Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Ceremony & Reception
  4. Wedding Reception Ideas
  5. Wedding Cakes & Toppers
  6. 16 Vintage Celebrity Wedding Cakes You've Probably Never Seen
Martha Stewart Weddings

16 Vintage Celebrity Wedding Cakes You've Probably Never Seen

lyndsey-matthews-portrait-2197-d111337.jpg
By Lyndsey Matthews
Skip gallery slides
Pin
celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-liz-taylor-79666956-1015.jpg
Credit: Popperfoto

Wedding cakes aren't what they used to be!

Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-liz-taylor-79666956-1015.jpg
Credit: Popperfoto

While wedding cakes today seem to be getting smaller and smaller (and the frosting on some have even disappeared entirely!), midcentury wedding cakes were quite the spectacle—especially when they were served at the nuptials of famous actresses and royal princesses. Here, 16 of our favorite vintage wedding cakes (including one that would have cost $22,000 in today's dollars!).

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-paul-newman-joanne-woodward-1686495-1015.jpg
Credit: Hulton Archive

Actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward tied the knot on January 29, 1958 with an intimate ceremony at the El Rancho hotel-casino in Las Vegas. Here, they're seen sharing a sweet kiss in front of their petite wedding cake (compared to other vintage cakes) with a classic bride and groom topper. The happy couple was married for 50 years, until Newman passed away in 2008.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and John F. Kennedy

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-jfk-jackie-kennedy-97347154-1015.jpg
Credit: New York Daily News Archive

The president and his new wife cut into an elaborately decorated wedding cake topped with a tiny vase of white flowers at their reception at Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island September 12, 1953.

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-grace-kelly-111652580-1015.jpg
Credit: Getty Images

Now this is a wedding cake worthy of a princess! Grace Kelly and her new husband, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, served a massive six-tiered wedding cake at their reception on April 19, 1956 complete with a three-dimensional replica of Monaco's Pink Palace at the bottom, the Monegasque crest recreated in red and white spun sugar on the middle tiers, and two cherubs holding a replica of the crown of Monaco on top.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Elvis Presley

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-elvis-presley-3201381-1015.jpg
Credit: Frank Edwards

If you calculated the cost in today's dollars of the Presley's cake from their 1967 wedding, it would be $22,000! "The cake itself was a yellow sponge cake," Denis Martig, the pastry chef at the time at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas at the time, told Memphis Magazine. "Each layer was filled twice with apricot marmalade and a kirsch flavored Bavarian cream. All the layers were glazed with kirsch flavored fondant icing and decorated with royal icing and marzipan roses." 

5 of 17

6 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-ronald-reagan-3232075-1015.jpg
Credit: Hulton Archive

Here the future president is seen with his first wife admiring their elaborate wedding cake at their January 25, 1940 reception in California.

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-judy-garland-3368101-1015.jpg
Credit: Keystone

When Judy Garland married the second of her five husbands, Vincente Minnelli, in 1945 she served a small(ish) white cake topped with a classic wedding bell topper.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Maria Hawkins Ellington and Nat King Cole

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-nate-king-cole-50989998-1015.jpg
Credit: Lisa Larsen

Surrounded by family and friends, the two American jazz singers cut into five-tiered wedding cake following their ceremony at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, in New York's Harlem neighborhood on March 28, 1948.

8 of 17

9 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Edith Piaf and Jacques Pills

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-edith-piaf-541056091-1015.jpg
Credit: ullstein bild

The French cabaret singer and her first husband celebrated their newlywed status with Champagne and a petite (for the time) cake at their September 20, 1952 wedding.

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-angela-lansbury-3426448-1015.jpg
Credit: Walter Bellamy

We don't know what we love more—the British actress's lace wedding dress, or the fresh-flower topped cake the newlyweds cut into on August 13, 1949.

10 of 17

11 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rita Hayworth and Dick Haymes

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-rita-hayworth-79043909-1015.jpg
Credit: Popperfoto

The cake that the Sands Hotel presented the actress and her fourth husband at their 1953 wedding was nearly as tall as the bride and groom!

11 of 17

12 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Joan Bennett Kennedy and Ted Kennedy

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-ted-kennedy-83931385-1015.jpg
Credit: Bachrach

At their November 29, 1958 nuptials, Ted and Joan Kennedy cut into a classic white wedding cake surrounded by fresh blooms.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-frank-sinatra-mia-farrow-108307435-1015.jpg
Credit: AFP

The singer and the actress also cut into a wedding cake courtesy of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas when they wed there on July 19, 1966.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peggy Lee and Bradford Dexter

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-peggy-lee-3206157-1015.jpg
Credit: Hulton Archive

Here the American singer and actress and her second husband cut into a wedding-bell decorated cake on January 4, 1955 at their backyard reception at her West Los Angeles home.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton Jr.

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-liz-taylor-79666956-1015.jpg
Credit: Popperfoto

For her lavish first wedding on May 6, 1950, the actress and her hotel heir husband cut into a five-tiered cake topped with wedding bells at the Bel-Air Country Club in California. There's even video footage of the couple cutting the cake and Taylor taking the first bite.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lana Turner and Steve Crane

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-lana-turner-3170473-1015.jpg
Credit: John Kobal Foundation

Elizabeth Taylor wasn't the only actress to wed the same man twice! Lana Turner wed her second husband, Steve Crane, twice. Here they're seen on their first wedding day in 1942 kissing behind their petite wedding cake.

16 of 17

17 of 17

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rita Hayworth and Prince Aly Khan

celebrity-vintage-wedding-cakes-rita-hayworth-3136533-1015.jpg
Credit: Keystone

When the American actress married the son of a sultan on May 27, 1949, she used his sword to cut into their rose-covered wedding cake.

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Lyndsey Matthews

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 17
    2 of 17 Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman
    3 of 17 Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and John F. Kennedy
    4 of 17 Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco
    5 of 17 Priscilla Beaulieu Presley and Elvis Presley
    6 of 17 Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan
    7 of 17 Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli
    8 of 17 Maria Hawkins Ellington and Nat King Cole
    9 of 17 Edith Piaf and Jacques Pills
    10 of 17 Angela Lansbury and Peter Shaw
    11 of 17 Rita Hayworth and Dick Haymes
    12 of 17 Joan Bennett Kennedy and Ted Kennedy
    13 of 17 Mia Farrow and Frank Sinatra
    14 of 17 Peggy Lee and Bradford Dexter
    15 of 17 Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton Jr.
    16 of 17 Lana Turner and Steve Crane
    17 of 17 Rita Hayworth and Prince Aly Khan

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    16 Vintage Celebrity Wedding Cakes You've Probably Never Seen
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.