2022 WEDDING CAKE + DESSERT TRENDS: INSPIRATION, TIMELINE + TIPS

Today, we’re talking all about just about everyone’s favorite wedding detail: cake and desserts! Following along in our journey of sharing 2022 wedding trends, we’re bringing you sweet treats from each of the 5 trending wedding color palettes, styles, and themes we’ve spotted for this year! (Click here to check out that blog if you missed it!)

Wedding cakes can truly be an artistic masterpiece for your big day with different shapes, sizes, accents, and decadent cake flavors and icing options! Today’s couples are also creating dessert stations by adding in other sweets and treats while still allowing the wedding cake to be a gorgeous focal point. Find tips, timelines, inspo, and more from local Madison, Wisconsin area vendors below!

WHAT TO KNOW + ASK

  • Make sure your baker is licensed.
     
  • Does the baker offer a tasting, and how many guests can attend? 
  • Do they have pictures of their creations? 
  • How many weddings do they book on a weekend? 
  • How far in advance do they make the cake, and how does that affect the taste? 
  • Do they offer vegan or gluten-free options? 
  • How large is a serving size? 
  • How big of a cake or how many dessert pieces will you need? 
  • Who provides the cake knives? 
  • Decide who will be cutting the cake and if you want to do the traditional cutting of the first piece. 
  • Will flowers or other decorative pieces be added to the cake or dessert display, and by whom? 
  • Do you need cake stands, decorative dessert trays, display table, or buffet? 
  • Is there an additional fee for delivery and setup? 
  • Ask about pricing, deposit, or payment schedule. 
  • Is there anything that needs to be returned, and when? 
  • Do you plan to freeze the top cake layer for your anniversary? Discuss with the baker, as some give suggestions while others will make a fresh cake later.

TIMING

6-12 MONTHS BEFORE: Contact bakers to discuss ideas and set up a tasting. Book on the earlier side of your wedding is during a peak time, or if it’s a popular baker that may book up quickly.

6 MONTHS BEFORE: Design consultation, choices + flavors.

2 MONTHS BEFORE: Final tweaks to design details.

2-3 WEEKS BEFORE: Give the final guest count to your baker, verify all details, make final payment.

OPTIONS

SIZE

– Cake & desserts are priced per serving, so know how many you need to serve.

SHAPE

– Come with ideas in mind or let your cake designer be creative with an edible masterpiece.

FLAVORS + FILLINGS

– Visit bakers for tastings to help you decide on something you love or that may be popular with your guests.

FROSTING

– Buttercream, whipped cream, rolled fondant…explore your options!

DECORATIONS

– Additional accents such as flowers, cake jewelry, ribbon, hand-paintings, geodes, a special cake topper, or any additional decor for the entire display?

STANDS

– Consider buying or renting a cake stand or dessert trays to add elegance or uniqueness to your display.

DESSERT VIBES | BRIDGERTON

CREATIVE CONFECTIONS BY ALICIA RUSSELL

1121241 47884 l Mu6yduX
1121242 47884 l TUPe2E2
1121244 47884 l pUQUpAV
Bridgerton Cupcakes

THE LOOKING GLASS BAKERY

1121249 47884 l guna3Yj

1121250 47884 l E3ajyTU
1121251 47884 l E7Y3aWy
Bridgerton Inspired Cookies

DESSERT VIBES | MOODY WOODSY

COWBOY DAVID’S BAKERY

1121228 47884 l 2AQy8u3

1121227 47884 l ESu4ePA
1121229 47884 l ymypanu

CREATIVE CONFECTIONS BY ALICIA RUSSELL

1121246 47884 l AtUHaTu
1121247 47884 l Uqy2EGy
1121245 47884 l myhArU8
1121248 47884 l 67123bePyHUZ

DESSERT VIBES | MODERN VOGUE

COWBOY DAVID’S BAKERY

1121230 47884 l YSyXaLa
1121231 47884 l sENyhuP

1121232 47884 l 6AbATub

CARL’S CAKES

Simple Modern Wedding Cake
1121220 47884 l upYTYbe
1121219 47884 l zemAba3
1121222 47884 l 8A4u9ym
1121221 47884 l YzuVuNy

DESSERT VIBES | RAW EARTHY

CARL’S CAKES

1121223 47884 l Dy9avuG
1121225 47884 l NY4UPyX
1121226 47884 l zAXyPUW

CRAIG’S CAKE SHOP

1121237 47884 l Ze9Uquz
1121239 47884 l YrAvUgE
1121240 47884 l EMuLe2y

DESSERT VIBES | NOSTALGIC RETRO

THE LOOKING GLASS BAKERY

Boho Retro Wedding Cake
1121255 47884 l jYzyqEs
1121254 47884 l u9Anu9Y

CRAIG’S CAKE SHOP

1121234 47884 l 2yHujy3
1121235 47884 l ELY6a6y
1121236 47884 l AjEXy7Y

1121233 47884 l 67123Y4ESuME

Check out our TOP local Madison, Wisconsin area wedding cake and dessert vendors here! Ready to explore more from our 2022 magazine? Click here!

WedPlan Vendors

The wedding vendors below are part of the WedPlan preferred vendor directory. View their portfolios and websites to learn more, and tell them you found them on wedplan.com.