PHOTO BY JULIE LIVINGSTON PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY JIM SMEAL

Between the white sandy beaches, blue-hued waters, and the beautiful color palette options, beach weddings can easily be some of the dreamiest celebrations for nuptials. But beach wedding details don’t always need to be focused on seashells and beach chairs. Rather than going over-the-top on classic nautical elements, there’s a beauty in focusing on the location, colors, and level of formality you’re planning for your wedding. And that same concept can certainly apply when deciding on your beach wedding cake. 

“Wedding cakes have changed so much that while they are a part of the event they can also take inspiration from the overall design without being kitschy,” says Janderyn Makris, owner of Earth and Sugar. “The word coastal can take on many life forms when it comes to design, but I always encourage couples to take their style with a more careful approach so the overall design is more curated than literal.”

MEET THE EXPERT

Janderyn Makris is the owner and cake artist behind Earth and Sugar, a custom cake studio based in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

In choosing a cake for your beach wedding, think about the tone your wedding’s aesthetic is setting. You may want to incorporate bright hues and cute elements if you’re planning a casual beach party. But if you’re going for a more formal style, think about incorporating natural elements in a subtle way such as oyster shells, sand dollars, and artistic crashing waves. 

According to Makris, many couples love the idea of sticking with aqua tones and cream colors. In addition, Makris loves to work with muted blues, along with greys and soft neutrals to evoke a more modern feeling. The addition of simple greenery, palm leaves, or lovely florals can also add a beautiful touch to your coastal sweet. 

 Ready to get your beach wedding planning started? Read on for 25 cakes to inspire your seaside design.

01

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Embrace the Theme

PHOTO BY LAUREN FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY NOSARA DULCE; FLORALS BY STYLOS & FLORES

Accomplish a “clean and simple” look by pairing a white wedding cake topped with tropical leaves and a mini pineapple. Even better: Accent it with a tropical fruit filling such as passionfruit, pineapple, or coconut, as this couple did at their wedding in Costa Rica.

02

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Mimic Beach Waves

PHOTO BY AMANDA CREAN; CAKE BY JASMINE RAE CAKES 

This is the most incredible representation of ocean waves—and guess what?! It's made completely out of sugar.

Add Sea-Inspired Surprises

CAKE BY EARTH AND SUGAR

Yes, incorporating seashells and starfish into a cake can be absolutely beautiful. You just have to find the right color palette! Here, whites and neutrals present a stunning design that doesn't make too huge of a splash. 

04

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Look to Leaves

PHOTO BY JULIE LIVINGSTON PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY JIM SMEAL 

Why not add a bit of contrast to your color palette? This seaside confection makes a subtle statement, without incorporating too many colors. The neutral leaf detailing, paired with a pop of color from a small cascading floral display, makes for a beautiful balance. 

Elevate With Orchids

PHOTO BY KAMA CATCH ME; CAKE BY GITTE LAULAU KAMA

This cake gives off some serious tropical vibes. At the base, a rustic semi-naked cake provides the perfect structure for a bold display of orchids and foliage on top.  06

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Incorporate Blue Hues

CAKE BY VENUS KWAN

Doesn’t this cake design just make you want to dance amongst the waves? The wispy design of this single-tiered cake is awe-inspiring with a sea-inspired palette of blue hues. 

07

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Add Festive Cake Toppers

PHOTO BY GILLIAN LEBRUN; CAKE BY ENJOY CUPCAKES

Talk about a fun way to celebrate warm weather and sunny skies! This semi-naked chocolate cake incorporates fresh blackberries for a stunning look, while a few cute flamingos take it to the beach in the most beautiful way. 

08

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Go Monochromatic

PHOTO BY NORMAN & BLAKE; CAKE BY ANGELA MICHEL 

This cake definitely has an island feel, with buttercream ruffles to set the tone. Topped with cascading florals from a peace lily, this design is a simple way to celebrate the tropics. 

09

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Embrace All the Colors

PHOTO BY CHARLA STOREY; CAKE BY SHANNON STAR

Welcome to the tropics! This cake showcases fun pops of color, without going too overboard. The hand-painted palm leaf detailing is simply stunning, especially when paired with a cascade of punchy florals.

