17 Watercolor Wedding Cake Ideas

bride in off the shoulder tulle gown and groom in black tuxedo cutting into blue and white tiered wedding cake at garden estate — Photo by Julia Kaptelova

Although we love the sleek and chic look of a classic cake, this simple style may not cut it for modern couples looking to shake up tradition and serve something new.

A watercolor palette provides the perfect opportunity to think outside of the box and make a lasting impression on guests. To create that “wow” factor, you can play around with colors, styles, and designs that reflect your personality, love story, and wedding theme. Whether it be a marble, floral, or ombré design, the options are endless. These edible works of art will do the trick no matter what time of the year you’re hosting your wedding and regardless of the venue site.

These 17 watercolor wedding cake ideas will give you all the inspiration you need to celebrate your new life in color.

01 of 17

Embrace Edible Flowers

lavender wedding cake with assorted purple flowers — Photo by Jen Huang

With a lilac wash of color and four tiers, this watercolor wedding cake is perfect for romantic affairs. A cascading design of small edible flowers and real blooms adds the most delicate detailing to the frosting.

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Add Flecks of Gold

white wedding cake with red and white flowers and blue base with flecks of gold — Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography

Elevate a simple wedding cake with a touch of glam. The first three layers of this sweet treat are coated in white fondant, while the bottom layer packs a punch with a light ombré and gold-leaf detailing. Adorn your layers with hellebore flowers or any type of bloom that complements your bouquet and centerpieces.

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Feature Fruity Accents

Drip Wedding Cake with Hand-Painted Watercolor Flower — Photo by Alba Rose Photography; Cake by The Butterfly Cake Factory

For spring and summer weddings, there’s no better way to embrace the warm weather than with fresh fruit. Top your indulgence with an abundance of figs, pears, and pomegranates for a refreshing treat that’s equally as beautiful to look at. To really go all out, paint a watercolor floral design using palette-knife artistry on the side of your cake.

04 of 17

Wrap It in Ruffles

blue and white three tier ruffled cake on a gold glass table with greenery — Photo by Julia Kaptelova

Who says ruffles are just for your wedding dress? This fashion-forward cake matches the same ruffle details as those on the bride’s gown. For a cohesive look, let your wedding attire or décor guide the vision for your dessert display. Painted across a backdrop of light and airy blue, these breathtaking ruffles are reminiscent of a fairytale.

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Focus on Bright Hues

hot pink water color cake with pink flowers and baby's breath — Photo by JoPhoto; Cake by Sugar Magnolia Cake Boutique

For a fun way to brighten up your reception and grab everyone’s attention, settle on this vibrant shade of pink for your cake. This cheerful hue is ideal for a warm-weather wedding, beach bash, or Southern soirée. Decorate your cake with baby’s breath and roses for a super sweet presentation.

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Mismatch Your Tiers

two-tiered metallic ombré cake with gold, black and green watercolor — Photo by Kristyn Harder Photography; Cake by Pretty Sweet YYC; Planning and Design by Evelyn Clark Weddings

If you can’t settle on just one design, why not have two? Play around with multiple styles by building mismatched tiers. Use white frosting to craft an intricate design on the first tier, and settle for an ombré wash of blue, black, and gold on the second. To keep guests on their toes, have each tier feature a different cake flavor.

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Opt for a Tropical Design

coral-colored cake with gold flecks and tropical leaves — Photo by Alexandria Monette; Cake by Elise Cakes

Whether you’re saying “I do” at a destination wedding or you’re looking to channel island vibes on your wedding day, this tropical cake is the perfect addition to your special day. The coral watercolor frosting combined with the palm and monstera leaf accents just screams the tropics. For an ounce of glitz, outline the greenery with gold-leaf embellishments.

