Montagu Meadows, a charming barn wedding venue located in Westminster, Maryland, has been a part of couple’s special day for nearly a decade. Montagu Meadows has found memories of hundreds of weddings over this time. For many brides, the moment they get engaged, they envision what they want their wedding to look like from the venue to food to the decorations. One of fun parts of planning a wedding is taste testing. What couple does not enjoy taste testing the entrees and of course the dessert. Today’s blog will be discussing the current trends with cakes and dessert tables since wedding dessert scene has evolved significantly over the years. While traditional tiered wedding cakes remain a timeless choice, many couples are opting for creative and diverse dessert tables instead. Whether you’re planning a classic, elegant affair or a rustic, laid-back celebration, deciding between a wedding cake and a dessert table—or even incorporating both—can be a delicious dilemma. Let’s explore the latest trends in wedding cakes and dessert tables to help you determine the best fit for your special day.
The Enduring Charm of Wedding Cakes
A wedding cake has long been a symbol of celebration, love, and commitment. Couples often look forward to the traditional cake-cutting moment, which not only serves as a photo-worthy tradition but also represents unity and the couple’s first act as newlyweds. I always remind couples it’s their day to create their own traditions and honors the traditions they love. While the classic white tiered cake remains a favorite, modern couples are embracing new trends to personalize this sweet centerpiece.
Laura from The Barn at Poplar Springs Farm says, “Wedding cakes in 2025 are set to make a stylish impact with modern designs, unique flavors, and creative touches that reflect each couple personality.”
Current Wedding Cake Trends
1. Minimalist Cakes
Simplicity is key for many couples who appreciate a sleek, understated aesthetic. Smooth buttercream, monochrome palettes, and delicate floral accents create an effortlessly elegant look. Minimalist cakes often feature just one or two tiers, making them perfect for intimate weddings. Add a simple cake topper can personalize the cake for the couple.
2. Textured Buttercream and Painted Cakes
Buttercream is making a big comeback, replacing the fondant-heavy designs of past decades. Many couples prefer the natural, organic look of textured buttercream, such as rustic spatula strokes, stucco effects, or soft ruffles. For an artistic touch, hand-painted cakes featuring watercolor flowers, gold leaf detailing, or abstract brushstrokes are becoming increasingly popular.
3. Drip Cakes and Metallic Accents
For a bold and modern aesthetic, drip cakes are a showstopper. These cakes feature glossy ganache dripping down the sides in chocolate, caramel, or even bright colors for a playful twist. Metallic details, such as gold leaf, silver foil, or pearlized finishes, add a glamorous touch.
4. Pressed Flowers and Nature-Inspired Cakes
Perfect for outdoor and barn weddings, pressed flower cakes offer a whimsical, garden-inspired look. Fresh or dried edible flowers are carefully pressed into buttercream for a boho-chic aesthetic that pairs beautifully with rustic venues like Montagu Meadows.
5. Tall and Narrow Cakes
Instead of traditional short, wide tiers, many couples are choosing tall and narrow cakes, sometimes with just two or three tiers but extra height. This sleek and sophisticated design works well for both modern and classic weddings.
6. Unique Cake Flavors
Gone are the days of plain vanilla and chocolate. Couples are embracing more adventurous flavors like lavender honey, pink champaign, lemon elderflower, red velvet, salted caramel, and even bourbon-infused cakes. Custom flavor pairings ensure that the cake is as delicious as it is beautiful.
The Rise of Dessert Tables
For couples who want to break from tradition or offer guests more variety, dessert tables have become a popular choice. These tables feature an assortment of treats the couples loves, allowing guests to sample multiple flavors and textures. Dessert tables can also be a fun way to showcase a couple’s personality and cultural heritage through sweets that are meaningful to them.
Dessert Table Trends
1. Miniature Versions of Classic Desserts
From bite-sized cheesecakes to mini pies and cupcakes and macarons, small-scale desserts allow guests to enjoy multiple treats without committing to a single slice of cake. These are especially great for guests who like to graze throughout the evening.
