Wedding cake trends for 2026

Haley shared her own predictions for 2026 in a guest blog for Larchfield Estate, covering bold colour, fruit and florals, showstopper designs and the flavours couples love. Read Haley's trends blog on the Larchfield Estate website. Here is our round-up of what we are seeing across Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland.

1. Vintage Lambeth piping

The Lambeth method is named after Joseph Lambeth, who popularised heavily over-piped cakes in the 1930s. Today's version is softer and romantic: layers of ruffles, scallops, swags, pearls and bows piped in buttercream, often in ivory or pastel shades. It works beautifully on round tiers, heart shapes and table cakes. See our table cakes for examples.

2. Table cakes and sheet cakes

Long rectangular cakes are having a moment. weddingsonline has called modern rectangle cakes one of the key trends of the year, and they suit couples who want something relaxed, generous and a little different. Finished with piping, painted petals, fresh flowers or a "just married" topper, they look wonderful on a sweetheart table and are easy to cut and serve.

3. Hearts, bows and pearls

Bridebook lists heart shaped cakes with bows as one of the defining looks of 2026, along with pastel shades such as pale blue and matcha green. Pearls, whether piped, sugar or draped in strands, add an elegant, vintage touch.

4. Showstopper and castle cakes

For big receptions, the grand showstopper is here to stay. Think towering tiers with illuminated separators, castle cakes with turrets and twin staircases, cascades of roses and gold detail. These cakes become the focal point of the room and a highlight of the photographs. Take a look at our showstopper cakes.

5. Fresh, pressed and single stem flowers

Flowers remain the most popular way to decorate a wedding cake. Couples are choosing fresh flowers that match the bouquet, pressed wildflowers set into buttercream, and minimalist single stems on clean white tiers. Your florist can usually supply a few extra blooms for the cake.

6. Bold colour and hand-painted finishes

Not every cake has to be white. Painted buttercream petals, watercolour washes and deep jewel tones such as burgundy are popular for autumn and winter weddings.

7. Flavours with personality

Victoria Sponge is still the most requested flavour, but couples are mixing it with bolder choices. weddingsonline highlights Irish twists such as Guinness chocolate and Baileys, and our own most loved flavours include Biscoff, White Chocolate Bueno, Salted Caramel and Guinness Chocolate. Every tier can be different, so you don't have to choose just one. Browse our flavour menu.

Finding your style

Trends are a great starting point, but the best cakes reflect you, your venue and your day. Send us your ideas, photos and colour scheme and together we will design something that is completely yours.

Frequently asked questions