The 1971 first edition of The Wilton Book of Wedding Cakes — a gorgeous, full-color hardcover packed with tiered cake designs, decorating techniques, and wedding lore.
About the book
The gold standard of vintage wedding cake books.
Published in 1971 by Wilton Enterprises, Inc. of Chicago, this is the first edition of what became one of the most beloved and collected books in the cake decorating world. Inside, you'll find page after page of lavish full-color photography.
The book is arranged in six chapters covering masterpiece cake designs, reception planning, petite cakes for small weddings, a guide to achieving your dream cake, anniversary centerpieces, and party cakes for bridal showers and pre-wedding events.
Named designs include 'Royal Wedding,' 'Forget-Me-Not,' 'Rose Garden,' 'Rose Festoon,' 'Swan Lake,' 'Champagne Honeymoon,' and more — each with its own full-page spread and detailed assembly instructions.
It's a wonderful time capsule of early 1970s wedding style and a genuine reference for anyone interested in the history of cake decorating.
Details
Title: The Wilton Book of Wedding Cakes
Publisher: Wilton Enterprises, Inc., Chicago, Illinois 60643
Copyright: 1971 (first edition)
ISBN: 0-912696-03-6
Format: Hardcover with pictorial boards (no dust jacket)
Pages: 112
Dimensions (approx.): 11.25 x 8.75 inches
Illustrations: Full-color photography throughout; decorating diagrams
Genre: Vintage cookbook / cake decorating / wedding reference
Contents include: Masterpiece cake designs with instructions; wedding reception planning; petite cake designs; piping tube guide; anniversary cake centerpieces; bridal shower and party cakes
Notable designs: Royal Wedding, Forget-Me-Not, Rose Garden, Rose Festoon, Swan Lake, Champagne Honeymoon, Iridescent, Country Garden, and more
Age estimate: Approximately 50+ years old
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Condition Grade: Good
- Notes:
- Interior pages are clean and bright with no writing, highlighting, or torn pages. Binding is intact and the book opens and lies flat.
- The teal cloth spine is intact with minimal fading.
- The cover shows wear consistent with its age and use: there is a large area of surface damage at the upper right corner of the front cover where the outer layer has peeled away, exposing the cardboard beneath (clearly visible in photos).
- The spine edges show additional surface peeling and scuffing. The bottom edge of the book block has some yellowing/toning. The back cover shows fading and minor edge wear.
Condition Grade Key:
Near Fine: Near perfect with only the slightest signs of age
Very Good: Minor wear; displays beautifully
Good: Noticeable wear but complete and fully readable
Fair: Heavy wear; collectible for content, not condition
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See all photos for detail — sold as pictured. This is an honest working copy that reads well despite its worn exterior.
- Reasons You'll Love It
- If you're a cake decorator, a culinary history buff, or someone who loves vintage wedding aesthetics, this book delivers.
- The photography alone is a treat — full-page spreads of elaborately tiered 1970s wedding cakes with fountains, pillars, and cascading piped flowers that feel both nostalgic and aspirational
- Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
- Photo-verified condition (no surprises)
- Packed with our protective packaging standard
- Ships in 1 business day
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- Disclaimer
- All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
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Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions
