Vintage Wedding Cake Designs

There’s something undeniably romantic about a vintage-inspired wedding cake. With their intricate details, delicate piping, and timeless charm, these cakes bring an heirloom feel to the dessert table—a perfect choice for couples who want to honor tradition with a touch of whimsy. Vintage wedding cakes are often inspired by design elements from past eras—ornate piping, pastel palettes, lace textures, and carefully crafted embellishments. Many feature hand-piped scrollwork, ruffles, pearls, or rosettes, all of which harken back to a time when every detail was lovingly done by hand.

We are excited to show off some of our favorite vintage wedding cakes that we have designed over the years. We hope to inspire you as you design your own wedding cake!

Large tiers and bold piping

This cake is one of our all-time favorites! We love how bold the design is despite the monochromatic white color palette, making a major statement on the dessert table. Each cake tier has been finished with smooth white Swiss meringue buttercream frosting, and layers of Lambeth piping and rosettes have been added to each tier to create bold visual interest. A white cathedral topper was hand-crafted to resemble the bride’s parents’ wedding cake, a sweet nod to the legacy of the new couple. This cake is both unique and timeless, celebrating new love while remembering what has come before.

A fun, unique color

This cake is both fun and classic! The cake has been finished with smooth buttercream frosting that has been dyed robin's egg blue. This vibrant hue adds a splash of color to the dessert table and stays true to the retro aesthetic, as it is reminiscent of vintage china. Delicate white piping has been added to each tier to further the vintage look of the cake, and small white bows complete the look. We love how adding a fun color can make a traditional design a bit more unique and playful, making this design perfect for any classic wedding needing a fun twist!

Classic with a cherry on top!

This three-tier wedding cake is another stunning show-stopper! Each tier features lots of vintage-inspired white piping that adds a classic elegance to the cake. Fresh cherries in a deep red add a pop of color to the design, and are quintessential in completing the classic retro wedding cake look. This is a truly timeless design that is rooted in tradition. It manages to be both classic and whimsical, and is ideal for any wedding with a classic aesthetic that is both traditional and fun!

Incorporate a playful pattern

This cake is a perfect example of how the small can also be mighty! Although this cake is only one tier, it incorporates several fun design elements that ensure it stands out on the dessert table. A pastel pink and white checkerboard pattern creates a playful base for the design, while classic white vintage piping keeps the cake looking more traditional. Bright red maraschino cherries and a hand-piped “Just Married” message on top of the cake bring more fun color and detail to the design. If you are looking for a unique twist on a vintage wedding cake, take inspiration from this fun, playful design.

Simple vintage perfection

If you want a traditional look for your wedding cake, but want to stay away from bold colors and piping, consider a more simplified design like this. White buttercream frosting has been meticulously applied so that it is completely smooth, with no texture and really clean lines. Then, an intricate lace pattern has been textured into the frosting, and edible pearls have been added to create a delicate and timeless look. This cake gives a sweet nod to vintage design elements, but is more subtle and simple. This design is perfect for any wedding, from a traditional indoor ceremony to a more rustic mountain celebration!

Dreamy, delicate piping

This classic tiered wedding cake is another of our absolute favorites! Every detail comes together to create a masterpiece straight out of a whimsical dream. A creamy, monochromatic white color palette keeps the design timeless and classic, the perfect base for all of the hand-piped details that make this cake so special. Intricate inverted arches, tiny buttercream flowers, and smooth frosting pearls have all been delicately piped onto each tier to create a look that is vintage perfection. This design is ideal for anyone looking for a unique and delicate wedding cake that is also beautifully traditional.

Traditional to the core

This charming vintage wedding cake is a beautiful nod to classic design with its soft, creamy white buttercream and intricate piped detailing. Delicate swirls and shell borders adorn the edges in perfect symmetry, creating a look that feels both timeless and lovingly handcrafted. The elegant “just married” script topper adds a sweet, celebratory touch, while the petite size makes it ideal for an intimate wedding or as a romantic display alongside a larger dessert spread. With its nostalgic flair and graceful simplicity, this cake is a delightful centerpiece for couples who adore vintage elegance.

Intricate, detailed piping

This vintage-inspired wedding cake is a true showstopper, featuring three tall tiers adorned with intricate piped detailing reminiscent of a classic, Lambeth-style design. The soft ivory buttercream is richly decorated with ornate swags, scallops, florals, and pearls, creating a sense of timeless elegance. Each tier is wrapped in delicate piping work that adds depth and texture while maintaining a graceful, monochromatic look. Perfect for couples who love a nod to the past with a dramatic and romantic twist, this cake brings vintage charm into a modern celebration.

Fun, retro perfection

This vibrant retro wedding cake is a bold celebration of vintage charm with a playful twist. Standing tall with three tiers, the cake features a pastel pink and white checkerboard pattern that brings a nostalgic, 1950s soda fountain vibe to life. Adorned with dramatic swags of piped buttercream and crowned with cheerful maraschino cherries, it’s the perfect mix of kitsch and elegance. The ruffled borders and ornate piping details add texture and flair, making this cake a standout centerpiece for couples who love a little whimsy with their romance. It’s sweet, sassy, and sure to make guests smile!

Vintage cakes are so much more than a trend—they’re a tribute. They tell a story, whether it’s inspired by your grandmother’s recipe, your favorite era in fashion, or the timeless beauty of romance past. And while they carry a sense of history, they can still feel completely modern and fresh with the right color palette and styling.

They’re also incredibly versatile—perfect for both elegant ballroom weddings and cozy mountain celebrations. Whether you’re going full glam or sweetly simple, vintage-inspired cakes are a beautiful way to blend old and new.