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When it comes to wedding cakes, Denver couples have never had more options. From towering tiers of delicate sugar flowers to rustic, naked cakes adorned with nothing but fresh fruit, there's a style for every couple and every taste.
But sometimes, the simplest is the best. If you're looking for an elegant cake that is easy to execute without too much fuss, read on for 10 one- and two-tier simple wedding cake designs that will make your big day even more special.
Why Buy a Simple Wedding Cake?
A simple wedding cake may seem underwhelming on the surface, but there is beauty in simplicity. One of the top reasons people choose to go simple is due to stress.
Weddings are stressful enough without having the extra effort of planning a masterpiece of a wedding cake. Some people may love that sort of thing or have an army of people that can help them, but if that isn't you, the process can be overwhelming.
We wrote an entire article on things to think about when ordering your wedding cake, but even with help, it's still a lot.
The second most common reason is budget. Let's face it, budget is a real thing. As much as it's tough to talk about in the context of a dream wedding, it still lurks its ugly head every time a decision needs to be made.
If either of those reasons sounds familiar, keep reading. Many great options don't require sacrificing what you want.
Let's start with the most basic and simple cake: the single tiered cake.
Single tier Wedding Cake Ideas
A single-tier cake is a perfect option for couples who want a simple, elegant cake that doesn't require too much fuss.
This style of cake is also a great choice for couples who are having a small wedding and don't want to serve too many different desserts.
It can be cost-effective, but it can also be expensive. It's largely based on the type of cake, decorations, and baker you decide to go with.
There are plenty of different ways to make a classic white wedding cake the perfect choice for your event.
Keeping Wedding Cakes Simple: One Tier, White, and Fondant
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A simple, but elegant, white wedding cake wrapped in fondant can be a great idea for a simple wedding cake. A white wedding cake is a classic, and using fondant makes it sleek and stylish.
It looks clean, tastes great, and won't break the bank. It's definitely a simple wedding cake, but it still impresses.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
A simple white wedding cake doesn't have to be boring. Add some fresh flowers to spruce it up! Depending on the season and personal preference, yellow, blue, or a more bold color (think orange?) flower could help bring a bit of life to the piece.
Another Option: A White Wedding Cake Made of Buttercream
Buttercream assaults the taste buds and is all the rage lately. A simple vanilla cake or red velvet cake with delicious buttercream frosting and a fun cake topper is all you need to send your day over the top!
Buttercream is like a canvas and the baker is the artist. Many techniques exist to make it more exciting. For example:
Spatula painting
Pulled dot
Rosettes
Cupcake swirls
Check out this video for more ideas on buttercream designs that can make your whole cake look amazing!
One word of caution: If the wedding is going to be outside in the summer in Denver, CO, I would be hesitant to use buttercream.
As delicious and beautiful as it is, it does not hold up well in the heat. Something to think through before going this route.
Another way to bring more color into the cake is to add fresh fruit or, as previously discussed, some flowers for extra color! Fruit, whether on a fondant cake or buttercream cake, will give the cake an extra boost on the wedding day.
Photo by leyli sadeqian on Unsplash
You can dress the cake itself up or simply put some fruit or other adornments on the cake stand itself. Either way, it's sure to give your cake that extra pop it needs to impress.
Two Tier Simple Wedding Cake Ideas for Denver
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A two-tier wedding cake is a great option for couples who want a slightly more elegant cake that doesn't require too much fuss.
This style of cake is also a great choice for couples who are having a medium-sized wedding and don't want to serve too many different desserts.
Two-Tier Wedding Simple Wedding Cake Ideas
Honestly, these are similar to the one-tier cakes with a few twists. The first obvious difference is they are generally bigger and slightly more complex. You also have the option to add a second flavor or color.
Photo by Jacqueline A Hernandez on Unsplash
This is one way to make your two-tier cake unique. It can be as simple as having two different flavors of cake or as complex as having two different colors of frosting on each tier with a different filling if you choose to go that route.
Another interesting look is having tiers in different sizes. This gives some dimension to the cake. Playing with shapes is also fun! Maybe the top tier is a small round cake while the bottom tier is a large rectangular cake.
This can add interest and visual appeal to your cake. Square wedding cakes are very popular and a fun option to be a little bit different.
Photo by Hitesh Patel on Unsplash
Simple wedding cakes don't have to be boring - many great options will look great in the wedding photos and satisfy that sweet tooth.
Alternative Options for a Simple Wedding Cake
There are so many different types of wedding cake to choose from, it can be hard to decide on just one! If you're looking for something a little different, here are a few alternative options to consider.
Macarons
Macarons can make a beautiful and unique wedding cake. They come in a variety of colors and flavors, and can be arranged in any number of ways.
You could do a tower of macarons, or even go for a more rustic look with a cake made entirely of macarons.
Photo by Victoria Priessnitz on Unsplash
Another option that is a popular alternative to wedding cakes is to have a cake made of cupcakes.
Cupcake Wedding Cakes
This is a popular option for smaller weddings, as it doesn't require a lot of cake to serve a lot of people. It could also be a great option for a destination wedding since the logistics of cupcakes are easier than that of a big cake.
You can either have a large cake made of cupcakes or several smaller cakes. This is also a great option if you want to have multiple flavors or colors in your cake or if you have guests with any dietary restrictions.
Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash
Wedding cake comes in all shapes and sizes. Each one is unique and beautiful in it's own way.
Simple Wedding Cakes With Complex Taste
The look of the wedding cake gets a lot of press... and rightfully so. But what about the taste? The inside is just as important on the wedding day.
Photo by Olga Guryanova on Unsplash
Everyone sees the cake, but almost everyone eats it as well. If the flavor is a big letdown it can take away from the beauty of the cake.
A few of our favorites are:
chocolate cake with chocolate ganache
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
white almond cake with raspberry jam filling and buttercream frosting
Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Ganache
This cake is simple but packs a complex flavor. The rich chocolate flavor of the cake pairs perfectly with the deep, dark flavor of the ganache. It's a show-stopping cake that will impress your guests.
Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
This is a classic carrot cake that is always a hit. The cream cheese frosting adds a layer of richness and creaminess to round out the flavors of the carrot in the cake itself.
Cake With Raspberry Jam Filling And Buttercream Frosting
This cake is light and fluffy with a sweet raspberry jam filling. The buttercream frosting is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect finishing touch for this elegant cake.
Plain Old Vanilla Cake With Raspberry Jam Filling and Buttercream Frosting
Vanilla cake with respberry jam filling may be exactly what you're looking for. You can't go wrong with a classic, and this cake is as delicious as it is simple.
When it comes to wedding cakes, Denver couples have a lot of options. From simple designs that are easy to execute without too much fuss, to alternative options like macarons or cupcakes, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for a classic cake with a complex taste, our team is here for you!
Whichever option you choose, we know that your wedding cake will be beautiful and delicious.
Contact us to talk through options for designing your own wedding cake!