The Best Two-Tier Wedding Cake Ideas for Your Big Day
There are a million little details that need to be decided when it comes to planning a wedding. From the color of the linens to the glassware and table settings and beyond, each decision—big or small—takes time, effort, and, all too frequently, money. And while those smaller decisions need tending to, big decisions that you care a lot about aren’t necessarily easy to make, even if you have an idea of what you want going into the planning process. Your wedding cake is one of the big, but fun decisions you’ll need to make. More than just the shape or flavor, there are design details and i’s to dot and t’s to cross. Are you focused on a show-stopping centerpiece that towers above the table? Are you thinking about adding in other desserts in addition to cake? Are you hosting a somewhat smaller wedding that really just doesn’t require a many-tiered cake? Though wedding cakes can be gorgeous no matter the size, we’ve rounded up some not-too-big, not-too-small 2-tier wedding cakes that’ll give you plenty of inspiration for your big day.
Why Pick a Two-Tier Cake?
You might think that a wedding cake automatically means lots of tiers, but that’s just not the case. Though bigger, taller wedding cakes might be the right choice for some couples (and some reception sizes), if you're more drawn to a smaller cake, you can absolutely have one for your wedding cake. We love 2 tier wedding cakes because they’re just the right size for a more intimate gathering but still leave plenty of room for a dramatic, glamorous design that your guests won't be able to help but to notice.
While single-tier wedding cakes can be a great fit for some couples, they don't give you as many options as taller, multi-tiered cakes do. With a two-tiered wedding cake you’re able to mix up flavors, fillings, design, decorations, and more, but you don’t have to worry about a way-too-big cake that’ll leave you with tons of leftovers.
2 Tier Wedding Cake Ideas That’ll Be The Talk of the Reception
When you picture your wedding cake, what does it look like? Do you think mostly about the flavor, frosting, and size? Or can you picture the whole thing? Cake design may or may not be something that feels like it comes naturally to you, but that's why working with baking (and decorating) pros like the team at ECBG can make all the difference. Having some idea of what you might be looking for that you can share with your baker can be helpful, though, so we've rounded up some of our best 2 tier wedding cake ideas to give you a little inspiration before you meet with the pastry chef you're working with for your big day.
Here, a handful of 2 tier wedding cake ideas that will be the talk of the town (or, well, at least the talk of your wedding reception).
1. Classic Elegance
While it can be tempting to go all out on your wedding cake (how many big, elaborate cakes are you going to order in your life, anyway?), if you’re a less-is-more kind of couple, a 2 tier cake is perfect for white buttercream or fondant, chic accents, and maybe just a tiny bit of sparkle. Chic, elegant, and something everyone will love. Great for smaller groups or those who love understated, simple, or dainty accent pieces.
2. Bold, Dramatic Colors
Sure, lots of wedding cakes are white, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be. If you’re in the mood for more drama, consider jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, burgundy, and more. You could even opt for something black or navy that’ll really catch people’s attention. It’s your wedding, and if moody glam is more your speed, you should embrace it!
3. Try a Texture
Smoothly finished buttercream or fondant might be a classic wedding look, but adding texture to your cake can make for an unexpectedly stunning result. Think about buttercream ruffles, swirls, or pressed flowers, swiss dots, horizontal lines, spackle, palette knife flowers and more. Plus, with a 2 tier wedding cake, you can switch things up a bit. Pick one tier for texture and leave the smooth, polished finish to the other tier.
4. Choose Different Size Tiers for Your Cake
Go for a more traditional look with one larger tier and one slightly smaller tier, or add more drama by playing with the shapes, sizes, and heights of your tiers. Consider two differently shaped tiers or make one much larger than the other to add even more visual interest. Right now the scalloped shaped bottom tier is very popular! Others are square tiers, hexagon tiers or heart shapes!
5. Go for Florals
Whether you’re into fresh flowers, want pressed blooms on your cake, or even want hand-made fondant flowers, hand-painted flowers, or buttercream flowers that’ll wow your guests, a floral aesthetic can give your cake a more organic look, but can also take things in a more elegant, sophisticated direction.
6. Choose our “White Wedding” cake from the cake shop! You can customize size, flavor and buttercream texture!
FAQs
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For a small wedding, a small cake is the perfect choice, but if you’re expecting a large crowd and are tied to a 2 tier cake, consider adding additional desserts or even some sheet cakes. If you’re serving cake, no one will know that they ended up with a slice of sheet cake and you’ll still have the cake you really wanted. It also depends on the diameter of the cake! You can get a 2-tiered cake to feed 25 or a 2-tiered cake to feed 65!
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One of the best things about a 2 tier cake is that it gives you more options for flavors, fillings, and even frosting colors. If you and your partner have different (but hopefully complementary) tastes, consider making the top tier fit your preferences and the bottom tier fit theirs. You’ve gotta love compromise.
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A 2 tier wedding cake can totally be fancy enough, even if you’re having a fairly formal affair. Gussy up your cake with metallic leaf, hand-painted designs, sugar flowers, and other luxurious touches.
Although planning a wedding can sometimes feel overwhelming, at least some parts of the decision-making (like cake designing, for one!) should be fun. Whether you need a little extra inspiration or you're just looking for confirmation that your smaller, 2 tier wedding cake is actually the right choice, we're here to help. Each of these 2 tier wedding cake ideas combines stylish elements with bold, indulgent flavors and the couple's unique personality. No matter your personal aesthetic or wedding day theme, there are tons of different ways to make your 2 tier cake gorgeous—and all your own.
