Cupcake Wedding Cakes: Sweet Ideas for Every Style & Budget
Discover the best wedding cupcake ideas, how much they cost, and exactly how many you’ll need for your big day - from elegant towers to rustic displays
If you’re looking for a wedding cake that’s just as beautiful but a little more fun and modern, wedding cupcakes might be the perfect fit.
From elegant cupcake towers to rustic wedding cupcake stands, these bite-sized bakes can be as simple or as extravagant as you like - and they’re ideal for couples wanting a personalised, guest-friendly wedding dessert table.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cupcake wedding cakes, from design ideas and decoration inspiration to pricing and how many cupcakes you’ll actually need for your big day.
Why Choose Cupcakes for a Wedding?
Cupcakes are fast becoming one of the most popular wedding cake alternatives, offering flexibility, fun, and flavour variety. Here’s why so many couples are swapping tiers for towers:
- They’re easier to serve – No cutting required! Each guest gets their own individual treat.
- They look stunning on display – A wedding cupcake tower or tiered cupcake stand makes an eye-catching centrepiece.
- You can mix flavours – Think chocolate, lemon, red velvet and vanilla cupcakes all on one stand.
- They suit any theme – Whether you’re planning a rustic wedding, a modern minimalist day or a romantic garden celebration, there’s a cupcake style to match.
- They can be more affordable – Especially for smaller weddings, wedding cupcakes can work out cheaper than a traditional cake.
Wedding Cupcake Ideas & Designs
From simple white cupcakes to decorated wedding cupcakes covered in edible pearls, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of our favourite wedding cupcake ideas:
Elegant Wedding Cupcakes
Opt for soft buttercream swirls, ivory fondant toppers and delicate metallic details. Pearl cupcakes or white wedding cupcakes look beautiful for classic or black-tie weddings.
Rustic Wedding Cupcakes
Perfect for barn or countryside venues - think naked cupcakes with buttercream frosting, fresh flowers, or a dusting of icing sugar displayed on a wooden cupcake stand.
Floral Cupcakes
Sugar flowers, edible petals and piped buttercream blooms are timeless. Mix and match colours from your bouquet for a cohesive look.
Chocolate Wedding Cupcakes
Rich chocolate cupcakes topped with ganache or mocha buttercream are a crowd favourite - they look luxe and taste even better.
Themed Cupcakes
Personalise your cupcakes with edible initials, gold leaf, or even mini fondant decorations that tie in with your wedding theme or colours.
Wedding Cupcake Inspiration
Discover 10 of our favourite wedding cupcake ideas, from wedding cake makers available to book on Hitched!
1. Wedding Cupcake Bouquet
If you love cakes and you love flowers, you're going to love these incredible wedding cupcakes by The Budding Cupcake Studio, meticulously decorated to look like bouquets of flowers.
2. Rustic Cupcake Tower
If you're after rustic wedding cupcake ideas, consider this creation by Durham City Cakes - the silver birch cutting cake on the top adds to the rustic vibe.
3. Vintage Style Cupcake Tower
Beez Cakes specialises in stunning, vintage inspired wedding cakes with a classic feel. This cupcake tower is perfect for those who love that style and want it in cupcake form.
4. Wedding Cake with Cupcakes
Don't think that having wedding cupcakes means you can't have a traditional wedding cake! Be inspired by this cake by The Incredible Cake Company.
5. Buttercream Wedding Cupcakes
Those who love the vintage vibe will adore these two-tone buttercream wedding cupcakes by Bubba's Bakes. We love how the florals on the topper cake match the colours of the icing.
6. Floral Arrangement Cupcakes
Wedding cupcakes that look like floral arrangements are a timeless wedding trend. We love the rustic vibes of this green and white arrangement by Floral Cupcakes by Nicola.
7. Rustic Wedding Cupcakes
If you want your wedding cupcake display to have a rustic feel, be inspired by this couple who had a tower of cupcakes by Gail's Cake Pantry displayed on a log slice cake stand.
8. Retro Style Wedding Cupcakes
We can't get over these adorable, retro style cupcakes from CK Bakes - they are perfect if you want your wedding to have a more low-key, tea party vibe!
9. Classic Cupcake Wedding Cake
For those that want a timeless cupcake wedding cake, consider this beautiful display by Gauer Sugarcraft.
10. Mediterranean Cupcake Tower
Delight your guests with an irresistibly bright wedding cupcake tower, designed to match your wedding theme, like this one by The Crafty Baker.
How Many Cupcakes Do You Need for a Wedding?
The general rule is one cupcake per guest, but many couples choose to order a few extras in case some guests want seconds - or to save for later!
- Hitched tip: If you’re also having a small cutting cake for tradition or photos, you can slightly reduce your cupcake count.
How Much Do Wedding Cupcakes Cost?
Prices vary depending on flavour, design and decoration. On average:
- Standard cupcakes: £2–£4 each
- Decorated cupcakes (with fondant, toppers or edible decorations): £4–£6 each
- Cupcake wedding towers (including stand hire and set-up): £150–£400
Cupcake Wedding Cake Ideas
Many couples combine cupcakes with a small cutting cake for a showstopping centrepiece. Here are a few popular ways to style your display:
Cupcake Tower Wedding Cake
Stack cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand, finishing with a small cake on top for that traditional tiered look.
Cupcake Display Table
Arrange cupcakes at different heights with floral accents, candles or fairy lights for a romantic finish.
Cake and Cupcake Combo
A two-tier wedding cake with cupcakes is a stylish hybrid that offers the best of both worlds - elegance and convenience.
Wedding Cupcake Stands & Toppers
The presentation makes all the difference. Choose a wedding cupcake tier stand that complements your décor - from acrylic towers for a modern vibe to rustic wooden crates for a countryside feel.
Don’t forget cupcake toppers and decorations, like:
- Monogram initials
- Mini hearts or edible flowers
- Gold leaf or metallic dust
- Custom flags or printed designs
Are wedding cupcakes cheaper than a wedding cake?
In many cases, yes - especially if you’re keeping decorations simple. Because cupcakes don’t require complex structural tiers or cutting services, you can save on both design and catering costs.
However, intricate decorations or multiple flavours can bring prices closer to those of a traditional cake.
Where to Order Wedding Cupcakes
You can order wedding cupcakes online from well-known bakeries or find local cake makers on Hitched’s wedding cakes directory. Many suppliers offer:
- Tasting boxes so you can try before you buy
- Custom flavours and designs
- Delivery and stand hire
Final Tips for Planning Your Cupcake Wedding Cake
Order at least two months in advance, especially for custom designs
- Think about display logistics - where and when the cupcakes will be set up
- Choose flavours that suit your guests and the season
- Don’t forget storage - buttercream and fondant react differently to heat and humidity
A wedding cupcake cake is a stylish, practical and budget-friendly way to sweeten your celebration. Whether you go for a simple white cupcake tower, a rustic display with fresh flowers, or a mix of flavours and designs, cupcakes bring fun and flexibility to your wedding day dessert.
Explore local wedding cake makers on Hitched to find someone who can bring your cupcake vision to life.