2. Doughnut Walls and Towers
Doughnuts have taken the wedding world by storm, with many couples opting for doughnut walls or tiered displays instead of (or alongside) a cake. These can be customized with glazes, fillings, and sprinkles to match the wedding’s color scheme.
3. Macaron Towers
Macarons are a sophisticated and colorful alternative to traditional cake. A macaron tower serves as an elegant focal point, offering guests a light, airy treat in a variety of flavors.
4. Chocolate Fountains and Interactive Stations
For a fun and interactive experience, chocolate fountains, s’mores bars, and make-your-own sundae stations are becoming increasingly popular. These allow guests to customize their dessert and add a bit of entertainment to the reception. Ice cream and dessert trucks are also becoming a popular trends especially late at night.
5. Seasonal and Local Treats
Many couples are incorporating seasonal flavors and locally made desserts into their dessert tables. From apple cider donuts in the fall to fresh berry tarts in the summer, seasonal sweets add a personalized touch to the celebration.
6. Cultural and Family-Inspired Desserts
Dessert tables provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate cultural or family favorites. Whether it’s Italian cannoli, Mexican churros, French pastries, Pittsburgh cookie tables or Southern pecan pie bars, these personal touches make the dessert spread feel even more special.
Wedding Cake vs. Dessert Table: How to Choose?
Consider Your Wedding Style and Theme
• If you’re having a traditional, elegant wedding, a classic tiered cake may be the best fit.
• For a rustic, boho, or casual wedding, a dessert table can add a relaxed, fun vibe.
• If you love both ideas, consider having a small wedding cake for the cake-cutting moment and a dessert table for variety.
Think About Your Guest Experience
• A large wedding cake can serve as a striking centerpiece, but some guests might prefer more variety.
• A dessert table encourages mingling and gives guests the chance to try multiple treats.
• If you have dietary restrictions to accommodate (e.g., gluten-free or vegan options), a dessert table makes it easier to provide diverse choices. Please label the gluten-free and vegan options. Your guests will appreciate it.
Budget Considerations
• Wedding cakes can be expensive, especially if they’re large, intricate, or custom-designed.
• A dessert table can be more cost-effective, depending on the variety and portion sizes.
• Some couples opt for a smaller, more affordable cake and supplement with a dessert table.
Why Not Both? The Best of Both Worlds
Many couples are finding that they don’t have to choose between a wedding cake and a dessert table—they can have both! A small, beautifully designed cake can serve as the focal point for the cake-cutting tradition, while a dessert table provides additional sweet treats for guests to enjoy throughout the night. Check out Pinterest or Instagram for cake and dessert table ideas.
At Montagu Meadows located in Westminster, Maryland, where rustic charm
meets elegance, a combination of a statement cake and a thoughtfully curated dessert table can perfectly complement the barn wedding setting. Whether you’re envisioning a towering floral-adorned cake or a spread of seasonal sweets, your wedding desserts should reflect your style, taste, and love story. Plus at Montagu Meadows you can choose between numerous cake and dessert stands styles to showcase your cake and the rest of your desserts.
Whichever option you choose, one thing is certain—your guests will leave with happy hearts and full stomachs!
Montagu Meadows Wedding Venue
Looking for a stunning barn venue? Consider touring Montagu Meadows located in Carroll County, MD. Our venue offers a breathtaking setting with a team dedicated to making your wedding day perfect. If you are looking for an elegant, rustic, and unforgettable wedding near Baltimore or Southern, PA, Montagu Meadows is a must see.
Thank you for reading our blog. We hope you find inspiration and helpful advice in all our blog posts. Contact us today to start planning your dream wedding and discover how Montagu Meadows can transform your special day into a warm, timeless celebration!
Visit our Website: www.montagumeadows.com
Visit our gallery for additional photos: GALLERY | Montagu Meadows
Email us at: crkrone46@gmail.com
Location: Westminster, MD in Carroll County
Before we end this blog I would like to recognize the amazing bakeries that are located in Carroll County, MD or close by:
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I love the dessert table trends.. Its so helpful that you give suggestions for locally owned bakers! Your locally owned venue friend - thevenue112.com