Nostalgic ‘80s-style wedding cakes are making a comeback 

Heritage bakeries like Merced spark a sweet revival of the “OG” Filipino aesthetic.

Those elaborate, all-white wedding cakes from the 1980s—once a staple at Filipino receptions—are making a sweet comeback, thanks in part to renewed nostalgia and a push from heritage bakeries like Merced Bakeshop.

Known for its classic offerings, Merced has been actively spotlighting the vintage-style cakes on social media, reintroducing a design many Filipinos grew up seeing at weddings: multi-tiered creations adorned with intricate icing patterns, cascading piping, and the unmistakable candy flower sprays perched on top.

But this revival isn’t just for couples renewing their vows.

While the bakery is tapping into sentimental value for those who tied the knot decades ago, it is also drawing in a younger market curious about retro aesthetics—proof that what was once old is now charmingly new again.

Online, the response has been immediate—and deeply nostalgic.

The “kilig” of the candy flower

“Those flower sprays at the top!!! Pinag-aagawan ng mga bata sa bawat kasalan nung 80s!” one commenter recalled, pointing to the candy toppers that doubled as prized treats for kids during receptions.

Another netizen echoed the sentiment, writing, “D best tlga ang mga cakes ng 80s-90s,” while a third described the design as “the OG 90’s cake… ung nagaawan pa sa candy flower ng cake.” sarap ng icing sa ganyan.”

Memories tied not just to visuals but also to taste surfaced. “Nakakamiss yung templa nila ng icing… sinubukan ko pa nga kinaen dati kahit matagal na sya sa garapon,” one user shared, recalling how even preserved cake decorations were too tempting to resist.

Retro is the new modern

For some, the cakes are also tied to legacy brands and local institutions. “Ganyang ganyan ang design namin sa Joni’s Cakes & Pastries,” another commenter noted, highlighting how similar styles once dominated the industry.

The renewed interest underscores a broader cultural pattern: Filipinos’ fondness for revisiting the past, especially when it comes to food tied to milestones and family traditions.

And in the case of these ‘80s wedding cakes, it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about reliving moments when celebrations felt grand, icing was unapologetically sweet, and even the smallest details, like a sugar flower on top, became part of lasting memories.

How to go retro for your 2026 event

Thinking of bringing back the 80s for your big day this April?

1. Ask for royal icing: Many modern cakes use fondant or Swiss meringue buttercream. For the authentic 80s look and “crunch,” ask your baker if they still do traditional royal icing piping.
2. Keep the flower spray: The candy flowers are the soul of this design. Ensure they are made from edible sugar so you can pass on the tradition of the “flower scramble” to the kids at your party.
3. Tiered separators: To get the true 80s height, use the classic plastic separators or “pillars” between cake tiers, rather than the modern stacked-on-top look. 

Pro-tip: Heritage bakeries like Merced often have the original vintage nozzles and patterns from decades ago. If you want the real deal, go to the source that actually lived through the 1980s! Did you ever get to keep a candy flower from a wedding when you were a kid?

 

 

What was old is sweet again. Merced Bakeshop is leading a viral revival of the ’80s-style wedding cake, complete with intricate piping and those iconic candy flower sprays. 

 

 

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