89 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cupshe Swimsuit Coverup For Women
Opt for a unique take on this sweet treat.
Molly Allen is a previous bakery owner with expertise in wedding orders, as well as a former event planner. She is now a freelance writer focused on lifestyle, travel, and food and beverage.
Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography; Desserts by Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.
Having cake at a wedding has definitely been a long-standing tradition. But what’s a couple to do when their wedding plans are more casual and they can’t accommodate a full cake cutting? After all, this task really takes some work and careful calculation, dividing up pieces for all of your delighted guests. But cupcake wedding cakes provide the ideal alternative, avoiding the mess while still serving up a delicious, beautiful bite of cake.
Cupcake wedding cakes are the ideal option if you’re hoping to avoid all that comes with cutting a traditional wedding cake, even eliminating the need for plates and forks. Plus, they’re a fun way to set up a display that will really make a statement.
With so many options for flavors, colors, and ways to showcase these cute mini cakes, cupcake wedding cakes might just be the perfect fit for your nuptials. Read on for 19 unique ideas to get your inspiration started.
Photo by Lani Ohye Photography; Desserts by Lucky Rice Cake
What a stunning display in a gorgeous color palette! This simple white-and-gold cupcake tower pairs buttercream florals with real buds for a beautiful set-up.
Photo by Quarter Moon Co.; Desserts by Nutmeg Cake Design
Switch things up to offer multiple options on your display. This stunning tower is the perfect size of cake for a traditional cutting, plus it's paired with macarons and cupcakes to match.
Don’t be afraid to bring multiple flavors into the mix if you’re choosing a cupcake wedding cake. Part of the beauty is that you won’t have to choose just one!
Photo by Absolutely Loved; Desserts by A Cake Life
The naked cake on top of this tower is simply stunning—especially when paired with fresh florals. That said, the buttercream-decorated cupcakes are just as swoon-worthy.
Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography; Desserts by Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.
Part of the beauty of offering cupcakes is bringing variety to a display. And you can even do that with your glassware and decorative items as well! We love the way this table includes multiple sizes and shapes of platters.
Photo by Clark Brewer Photography; Desserts by Enjoy Cupcakes and Sweet Baking Company
Switch up the typical display and go for something bold that utilizes a shelf. Take it to the next level (get it!) by serving mini cakes on coordinating gold stands.
Photo by Wild Whim; Desserts by Enjoy Cupcakes
If you don’t want to choose between the traditional tiered cake and cupcakes, there's no need to. Here, this display pairs the two together in the most beautiful way, creating a dessert table decorated with florals for a cohesive look.
Photo by Femina Photo & Design
What a gorgeous display! This set-up pairs a chocolate cake with cupcakes, offering a flavor everyone will love. We love the way greenery, thistles, and small flowers tie into the rest of the reception décor.
Photo by Mariel Hannah Photography; Desserts by Sift Dessert Bar
A cupcake wedding cake can truly be anything you want it to be. And you don’t need to go overboard with a huge display if you don’t need that many cupcakes. This simple display features a small cake with red velvet, cheesecake, and s’mores cupcakes, all surrounded by lovely greenery and florals.
Photo by Alicia Wiley Photography; Desserts by Flavor Cupcakes
This tower is an absolute dream, bringing in elements of rustic design. The icing on these cupcakes even mimics real flowers and greenery.
Photo by Simply Sweet Photography
This tree trunk cupcake stand is seriously beautiful, and with a small cake and several flavors of mini cupcakes, it presents something delicious for every guest to enjoy.
Photo by Klaire Dixius Photography; Desserts by Flavor Cupcakery
This single-tier cake is simply stunning with its pink rosettes and perfectly paired florals. We love how the cakes are left plain to let the garnishes shine en masse.
Photo by The Cake Witch
Even if you’re planning to serve multiple flavors, there are plenty of ways to create a cohesive presentation. This display was put together using the same cupcake liners for every flavor for a lovely lace look.
