There are a ton of options out there when it comes to wedding cakes. Whether you choose to go traditional or alternative is entirely up to you. In this list I'm showing you 7 to choose from.
Tiered fruitcake with marzipan (traditional): This is the standard type of wedding cake that has a long history behind it, and is said to be modeled on London's Bride's Church (England). This cake is rich and not everyone likes the taste or the formality of this kind of cake.
Cupcake wedding cake (alternative): This kind of cake has gained a lot of followers in recent years. It's a tower of cupcakes that are usually in different flavors. The frosting can include many different types of symbols, initials, flowers, fruits, etc. as preferred. While many bakers are happy to make this kind of cupcake, this style is also great for a wedding reception planned for home as the cupcakes can be made easily in advance and frosted by generous family members just prior to the wedding. Or, buy them in bulk pre-frosted, and add a few finishing touches!
The tiered stand is widely sold as a "cupcake tree".
Croquembouche (French traditional): This high cone of profiteroles with a cascade of toffee (to which can be added sugared/candied almonds, chocolate, flowers, ribbons, etc.). This cake can usually serve around 30�40, so if you have more guests, consider several croquembouche. As a form of dessert, Croquembouche takes care of the dessert menu, which can be an excellent solution for a tight budget. As a delicate cake, you need to be assured of careful delivery.
Chocolate cake (French): Chocolate cake has had an avid following at weddings for quite a while now and the French wedding cake is lavishly decorated with a lace style. The relevant baker would be a French patisserie.
Cheesecake: For the bride and groom who don't much like cake, a Cheesecake is an option. This isn't a cheesecake, it's a layer of cheeses! One large cheese disk is on the base, with smaller cheese layers working their way to the top. Flowers and other decorations are added to the cheese layers. This can work out to be much cheaper than a traditional wedding cake but still lets you have the "layers".
Theme cake: There is a definite tradition of theme cakes for geek weddings. Cakes from Star Wars, Star Trek, and other sci-fi flicks are not unusual, as are cakes from beloved themes such as manga, anime, Hello Kitty, and anything that takes the fancy of the bride and groom. This sort of cake will come naturally to you if both of you are huge fans of something!
Cookies. A lavish "cookie table" assortment, often carefully arranged, is a Pittsburgh-area tradition. It could accompany a simpler cake, and many people can contribute without needing to coordinate efforts much in advance.
I'm currently loving the naked cake trend. What kind of cake did you have or are loving for your wedding?