The Best Rustic Wedding Cake Ideas for Your Big Day
Whether you’re having a fully rustic wedding or you just want to add some touches to your big day that are a bit more rustic than super formal, you might be on the lookout for some rustic wedding cake ideas. Modern rustic cakes are somewhat of a spectrum—not all rustic cakes look the same (a cake doesn’t have to be decorated with tree bark texture or burlap in order to be rustic—we’re leaving those decorative touches back in 2012). Because of that, they can fit well at so many different kinds of weddings. They’re laidback and approachable and can be just the right thing to add an unfussy touch to your day.
For why we love a (modern) rustic wedding cake, and a few ideas for what your own rustic wedding cake might look like, keep reading.
Why We Love Rustic Wedding Cakes
Rustic wedding cakes are the perfect mixture of laidback and elegant. An ideal fit for outdoor weddings, barn weddings, and the like, rustic wedding cakes embrace a casual, fuss-free feel. Not only that, but because they’re a bit more laidback, your rustic wedding cake doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, taking a bit of the pressure off if you’re trying to make your cake yourself (which is really hard to do, even for the pros, so we wouldn’t recommend it).
We also love how customizable rustic wedding cakes are. Love fresh or pressed flowers? Those will look gorgeous on your rustic cake. Hate frosting? A semi-naked cake is perfectly rustic. Rustic wedding cakes don’t have to look one specific way, so you can really make your cake your own—which is really what you want anyway, right?
From wild flowers, a spackle texture, and semi-naked frosting to buttercream swipes, an uneven edge, and beyond, here are a few rustic wedding cake ideas that’ll make your cake stand out on your special day.
6 Rustic Wedding Cake Designs to Help Make Your Big Day A Little Sweeter
1. The Semi-Naked Wedding Cake
Sometimes, less is more. Semi-naked cakes are frosted with a thinner layer of frosting that allows the layers of cake to show through for a more polished yet unfinished look. Semi-naked cakes can be super chic and oh-so-gorgeous. Top them off with fresh florals like roses, eucalyptus, or lavender (make sure to remove fresh flowers before serving!) and you’re good to go.
Pro Tip: Seasonal flowers can be more budget-friendly than fancy out-of-season flowers you have to source and ship.
2. The Floral Cake
Flowers and grasses are one of our favorite ways to decorate a modern rustic cake at ECBG. Opt for wildflowers, grasses, soft, romantic choices like anemones, and fall colors like burnt oranges, golds, burgundies, pinks, and the like to really lean into the modern rustic look.
Pro Tip: Choose edible florals or consider adding on sheet cakes for more streamlined serving. Any inedible flowers will have to be removed before slicing and serving.
3. The Fresh Fruit-Topped Cake
Fruit-topped cakes may be less common for a wedding, but that doesn’t mean they’re not a good fit. Topping your wedding cake with juicy, fresh, seasonal fruit can add so much to your sweet showstopper. Opt for figs, blackberries, and other fresh berries for a romantic feel, or even rustic dried citrus. Think about mixing in some mint or florals to complement the fruit.
Pro Tip: Consider opting for a cake that’ll go well with the fruit. Almond, lemon, chocolate, elderflower, and more can all be excellent choices.
4. Rustic Ruffles, Swoops, and Unfinished Edges
Ruffles and swoops might not seem like they fit a rustic theme at first, but soft, textured, romantic buttercream ruffles are honestly the essence of rustic elegance and perfectly at home on a rustic wedding cake. You can also send the modern rustic message by going for a slightly rougher edge to the buttercream. This style is totally swoon-worthy. You’re going to love it.
Pro Tip: This look goes especially well with blush pink, dusty blue, muted sage, or your favorite fall florals, which puts a modern twist on classic, charming rustic looks.
5. The Woodland Cake
Woodland cakes are whimsical and romantic, if not a little more obviously rustic. Decorated to look like an enchanted forest, these cakes may feature moss, fondant mushrooms, gold leaf, pine cones, and more. If you and your partner love nature and being outdoors, a woodland-inspired cake might be the perfect choice for your wedding cake.
Pro Tip: Lean into the look by using a wooden cake stand.
6. Cheese Wheel “Cake”
Looking for something a little bit different? Maybe you don’t like dessert or want something else to serve that would be a good fit after dinner. Since cheese courses are a thing, you can totally choose to go with a savory “cake” made of cheese wheels stacked to look like a tiered cake. Decorate the cake with grapes, figs, herbs, and more for a delicious—and memorable—centerpiece.
Pro Tip: Serve the “cake” with interesting crackers, local honey, and other accompaniments.
See some of the rustic wedding cake ideas we’ve created for our clients in our Wedding Cake Gallery.
How to Style Your Rustic Wedding Cake
Want to take your rustic wedding cake to the next level? The way your cake is styled, decorated, and presented can make the overall aesthetic even better. Here’s how to make the cake pop:
Cake Stands: Wooden cake stands (or wooden cake toppers), vintage cake stands, or wrought iron displays are great choices as a cake stand.
Decor Accents: Surround your cake with candles, greenery, or loose florals for a romantic touch.
Backdrop Goals: Consider a macramé wall hanging or a rustic backdrop to frame your cake perfectly.
FAQs
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You can use just about any flavor of cake you’d like, but earthy, rich flavors like vanilla bean, almond, chocolate, carrot, and pumpkin are especially great.
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Not at all! You can have a rustic wedding cake no matter your venue. The rustic charm comes from the design of the cake, so it doesn’t only work in a barn.
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Make sure you order your cake at least 3-6 months in advance. If you’re getting married during peak season or working with a very popular cake designer, aim for 9-12 months.
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It could be, slightly. Your rustic cake is likely a much simpler design, which might mean lower labor costs. That being said, if you’re planning to use fresh florals, fancy edible decorations like sugar flowers, or premium ingredients, the price can creep up fast. Make sure you’re transparent about your budget if you’re working with a specific number.
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Of course. If your baker offers gluten-free or vegan cakes, your rustic cake can be made that way. The cake’s rustic charm is all in the decoration, so however you prefer to customize the cake layers themselves should be just fine. Be clear about your dietary needs and budget so that you and your baker are on the same page from the start.
These rustic wedding cake ideas are a great way to add a more casual touch to your wedding reception. No matter the design you have in mind, your rustic cake is sure to be the showstopping centerpiece you were hoping for.
We’d love to work with you to create your dream wedding cake! Get in touch to learn more.
