How Table Cakes Have Evolved into An Elegant Wedding Trend

There used to be a time when wedding cakes were a towering structure, elegant and admired by many. But the continuously evolving trends that led to hyper-personalised weddings have now set the stage for new and distinct elements gradually taking up space. One such trend, today, is the showstopper table cake. Artistic, customisable to last edible confetti and unapologetically bold, these flat-lay cakes are taking over the luxury weddings in the present times and for all the right reasons.

Manifest spoke to two sought after bakers, Chef Ananya Banerjee, food consultant, and Parth Bajaj, chef and digital creator, who work at the forefront of all things cake-related to understand what makes these new versions of cakes so irresistible and how today, they are not just desserts or sweet treats but so much more than that.

The Evolution of Table Cakes into More Than Just A Sweet Treat

What is a table cake?

According to Ananya, a table cake is more than a dessert. “It’s a centrepiece, a mood-setter, and sometimes even a conversation starter.” Designed to be placed horizontally-often on a decorated table or display station- these cakes are not just cut but they are admired, captured on cameras and shared like edible art. She understands that in modern weddings the cakes are not just a dessert that is cut but are often reflective of the couple’s personality and story. 

Parth adds that couples today are leaning towards more personal elements at their weddings and table cakes allow for custom shapes, edible florals, textures or monograms that align with the wedding theme, colour palette or even cultural references. He highlights that the change in how the cakes are presented changes how the cakes are designed. “Because they’re viewed mostly from above, the design focus moves from vertical drama to surface detailing, texture, and layout composition,” he explains.

Why are table cakes trending now?

In the world where everything is customised and tailored to match with the taste of the clients, it is not surprising that couples want their wedding cakes to be just as unique as every little element at their wedding. Parth points out that a distinct design approach to the confection shifts the focus from vertical drama to surface detailing and layout composition.

Meanwhile, Ananya shares she has witnessed a significant spike in the demand for table cakes as couples today take an active part in deciding the design and flavour process of cakes. “Earlier, it was just about the number of tiers and basic flavours. Now, people want cakes that are interactive, Instagram-worthy, and deeply personal. I’ve had brides send me snippets of their lehenga embroidery, family heirloom jewellery, or even their dog’s collar for inspiration!”

Cake flavours get a makeover

Gone are the days when couples used to settle for safe bets and basic flavours of vanilla and chocolate. “Couples now want bold, unique flavours that surprise their guests. Think rose and pistachio, saffron and nolen gur, lemon-thyme with blueberry compote, or even mango-chili in some adventurous cases,” Ananya shares that several of her clients requested her for eggless or gluten-free cakes that do not compromise on richness or texture. “I’m also seeing a shift toward fresh, seasonal ingredients, which is great.”

Meanwhile, Parth highlights that there has been a growing popularity and demand for Indian fusion flavours especially when it comes to table cakes at big-fat Indian weddings. “The specific choice often hinges on personal preferences, family traditions, and the overall wedding theme! People also include Indian fusion flavours like rasmalai, Gulab jamun, etc!” He adds that cultural and regional influences are playing a major role in shaping both the look as well as the flavor of table cakes. “As these cakes evolved into edible art installations, couples and cake artists are using them to tell stories of heritage, tradition and most importantly personal identity.” Parth adds that there is a blend of Asian and European influence over the cakes.

Cake Table designs that tell a story

There has been a significant shift towards edible artistry when one talks about the trends in table cakes and that, Ananya presses, excites her the most. “From hand-painted cakes, bas-releif carvings to wafer-paper florals, it is exciting to see cake designs evolve almost like couture,” Ananya shares while Parth sheds light on the blend of traditional flavours and western cake styles that have become increasingly common. 

 Ananya further shares that she is happy to witness Indian ingredients and motifs being celebrated through cake designs and flavours. “Whether it’s Gondhoraj lemon in the sponge or Shola-inspired sugar decorations, it really makes me happy.”

Are cake tables replacing traditional multi-tiered cakes?

While table cakes are most definitely making a statement- a bold one at that- Ananya does not believe that they are replacing tiered cakes altogether. She feels that they are just redefining cakes. “Today’s tiered cakes might still exist, but the aesthetics are much more modern and often minimalist. On the other hand, I’m seeing a lot of demand for multiple smaller table cakes—each with its own theme or flavour—placed across the venue.”

Table cakes, according to Ananya, are a more interactive, personalised approach and allows guests to actually taste a variety, rather than just admiring one massive showpiece.

Nonetheless, Parth, as he discusses the affordability of a table cake as compared to a traditional tiered cake, highlights that the prices of the two can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. “ While table cakes might seem more affordable at first glance, the complexity of design often drives the cost up. Factors can include - size and servings, flavours, designs, etc!” 

He further explains that when it comes to large gatherings at weddings with a significantly longer guestlist, serving and cutting a table cake can be a bit trickier than a traditional multi-tiered cake, especially since table cakes are typically designed as flat-lay installations. “However, there are ways to plan and manage servings efficiently to make sure every guest gets a slice without compromising on the aesthetic or overall experience.” 

He suggests that bakers can even ask for the guest count and get a rough estimate for the serving size. “It’s better to make less quantity than the count because not everyone eats the cake, some people might be intolerant to things like dairy, gluten, or they might just be vegetarians!”

Advice for couples looking to get a table cake for their big day

On the other hand, Ananya highlights the several design trends that she has been noticing. She states that she has witnessed a shift towards organic shapes and muted tones, like a kind of Japanese Wabi Sabi elegance. “ Think raw edges, stone-textured finishes, and asymmetrical tiers. At the same time, fashion-inspired elements are big too—embroidery motifs, ruffle textures, and even pearl or zardozi detailing translated into fondant or wafer paper. And metallic accents are everywhere—gold leaf, bronze dust, edible pearls—it’s all about understated opulence,” she reiterates.

When asked about the advice the two bakers would like to give to couples designing their own table cakes, Ananya suggested that a couple’s cake must be a reflection of their relationship. “Don’t feel pressured to stick to trends—pick flavours you both love and work with your chef to tell a story through the cake. Also, think practically—consider the climate, number of guests, and how long the cake needs to hold its shape. And lastly, let your chef get a little creative—it often leads to magic.”

Parth suggested that it is important to strike a balance between flavour, design and practicality. “Table cakes can be a stunning centrepiece, but since they differ in structure from traditional tiered cakes, they require a bit of extra thought.”

Parth further added some tips for couples who are looking to get themselves a table cake for their wedding-

Choose a flavour which works well with your theme

If there’s no theme, then go with a crowd pleaser like chocolate, mixed fruit or red velvet!

Go bold with your design! You can try trends like hand-painted designs, textured buttercream, edible flowers or something rustic too!