On a Pedestal

Glamour Goodness

1. Created by Buttercream, this cake is a study in contrast. Elegant, yet playful, swirls and rose blossoms dance across this three-tiered cake wrapped in dark chocolate ganache. Floral accents top it off.

Number of servings: 98
Price per serving: $5.40
Popular Flavors: raspberry chocolate Diva torte, Baileys Irish Cream, and cappuccino soufflé
St. Paul, 651-642-9400; Minnetonka, 952-249-0390; and Stillwater, 651-430-9654

Modern Classic

2. Iridescent fondant-covered stacked boxes are showered in soft sugared blossoms and fantasy flower accents. Our selection by Penny Steele is a dream in soft pink.

Number of servings: 172
Price per serving: $7.95
Popular Flavors: raspberry-filled white chocolate, Sunshine banana, and Amaretto almond praline
Penny Steele Custom Cakes, Medina, 651-335-9621

Sweet Simplicity

3. Even a small cake can make a statement. Brushed with luster dust and topped with fondant roses, this two-tier cake by Penny Steele is taken to new heights with an equally pretty pedestal.

Number of servings: 32–34
Price per serving: $5.00
Popular Cake Flavors: Red Velvet, European chocolate fudge with Baileys Irish Cream filling, and caramel apple
Penny Steele Custom Cakes, Medina, 651-335-9621

Bouquet Bites

4. A cluster of vanilla cupcakes topped with shimmering Italian buttercream frosting blossoms offers a lighter twist for guests.

Average Price: 100 regular-sized cupcakes, $225
Popular Cake Flavors: Red Velvet, chocolate buttermilk and Mad Cow (chocolate cake plus cream cheese frosting with decorative chocolate disks)
Cupcake, Minneapolis, 612-378-4818

Structured Beauty

5. A sweet bouquet, this four-tier crafted delight by Celebration Generation Cakes is wrapped in fondant with a playful cascade of appliquéd Vanda orchids and soft pastel airbrushed details. Almost too beautiful to eat.

Number of servings: 130
Price per serving: $6.00
Popular Flavors: chai, tiramisu, and white chocolate almond Amaretto
Celebration Generation Cakes

Casual Classic

6. Detailed simplicity in textured layers of white, complemented by fresh flowers that soften the lines, give this tone-on-tone cake from Wuollet Bakery classic grace.

Number of servings: 200
Price per serving: $3.40
Popular Flavors: Lady Baltimore, pound cake, and Wuollet’s soufflé wedding cake
Wuollet Bakery, five metro locations, including Edina, 612-922-4341

Twist on Tradition

7. If your day calls for something other than cake, opt for a twist on the classic New York cheesecake. Ours is topped with fresh blueberries and wrapped in elegant lady fingers. A pretty bow adds a sweet touch.

Number of servings: 12–16
Average Price: $38
Popular Flavors: raspberry swirl, turtle, and key lime
Muddy Paws Cheesecake, St. Louis Park, 763-545-7161

Embellished Elegance

8. Hand-painted pastillage morning glories on gently piped frosting vines adorn this iced-white, four-tier delight from Buttercream.

Number of servings: 162
Price per serving: $4.25
Popular Flavors: fresh strawberry á la Ritz, Amaretto mousse, and almond praline
St.Paul, 651-642-9400; Minnetonka, 952-249-0390; and Stillwater, 651-430-9654

Editor's note: With all examples, prices and servings may vary.