Trend Details and 4 Examples for Inspiration

While there’s much to love about a pan-seared salmon or a wild mushroom risotto at your reception dinner, there’s something particularly special about offering your guests a sweet treat. Whether it’s an ice cream sundae bar at your beachside welcome party or an array of decadent cupcakes at your over-the-top afterparty, no attendee will ever complain about a comprehensive dessert offering. The same goes for the classic cake. However, even if you’ve decided to serve a confection at your celebration, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from.

Even though some couples opt for the traditional tiered dessert, complete with Lambeth piping and a sentimental topper, other duos select a more modern take on the classic treat, ordering an out-of-the-box shape that puts a spin on the conventional circle. Your cake design will ultimately depend on the aesthetic of your big day, as well as your and your partner’s personal preferences. Maybe you two decide to lean into a romantic-inspired look and select a heart-shaped confection for your nuptials or ask a baker to craft a dome-shaped treat.

Bakers say unconventional cake shapes are an emerging trend in the industry, particularly when it comes to the domed design. “Dome cakes started to gain popularity in 2023,” says Stephanie Tucci, a pastry chef and the owner of By Chefanie. “That’s when we really started to see more bakers offering this shape. However, the interest and creativity with different sizes, styles, and even tiered options that included domes really hit the stage in 2024, with more couples now interested in a creative look for their wedding cake.”

Unlike a more classic confection, dome-shaped cakes aren’t typically tiered, says Katherine Sprung, a New York City-based pastry chef. As a result, they can often be the perfect choice for couples who want their dessert to reflect their unique style and taste. “I think they shine for the quirkier wedding party, looking for something untraditional, with a smaller amount of people to feed,” she says. “When the cake is thoughtfully decorated in a unique or beautiful way, it can really become a great showpiece.”

Ahead, experts explain the emerging dome-cake trend, as well as how to know whether or not it’s the right choice for your dessert table.

The Benefits of Having a Dome Cake

Considering a dome cake for your big day? There are many perks you’ll experience as a result of selecting this confection. Here, the experts break down a few.

They’re Unique

If you want a confection that stands out from more traditional cakes, a dome cake may be the perfect choice for your nuptials. “Dome cakes shine when they are beautifully decorated and are the centerpiece of a dessert buffet,” says Odette D’Aniello, the founder and owner of Dragonfly Cakes and Celebrity Cake Studio. “It’s suitable for all kinds of weddings, but mostly for those who want a novel approach to wedding cake design versus the traditional tiered rounds or square cakes.”

They Can Be Less Expensive Than a Tiered Confection 

“The cost of a dome cake really depends on the size, overall design concept, and whether the baker carves the dome by hand or bakes them in dome-specific baking pans,” Tucci says. For example, she points to the fact that a simple five-inch dome confection typically costs around $65, while a more extravagant—and taller–version comes in around $225. However, even if you select a more opulent dome option, you’re likely still saving some money in the process, as a classic wedding cake will typically come in between $600 and $900.

They Give You the Chance to Be More Creative

Standard tiered confections or a cutting cake may feel constraining to you and your vision for your wedding-day dessert. If that’s the case, a dome-shaped treat can give you the creative freedom you desire. Opt for a creation that’s monochromatic with smooth icing, or order a more extravagant version of the sweet treat decorated with fondant, flowers, and pops of color. 

The Potential Drawbacks of a Dome Cake

While dome cakes are both stunning and unique, there are some important considerations to make before ordering one for your big day. Below, the experts explain some potential drawbacks to think about before selecting one.

They’re Smaller

Depending on your guest list, the typical size of a dome cake could be a perk—or a drawback. As a result, you’ll want to consider how many people you’re planning to have at your celebration. If you’re feeding a big crowd, a dome cake may not be the best option for you. “[Typically,] there isn’t scalability [with the size], so you can’t create tiers, and it can only be so big,” Sprung says.  

You May Be Limited to One Flavor

Due to their rounded shape, it’s difficult to stack dome cakes on top of one another. If you do decide to serve this type of confection, know that you’ll likely be limited to one flavor. For a workaround, D’Aniello suggests placing a dome cake on top of a flat-top confection—or designing a cake meadow that includes a dome cake surrounded by smaller versions of the sweet treat in a variety of flavors. 

4 Dome Cake Ideas to Inspire Your Own

Looking for some inspiration for your own dome cake? These show-stopping designs from expert bakers are the perfect place to start.

An Ivory Confection With Blush Tones

This all-white cake included tiny pearls scattered across the top of the treat, as well as textured ridging throughout. Adding in ribbons of icing and blush-colored fondant, Tucci created a bridal-inspired dome cake that combined feminine touches with romantic undertones. White carnations added a touch of nature to the base of the sweet treat.

A Nature-Inspired Cake With Floral Detailing

Whether you’re planning for a rustic celebration or simply want to add a touch of greenery to your reception, this soft green confection from Nicola Collie, the owner of PICNIC Baked Goods, does just that. The vanilla almond confetti cake, which was filled with fresh raspberries, berry preserves, and kiwi berries, was show-stopping—and stunning. 

A Bouquet Beauty

While this dome cake may appear to be covered in everyday florals, there’s something particularly special about the blooms on this confection. “This dome cake was from a recent sunny backyard wedding in the middle of a vineyard, and decorated with flowers from the garden of the bride’s mother,” Dominick Miller, the owner of Lady Jasmine Cakes, wrote in an Instagram caption.

Dramatic White Touches

An all-white wedding cake is a classic choice for any couple. However, Alyssa Alberto, a pastry chef and the owner of Sugar & Glazed, put a unique twist on the traditional confection by creating a two-tiered dome dessert with deep red and maroon-hued florals for one couple’s nuptials.