10

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Set the Base

PHOTO BY KATE OSBORN PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY FLOUR & FLOURISH 

Sometimes, simple and chic goes such a long way. On this cake, we love how the bright buttercream tiers make a statement without adding color. The two modest sugar flowers are a perfect option for a beach wedding, but this design could easily be adapted to fit any style. 

 38 Simple Wedding Cakes for Every Style Celebration

11

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Create Cascading Blooms

PHOTO BY LINDSAY VANN PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY AUTUMN NOMAD 

Just because it’s a beach wedding, doesn’t mean florals can’t be the star of the show. And this multi-tiered confection does just that, utilizing neutral tones in such a gorgeous way for an unexpected beach theme. 

12

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Add Simple Seashells

PHOTO BY FORTUNA PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY TOTALLY CHARMED PARTIES 

What a charming way to incorporate seashells from the seashore! The texture of this buttercream cakes makes an ideal canvas for a simple display of blue-hued mussel shells.  

13

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Look to Your Surroundings

 PHOTO BY ALEX BRAMALL, LUCY BURKHEAD; CAKE BY MADISON LEE'S CAKES 

For a delicate display of modern simplicity, consider a hexagonal cake with intricate detailing. This cake is stunning—we especially love how the hand-painted blue hues match sprawling florals, which are paired with elegant greenery. 

14

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Decorate With Succulents

CAKE BY EARTH AND SUGAR

This is a beach wedding color palette we don’t see very often, and we’re definitely here for it. With the tiniest shells, starfish, and succulents, the detailing on this cake is absolutely incredible.

15

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Create Texture

PHOTO BY JOEY & JASE; CAKE BY MARINA MACHADO CAKES

The beach is all about sand, so why not replicate that in your design? This cake is the perfect example of a neutral color palette that is anything but boring. Plus, the texture is absolutely dreamy.

16

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Channel Seaside Elegance

PHOTO BY MANDY FORD PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY INCREDIBLE EDIBLES BAKERY 

A metallic touch can elevate any cake design. Here, a touch of gold-painted coral does just that, adding a dainty touch of the sea to the watercolor-washed bottom tier.

17

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Look to the Ocean

PHOTO BY NICHOLE LIVINGSTON; CAKE BY HUCKLEBERRY BAKERY

Looking for a beautiful way to bring traditional beach details into a wedding cake, without making it look kitschy? Check out this cake, which features cascading wave details with the tiniest bit of sand and metallic detailing. 

18

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Consider a Semi-Naked Style

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARAKSA; CAKE BY SUGAR SUGAR CUSTOM CAKES  

There’s nothing more classic than a semi-naked cake decked out in florals. Thanks to its neutral base and flowers, this cake is definitely ready for a beach party.

19

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Add Blue Accents

CAKE BY EARTH AND SUGAR  

Even the smallest seaside details can pull off a beachy look. The simplicity of this color palette, with a white frosted cake and light turquoise seashells, nails that vibe.

20

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Go Asymmetrical

PHOTO BY HEATHER WARAKSA; CAKE BY THE CLOISTER AT SEA ISLAND 

Want to make a statement with palm leaves? Look to this three-tiered cake, which features pearled details alongside an asymmetrical display and bold backdrop, for inspiration.

21

of 25

Be Creative

PHOTO BY EVERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY HOMETOWN DESSERTS 

Don't forget the power of a special cake topper! And what's more perfect for a beach wedding than a pair of flamingos?! Consider a metallic hue if pink isn't in your color palette.

22

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Mix In a Metallic Tier

CAKE BY EARTH AND SUGAR

Add a glam note to a tropical wedding by pairing palm leaves with a metallic touch. Shown here, the result is a taste of the tropics—but in the most modern way.

23

of 25

Make a Tropical Statement

CAKE BY ASHLEY CAKES

This sophisticated look shows how one tall statement leaf can go such a long way. Set against an incredibly smooth three-tiered cake, it's the perfect example of less is more. 

24

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Add Tropical Blooms

PHOTO BY REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL 

Pink peace lily flowers are also known as flamingo flowers. What could be a more perfect flower to incorporate into a tropical cake than that?

25

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Make Your Own Waves

PHOTO BY MARI SABRA PHOTOGRAPHY; CAKE BY CAKE BAR

We’re obsessed with how this design pairs beautiful blues with boho vibes. The watercolor details make the tiers look just like waves, while the decadent white chocolate drip completes the design.

Check out more beach wedding inspiration below.