Welcoming a New Wedding Season: Cake Trends & Flavours I’m Loving for 2026

There’s something quietly magical about this time of year.

As the final weddings of the season wrap up and the studio begins to slow, I always take a moment to reflect — on the couples I’ve worked with, the cakes we’ve created together, and the direction the next wedding season is already beginning to take.

With 2026 wedding bookings well underway, I’m seeing a clear shift. Couples are moving away from trends-for-the-sake-of-trends, and leaning into cakes that feel intentional, refined and deeply personal — both in design and flavour.

And honestly? I’m so here for it.

2026 Wedding Trends Hunter Valley Wedding Cakes

A Move Towards Thoughtful, Elevated Design

For 2026, wedding cake design is becoming more considered and editorial. Cakes aren’t just part of the styling — they’re becoming centrepieces again.

Some of the key design directions I’m loving:

  • Clean, architectural silhouettes
    Tall tiers, sharp edges, sculptural buttercream textures.

  • Soft, romantic colour palettes
    Ivory, champagne, blush, muted pastels and coastal neutrals.

  • Delicate, intentional detailing
    Hand-piped florals, fine line work, subtle texture rather than heavy decoration.

  • European-inspired centrepieces
    Giant tiramisu, millefoglie and pavlova displays taking pride of place on dessert tables.

These designs photograph beautifully, feel timeless, and — most importantly — don’t overpower the overall wedding aesthetic.

 

Flavour Is Taking Centre Stage in 2026

One of the biggest changes I’m seeing is how much couples now prioritise flavour. The question is no longer “What looks impressive?” but What will guests actually remember?

Some of the flavours couples are gravitating towards for 2026 include:

  • Tiramisu
    Elegant, indulgent and universally loved — offered as tiered cakes or dramatic centrepieces.

  • Limoncello Mascarpone
    Light, citrus-forward and perfect for vineyard or coastal weddings.

  • Lemon & Elderflower
    A timeless favourite with a refined floral note.

  • Strawberry & Champagne
    Soft, nostalgic and ideal for summer celebrations.

  • Chocolate Hazelnut Praline
    Rich without being heavy — a crowd favourite.

  • Earl Grey & Peach
    Subtle, aromatic and beautifully balanced.

  • Seasonal fruit-forward flavours like Lychee & Coconut
    Designed to suit warmer weather and relaxed celebrations.

There’s also been a noticeable rise in couples requesting custom flavour combinations, inspired by travel, family traditions or shared memories — something I absolutely love creating. Check out this blog post about Kirsty & Mat’s custom Christmas cake medley.

 

Non-Traditional Wedding Cakes Are Here to Stay

In 2026, more couples are confidently stepping outside the traditional tiered cake format.

Some of the most requested alternatives include:

These options feel relaxed, modern and luxurious all at once — and they allow couples to serve something truly memorable.

 

What This Means for 2026 Couples

If you’re planning a 2026 wedding, now is the perfect time to start thinking about flavour, scale and overall vision — even if your styling isn’t final yet.

My wedding cake tasting boxes are designed to help couples explore flavours early, in a relaxed way, and make confident decisions well ahead of the big day. They’re especially popular with couples booking premium or custom designs.

As I head into a short Christmas break, bookings for 2026 weddings are already filling steadily — and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.

 

2026 Wedding Season Hunter Valley Wedding Cakes.jpg
 

Looking Ahead

Each new season brings fresh inspiration, but the heart of what I do remains the same: creating cakes that feel considered, beautiful and genuinely delicious.

If you’re planning your wedding for 2026 and dreaming of a cake that reflects your style, your story and your celebration, I’d love to hear from you. Enquire here.

Here’s to a beautiful new wedding season 🤍

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Why I’ll Always Have a Soft Spot for Christmas Weddings (And the Flavours I’ll Never Get Sick Of)