We asked three local wedding cake makers for their predictions for wedding cakes this year. If you’re planning your wedding, this might give you some tips and inspiration, too!
Janine Ehlers
Whisked Cakery
The Beginning
I started baking as a part-time hobby in 2020 while I was still working in finance. In 2021, I made the leap to pursue baking full-time. What truly inspires me is seeing the joy a cake can bring to someone’s special day. Every smile, every “wow” moment, makes all the hard work completely worth it.
Cake Trends
Over the last two years, vintage-style cakes have definitely become one of the biggest trends. That said, many couples still love the timeless elegance of a classic white cake decorated with flowers that match their wedding blooms. I’ve also noticed fruit cakes making a small comeback – not quite as popular as they once were, but they’re slowly returning.
How have dietary preferences influenced wedding cakes?
This has definitely become more of a consideration in recent years. I often suggest incorporating a smaller gluten-free or vegan tier, or offering cupcakes in those options, so everyone can enjoy a slice without compromising on taste or style.
What do you foresee for wedding cakes in 2026?
I think wedding cakes will continue to become more personal and creative. Couples are moving away from traditional “cookie-cutter” designs and are choosing cakes that reflect their own style and story. I also think we’ll see more modern shapes, textures, and interactive cake ideas, like the long rectangular cakes that guests can help cut.
I’m really excited about a few new trends that are emerging for 2026 weddings. Pavlova cakes and croquembouche-style cakes are definitely gaining attention – they’re such creative and elegant alternatives to traditional wedding cakes.
Advice for anyone planning their wedding cake right now?
My biggest piece of advice is to start planning your cake early – once you’ve booked your venue and photographer, it’s a good time to reach out to your cake designer. It gives us enough time to discuss ideas, flavours, and design details without any stress.
Photo: Kalon Photography
Instagram: @whiskedcakeryza
Marezelda Breet
Cake Matters KZN
The Beginning
It all started in 2015 with the encouragement from my amazing friends! I started baking for my own kids’ parties, and soon after, my friends were asking me to bake for them. One particular friend asked if I was interested in making wedding cakes – because she would send all her brides my way. The thought grew on me, and eventually I joined a cake decorating course in Durban. After the course, I felt confident enough to start advertising. From the first week of advertising, I got two orders. The second week brought me three orders. I have been swamped ever since!
Cake Trends
Most wedding cakes reflect the couple’s personality. Semi-naked cakes took first place not too long ago, but couples were still playful with flavours and flowers.
Vintage-style cakes like Lambeth piping have made a big comeback. Couples are also re-embracing pressed flowers, bold colours, and different textures. I am definitely seeing a trend where couples are moving away from the minimalistic look toward more bold statement pieces.
How have dietary preferences influenced wedding cakes?
Couples will often ask for one tier or a separate cake to be either vegan or gluten-free.
What do you foresee for wedding cakes in 2026?
I think we’ll see more traditional styles making a comeback. I also think a blend of bold artistry and thoughtful minimalism will take centre stage, with a strong focus on personalisation.
What wedding cake trend are you most excited about right now?
I absolutely love the old-school or Lambeth-style cakes. There is just something so satisfying about piping décor onto a cake. It’s a challenge as well as a skill to get it done tastefully, with a very satisfying final look.
Advice for anyone planning their wedding cake right now?
Start planning early. Book your baker well in advance! Set a clear budget. Consider doing a cake tasting, so you know what to expect. And finally, align your cake design with the overall theme and look of your wedding.
Instagram: @marezeldabreet
Cheryl Govender Gillig
The Cake House
The Beginning
What began as a childhood passion at age 14 blossomed into The Cake House in 2012 – a home industry synonymous with first-class cake artistry in South Africa and beyond. As a self-taught cake artist, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the craft, developing expertise in complex cake engineering, traditional sugarcraft techniques, intricate character modelling, and exquisite floral sugar art. My journey has been one of personal growth, teaching me patience, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to transforming each creation into a flawless masterpiece.
Cake Trends
Minimalist elegance remains popular, with clean lines and understated décor that create a refined, contemporary look. Extravagant statement cakes are in high demand for upscale weddings, featuring gorgeous seasonal flowers, succulents, or intricate piping, often inspired by the ornate Lambeth cake style with its detailed vintage piping work.
How much do the bride and groom’s dress styles and the venue’s decorations influence the cake’s design?
The cake styles are hardly ever influenced by the venue décor or the dress. It is a matter of the personality of the bridal couple.
How have dietary preferences influenced wedding cakes?
Many couples are choosing different flavours for each tier to satisfy diverse guest preferences. We do not recommend stacking for vegan, eggless, sugar-free and lactose-free cakes as they are often unstable and compromise the stability of the cake.
What do you foresee for wedding cakes in 2026?
They have changed a lot, and designs have become more exciting and interesting to work with. Challenges with the designs are frequent, but we thrive on this and are always up for conquering new designs.
What wedding cake trend are you most excited about right now?
Vintage cakes are my absolute favourite.
Advice for anyone planning their wedding cake right now?
Book your baker 6-8 months in advance and schedule a consultation to finalise a design that suits your venue, style, and season. Consider practicalities like transport on rough roads and lack of air conditioning at the venue when choosing a design. Decide whether the cake will be served as pudding, and if the size is appropriate. Research bakeries to confirm they can bring your design to life and deliver excellent taste.
Instagram: @thecakehouse_pmb