A Slice of the Sea: Mermaid wedding cakes for the ocean-loving bride

Beach wedding cakes can be tacky if coated in random shells with bright blue frosting and a cheesy cake topper. Or Ariel’s face. 😬😅

So ditch the ‘too themey’ beach cake.

Instead, go for an elegant mermaid wedding cake. Think minimal, metallic, watercolor frosting, and milky pearls.

And if you’re feeling bold, go with a dark & moody statement cake, or try something completely unexpected like #16.

Image sources listed below. Some links may be affiliate.

1. Watercolor Waves

Flecks of gold leaf on dark watercolor waves contrast perfectly with the delicate coral accent. This cake scores big for being both modern and classy.

2. Sea Crystal Shore

Delicate pieces of sea glass wash up on the frosted edges of this serenely beautiful beach wedding cake.

3. Opulent Pearls

Giant sugar pearls offset a few well placed metallic-rimmed shells for a simply stunning display.

4. Boho Mermaid

Dark, moody, and oh-so delicious! Loving the touch of whimsy and bold color palette.

5. Mermaid Crown

A naked cake gives all the attention to the ocean crown cake topper fit for a mermaid princess.

6. Whale Kiss

Cake art with the WOW factor. Sure to be a memorable talking point for guests.

If you’re planning to DIY, consider cutting out this watercolor whale art to make your cake decorating life easier.

7. Pastel Waves

The motion in this cake is on point! Don’t you just want to dip your toes, *I mean mouth,* into this delicate beach-inspired treat?

8. Blushing Mermaid Tail

It’s as if you’re catching the last glipse of a mermaid’s tail made of the softest shade of blushing rose as she splashes off into the sea. Rice paper sails once again add lovely motion.

9. Irridescent Mermaid Fins

Clusters of fresh water pearls adorn a pair of airy mermaid fins. Love it!

Wonder what the ‘tails’ are made of? Turns out they’re rice paper, like you’d eat in a Vietnamese spring roll. Here’s a handy tutorial of how to make your own rice paper sails.

10. Mussel Shell Garland

Instead of a flower garland, mix things up try one made out of shells! Mussels are particularly striking and give off that cool Pacific Northwest vibe.

11. Three-tier Shells

Another example of why I love mussel shells on beach wedding cakes. Such a pleasing pattern to the eye.

12. Stones and Shells

Okay, okay, this is the last mussel shell cake, I promise. But the bottom ring of stones + ombre effect make it look like this cake rose up from a rocky ocean shore.

13. Pastel Mermaid Scales

Dainty mermaid scales in shades of watercolor plum, blush, and pale peach adorn this elegant mermaid wedding cake.

14. Moody Mermaid Scales

This Russian wedding cake looks like a mermaid tail made of moody ocean-blue scales.

15. Butterfly Pea Chiffon

Another striking cake that looks like mermaid scales, but dyed naturally with one of the most vivid blue pigments found in nature: butterfly pea blossoms.

16. Paradise Island Cake

Just… WOW. A few talented bakers have explored making jelly island cakes that look like something off your dream vacation list.

Click here to learn how to make a jelly island cake. SO cool!

17. Sandcastle Cake

Another statement cake for the win! Like a fairytale castle cake, but beach themed!

Love the sandcastle look? Learn how to make a sandcastle cake with only ONE cake pan here (scroll to cake section). Our own sandcastle cake was such a hit at our Mermaid & Pirate Party.

18. Pirate Ship Cake

Perfect for the playful couple. You will win the coolest aunt/uncle award with this statement cake! Some bakers are truly artists with fondant.

19. Vibrant Mermaid Wedding Cake

A lush tropical palette reminiscent of a mermaid tail darting through an ocean of frosting. A perfect colorful beach wedding cake.

20. Stormy Ocean Wedding Cake

The stormy marbled frosting gives an air of cool sophistication, while the greenery adds a splash of contrasting texture. Perfect for winter beach weddings.

21. Golden Sunset Sequin Cake

The edible sequins on this cake are INCREDIBLE! The talented baker, Sweet Heather Anne, said she just had to repost once she saw how much it looked like Kate Middleton’s knockout @jennypackham sequin dress!

Each sugared sequin was painstakingly placed by hand. Talk about a jaw-dropping mermaid wedding cake. It’s like a romantic sunset on the beach, but in cake form.

22. Textured Coral Wedding Cake

This is organic textured perfection from a rugged costal Hawaiian wedding.

Hope you enjoyed the mermaid wedding cake eye candy! See the source links below.

Learn how to make a giant whale tail for a unique beach wedding backdrop HERE or how to make a budget-friendly ocean wave backdrop out of potato stamps HERE.

Sources:

1. Incredible Edibles Bakery, 2. Loft22Cakes, 3. Cake Opera Co.

4. Jemima Cakes, 5. The Party Parade, 6. Painted Ladies Pastry

7. & 8. Bonita Bakes, 9. Marie Antoinette Cakes, 10. Ashley dePencier Photography

11. Pearl & Godiva, 12. Koby Brown, 13. Sweet Heather Anne

14. @Ruffled, 15. The Buttery Whisk, 16. @dolnyk.art.cake

17. Cakelava | Blackbird Cakes | | The Nook on 32

18. Pinterest, 19-21. Sweet Heather Anne | Vogue Magazine, 22. Magnolia Rouge

Next: Party Reveal—DIY Mermaid + Pirate Party

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