Photo by Rachel Parsell Photography; Desserts by Hey There, Cupcake, Florals by 651 Studio & Floral Design
This tower is a standout, with a chic one-layer cake surrounded by decorated cupcakes. We also can’t get enough of the décor—the tall pampas grass perfectly frames the display!
Photo by Cake by Brenna
There’s nothing better than when simple décor details come together in the most beautiful way. Case in point: these sugared blueberries and eucalyptus accents.
Photo by Laura Ivanova Photography; Desserts by Koei Bee Catering
These cupcakes were made for a garden party reception. With a small cake, a full display of florals, and pink-and-white cupcakes, it's just too sweet.
Photo by Trent Bailey Photography
What a way to make a statement! This stunning cupcake display fills up an entire table—and with plenty of pops of color (pink, yellow, and white!), it's nothing short of eye-catching.
Photo by Especially Amy; Desserts by Le Papillon Patisserie
Create a "wow" dessert moment featuring a cake, cupcakes, and macarons. Yum!
Photo by Gabriella Santos Photography; Desserts by Baby Makes Memories
While we love experimenting with unique cupcake set-ups, there's something to be said about simplicity at its finest. This sweet white cake proves that, featuring baby's breath and white rose petals for a look that's classically elegant and beautiful.
Mini cupcakes can complement the look and flavors of the wedding cake, so you can have the best of both worlds on your wedding day.
Photo by Holtz Wedding Photography
You don't need to limit your wedding desserts to only cupcakes. Offer guests an assortment of handheld treats so they can sample a selection of sweets throughout the night.
Mark van Dam/Getty Images
Your dessert is the perfect way to celebrate your wedding's theme or locale. These cupcakes are perfect for beach vows.
Just because you're forgoing the traditional wedding cake doesn't mean you have to skip the topper. Find a personalized option to display on the top of your cupcake tier.
Shawn Stephen Moreton Photography/Getty Images
Step out of the box with your cupcake design. For example, these s'mores-inspired creations can spotlight a couple's love of camping.
What says love more than hearts? Add these cute details to your wedding day cupcakes to amp up the romance.
How Much Should I Plan to Spend?
All Your Cake Questions, Answered
What to Ask Your Baker Before Booking
What Really Happens at a Tasting?
Everything to Know About Frosting
DIY Project: Make Your Own Dessert
11 Popular Styles to Know in 2021
The New Wedding Cake Is an Ode to the Past
Why Birch Trees Are the Ultimate Outdoor Inspiration
55 Beautiful Wedding Cakes We Love
30 Rustic Cakes We Can’t Get Enough Of
38 Simple Designs for Every Style
The Best Cake Toppers of 2021
The Secret Meaning Behind Wedding Cakes
How to Preserve the Top of Your Cake
Where Did the Groom's Cake Come From?
What Is a Cutting Cake?
25 Black Cakes for Non-Traditional Couples
21 Wedding Cakes for Cheese Lovers
28 Stunning Macaron Wedding Cakes to Make a Statement
30 Delicious Alternatives to the Classic Wedding Cake
24 Doughnut Cakes for Any Wedding Style
20 Sweet Ways to Serve Pie at Your Wedding
Everything to Know About Sam's Club Wedding Cakes
21 Genius Fall Wedding Desserts That Aren't Cake
30 Small Wedding Cakes That Are Perfect for At-Home Celebrations and Elopements
20 Engagement Party Cakes for Your Celebration
20 Red Wedding Cakes We Love
26 Creative Wedding Cakes for Cheese Lovers
The Complete Guide to Grocery Store Wedding Cakes
30 Wedding Cake Table Décor Ideas for Any Style
35 Food Bar Ideas for Your Wedding
Everything to Know About Walmart Wedding Cakes
Our Favorite Ideas for Wedding Cookies From Around the World
Measuring Cups 26 Decadent Chocolate Wedding Cake Ideas