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Make It Minimal

minimal design one tier wedding cake with navy edge and white flower on top — Photo by Connie Balluff; florals by Himila Adams

For couples hosting a minimalist affair, a single-tier cake with navy-edged watercolor is a worthwhile choice. Designed with just a hint of color and topped with one white rose, this confection is understated yet chic. The smaller size also makes it an ideal option for elopements or micro weddings with downsized guest lists.

09 of 17

Coat It in Charcoal

white and charcoal-designed cake with sprigs of greenery — Photo by Matthew Land

Garnish a simple white cake with charcoal and gray watercolor designs. The moody shades are a good option for winter nuptials or modern events with a black-and-white color scheme. The greenery decorations add an unexpected contrast to the otherwise industrial look.

10 of 17

Stack Square Layers

three-tiered square wedding cake with pastel watercolor design and flowers — Courtesy of Zoe Clark Cakes

Replace traditional round tiers with something more contemporary: Square tiers. The angular edges will give your delectable dessert a clean and sophisticated look. With pops of orange, pink, and lilac in addition to delicate orchids and roses, your modern confection will feel playful and whimsical.

11 of 17

Create a Work of Art

two-tiered blue green watercolor cake with pink flowers on top — Photo by Chris Isham

Turn your cake into a masterpiece by crafting a geode using brushstrokes and edible glitter. This unexpected and showstopping design is perfect for any type of wedding, from a boho backyard fête to a glamorous ballroom event. It’s also an excellent way to play around with color, and the pink blooms atop pull the confection together.

12 of 17

Grow A Garden

one-tiered light pink cake with assorted pink and white flower topper — Photo by Alissa Noelle Photography; Cake by Whisk and Whittle

Flowers are one of the most important wedding décor details, and they aren’t just reserved for the centerpiece. Top your cake with fuchsia, peach, and white blooms for an eye-catching display. We love how the subdued pink buttercream frosting balances out the dramatic buds on top.

13 of 17

Select a Light Wash of Color

cobalt blue watercolor cake with colorful fresh flowers — Photo by Jessa Schifilliti

For those who are hesitant to completely throw tradition out the window, a classic white cake with a hint of blue is for you. The faint trace of color reminds us of the ocean, making it a noteworthy option for nautical or tropical celebrations. Pair it with strands of greenery and blossoms to embrace an organic look.

14 of 17

Choose a Pastel Palette

Purple pastel cake with gold flecks and peach and blush flowers — Photo by Tayler Enerle Photography

Soft pastels are our favorite springtime shades and can provide a unique way to experiment with color through your wedding cake’s blank canvas. This two-tier delicacy with a light lavender base doesn’t disappoint for spring nuptials. Up the ante with scattered gold leaf and lush roses.

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Incorporate a Subtle Ombré

mint green watercolor ombré wedding cake with gold rim — Photo by Judy Pak

If you’re looking for a simple cake that still makes a statement, consider a pale ombré wash. Covering your cake in white fondant with a sprinkling of blue creates a rippling effect that will make a splash at your reception. Trim your edges with gold glitter if you want to incorporate an element of opulence.

16 of 17

Capture Your Love

white and coral pink water color wedding cake with gold flecks and gold arrow piercing through — Courtesy of Hansel & Gretel Cakes

Are you so head over heels in love with your partner that you feel like you were shot with Cupid’s arrow? Customize a cake that honors your love story by piercing it with a gold arrow. The pink watercolor gradient and gold-leaf finish will make you fall in love all over again—this time with your cake!

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Drizzle Your Icing

very tall single -tier multi-colored watercolor Drip Wedding Cake with yellow sugar and yellow flower topper. — Photo by Rachel Joy Baransi

Drip wedding cakes are such a fun way to dress up your dessert. Drizzle your tiers with rich icing, melted chocolate, gooey caramel, sweet syrup, or a sugary glaze for a one-of-a-kind style. The white drip icing on this cake contrasts nicely with the multicolored coating, and the glass-like topper is a modern surprise.

Every Wedding Cake Question You've Ever Had, Answered