedding cake. From contemporary to ornate, these are some design ideas for the perfect white cake to suit any wedding.

White does not have to mean boring or plain. In fact, there are many ways to make a white wedding cake special and unique. The place to begin is by deciding on the general style of cake you wish to feature, modern, traditional, or eclectic. From there, the next consideration is the shape of the confection, and the arrangement of the tiers. Square layers tend to look more modern and sleek, whereas round is more traditional. That is not to say, however, that you cannot come up with a creative modern design using round tiers or an updated classic wedding cake in a square shape.

For a sleek contemporary white cake, stack square tiers, either three or five layers high (always work in odd numbers). Cover with a perfectly smooth fondant icing. With this base in place, you can begin to play with different decorating options. A five tier cake could be decorated with white on white vertical stripes to enhance its height and linear form. Think of a 1930s streamline deco moderne skyscraper for inspiration. Top it with a crystal monogram initial for a touch of cool glamor.

Square cakes can be used as a base for a tower of gift wedding cake design. This is a fun way to add a touch of whimsy into a cake that is very suitable for a traditional wedding reception. White on white frosting ribbons, bows, and decorations can be created using gumpaste, fondant, and texture over a buttercream icing. Let the top of the cake be decorated with a large frosting bow. If you like, ask your baker to use a pearlized addition to the frosting to add shimmer and contrast between the “boxes” and the “ribbons”. It is a subtle but gorgeous effect which looks fantastic when the bride is wearing pearl bridal jewelry.

Flowers are always lovely on wedding cakes, and they are a fantastic addition to an all white cake. For the height of elegance, a white fondant cake can be adorned with handmade gum paste orchids. The exotic blossoms can cascade down one side of the tiers. Another beautiful idea is to cover the top layer of a round white wedding cake with an abundance of fresh white flowers. Roses and hydrangea work very well, as their round shape will easily cover the entire top tier when used in a group. Fresh flowers are not only very pretty, but less costly than gum paste blossoms.

Finally, there is the very traditional white wedding cake decorated with a profusion of white frosting swags, scrolls, bows, and pearls. This is a magnificent option for a very formal and grand wedding reception. The “pearl” accents on the cake will complement the bride’s pearl bridal jewelry, and architectural details like swags and scrolls are marvelous in an ornately decorated ballroom. If you are looking for an impressive and traditional all white wedding cake for an elegant wedding, this design will be sure to please.