Why sheet cakes are the perfect wedding cake choice

A stylish dessert for contemporary weddings


When it comes to planning a wedding, there are few things more exciting (and arguably easier!) than settling on your dessert of choice. Whether it’s a table of bite-sized confections or an elaborate 5-tiered centerpiece, the options are endless. But what’s capturing our attention—and that of soon-to-be-wed couples—is the rising popularity of sheet cakes.

Also known as slab cakes, or simply put a rectangular iteration of the traditional round layer cake, sheet cakes are quickly becoming a popular alternative for modern couples. Once considered the go-to choice for more casual occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, since being spotlighted by outlets like NY Times and Brides.com, slab cakes are fast proving their place amongst sophisticated nuptials.

With the potential to double as stunning display pieces that don’t compromise on flavor, we take a look at this trending cake style and why it might be the perfect choice for your big day.

1. Budget-friendly and stylish

Sheet cake at wedding reception by Butter Bakery AU

Photo Credit: Dear Fiore Photography for @butter.au

Weddings can be expensive, and often the bigger the cake the bigger the budget. Tiered cakes with different flavors, custom toppers and intricate designs can quickly jump up in price but a sheet cake may be better suited for those after a cost-effective option. Not only can these single layer, rectangular desserts cater to large guests lists with ease, rather than paying for the labor that goes into achieving height, you can focus your attention on flavor and design.

But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of a slab cake – they can still be decorated beautifully and make for a showstopping centerpiece on your dessert table. Look to your wedding theme and décor and customize your cake to match, or take inspiration from the impeccable creations of Butter Bakery, Gallz Provisions, or Sasha Piligian.


2. Perfect for large guest lists

If you have a large guest list a slab or sheet cake is an ideal choice. Because of their rectangular shape it’s much easier to cut into uniform portions, so you can cater to a sizeable crowd without having to worry about loved ones missing out.


3. Flexible flavor options

Vintage style sheet cake shot by Emma Macaulay

Photo Credit: Emma Macaulay for Damon and Olivia

A notable advantage of sheet cakes is being able to offer your guests variety. Unlike multi-tiered cakes which can occasionally limit your flavor options, a single-layer sheet cake allows you to get creative. If you and your significant other can’t agree or have a large guest list with an inevitable array of preferences, the flexibility of a sheet cake is the perfect solution. Choose chocolate, zesty lemon, traditional fruit cake, or all three, and let your guests have their pick.


4. Easier to transport and serve

There’s nothing quite as nerve-wracking as awaiting the arrival of a multi-tiered wedding cake to the reception venue and wondering whether it will arrive in one piece. Avoid this unnecessary wedding-day stress with a single layer sheet cake, which is far less likely to get damaged en route. Plus, when it comes to serving your guests, the process is quicker and more efficient as there’s no need to navigate multiple layers. Your caterers will thank you for it!


5. A contemporary take on tradition

Sheet cakes with floral designs by Gallz Provisions

Photo Credit: Gallz Provisions

The classic towering wedding cake certainly has its place, and we do love the incredible creations couples have on display at their weddings! But for those looking to break away from the norm, a sheet cake is a contemporary alternative that still allows plenty of room for couples to inject their personality into their special day’s dessert. Whether it’s something completely minimal, like this gorgeous creation by Butter Bakery, or romantic like this floral masterpiece by Gallz Provisions, you can still get creative and add a touch of tradition with a design that speaks to you as a couple.


Sheet cakes are here to stay, and we can't wait to see the unique designs couples come up with for their upcoming nuptials. Whether you're looking for a cost-effective option, need to easily accommodate a large guest list, or simply want to try something different for your dessert table, a sheet cake delivers on all fronts.


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