Fondant or Buttercream Wedding Cake: Which is Right for You?

Hello! I’m Zoe Critchley, the baker and cake designer behind The Cake Queen Lincoln.

I absolutely love helping couples bring their dream wedding cakes to life, from the first sketch to the final tier on the big day. One of the most common questions I get asked is:

“Should I have a buttercream cake or a fondant cake?”

It’s such a great question because the finish you choose completely transforms the look, feel, and style of your cake. Whether you’re planning a relaxed rustic celebration or a sleek, elegant affair, the icing plays a big part in the overall design.

So, let’s explore the differences between fondant and buttercream, the pros and cons of each, and how to decide which is right for you.

What is Buttercream?

Buttercream is a soft, creamy icing made from butter and sugar with added flavouring of your choice. It’s spread or piped directly onto the cake, giving a smooth, soft, and deliciously rich finish.

Pros of Buttercream

🧁 Soft finish: Perfect for that homemade, melt-in-the-mouth feel.
🌿 Less formal look: Works beautifully for rustic, relaxed weddings or boho celebrations.
💰 Budget-friendly: A cheaper option than sugarpaste, as it requires fewer materials and less time.
🎨 Colour options: Can be tinted, though very deep or bold colours can be tricky to achieve without affecting flavour.

Cons of Buttercream

☀️ Heat sensitive: It is less stable in hot weather.
🎂 Less design flexibility: Because it’s soft, it can limit some intricate or sculpted designs.
✨ Finish: Doesn’t achieve the same sharp, flawless edges as fondant.

What is Fondant ( Often called Sugarpaste)?

Fondant, also known as sugarpaste, is a smooth, pliable icing that’s rolled out and draped over the cake. It gives that perfectly polished, professional look many couples love.

Pros of Sugarpaste

💎 Clean, sharp finish: Ideal for elegant and formal occasions.
🎨 Flexible for design: Great for creating unique shapes, textures, and decorative elements.
🌈 Colours easily: Can be tinted to any shade — perfect for matching wedding palettes or bold celebration themes.
🌟 Textured effects: Allows for embossing, painting, and other creative details.
🎉 Versatile: Works for both sophisticated and fun, themed designs.

Cons of Sugarpaste

💰 More expensive: Requires extra materials and time to and decorate.
🎂 Taste preference: Some people don't like fondant - although I will say this is mostly down to experience with mass produced cakes with thick, sickly sweet fondant. The paste that I use is a professionals paste, it tastes great in my opinion and there is only a thin layer around the outside of the cake. Also remember that for most slices of cake there will only be a small amount of the outer icing per slice, which can be easily removed.

Which Style Suits You Best?

Style or Theme	Best Finish	Why
Rustic, garden, or boho weddings	Buttercream	Natural, relaxed, textured look
Formal or classic weddings	Sugarpaste	Elegant, smooth, timeless finish
Bold or colourful celebration cakes	Sugarpaste	Holds strong colours and clean shapes
Semi-naked or minimal styles	Buttercream	Beautiful simplicity with visible cake layers
Sculpted, novelty, or themed designs	Sugarpaste	More structure for creative shapes and decorations

Final Thoughts

So, should you have a fondant or buttercream wedding cake? There’s no right or wrong choice, it all depends on your style, budget, and the overall feel of your celebration.

If you’re dreaming of a soft, romantic, and relaxed cake, buttercream might be perfect.If you want something elegant, bold, or highly detailed, sugarpaste is likely the way to go.

At the end of the day, both can taste delicious and look stunning, and I'm happy to help you design the perfect cake for your occasion, whichever finish you choose.

— Zoe Critchley, The Cake Queen Lincoln

✨ Ready to Design Your Dream Cake?

If you’re planning your wedding or special celebration, I’d love to chat about your ideas and help you find the perfect design. Enquire about your date and ask me any questions you have here.