Bow Cakes in East London: Vintage Ribbon Designs for 2026
Same-day cake delivery in Romford and East London (Cake Trays)
Can I order a cake for today?
Yes, subject to availability. Next-day delivery is also available across our listed delivery areas.
Do you deliver to my area?
We regularly deliver to Woodford and nearby delivery areas from RM8 2SR. Check the full list here.
What can I order from Cake Trays?
Shop Birthday Cakes, plus tray bakes and celebration cakes, freshly baked to order.
Looking for milk cake trays near me?
Browse Milk Cake Trays and choose your delivery date and time slot at checkout.
How do I order?
Order on CakeTrays.co.uk, or call 0208 597 5629. For quick questions, message on Instagram.
Can I add a personalised message?
Yes. Many cakes have personalisation options on the product page before checkout.
Few cake trends have taken over East London birthday tables quite like the bow cake. That mix of soft buttercream, vintage piping and a statement satin bow on top has gone from a niche aesthetic to one of the most requested designs we make at Cake Trays. If you have been scrolling through cake photos wondering what these ribbon topped cakes are called and how to order one near you, this guide covers the look, the colours, who they suit and how to get one delivered across East London.
What is a bow cake?
A bow cake is a buttercream celebration cake finished with a ribbon style bow as its centrepiece, either piped from buttercream or shaped from edible satin effect ribbon. The look usually pairs that bow with fine vintage piping around the edges: shell borders, scrolls and little pearl dots. The result is pretty, soft and a little nostalgic, which is exactly why the coquette and vintage bow trend has carried into 2026. Our Vintage Bow Cake is the classic version of the design, and it sits right at the heart of our birthday cakes range.
Shop bow and birthday cakes → Personalise the name, age and sponge flavour, from £32.99, with local East London delivery at £4.99.
The most popular bow cake colours
Colour is half the personality of a bow cake. The combinations we are asked for most in East London right now are:
- Lilac with black bows. The moody, fashion led look pictured above, often ordered with matching cupcakes.
- Ivory or cream with a single big bow. Timeless and elegant, lovely for engagements and milestone birthdays.
- Pastel pink, sage green and butter yellow. Soft, vintage and very photogenic.
- Noir black ribbon on white. High contrast and striking, as on our Vintage Bow Noir Heart Cake.
If you love the bow but want a different shape, the same ribbon detailing works beautifully on heart designs, so take a look at our heart cakes collection for inspiration.
Who are bow cakes for?
Bow cakes suit almost any celebration, but they are a particular favourite for girls and womens birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, engagements and Nikkahs. The bow naturally reads as a gift, which makes them a thoughtful choice when you are sending a cake to someone you love. A statement design like our Big Bow Celebration Cake works just as well as a centrepiece for a small gathering as it does for a big party. If you are watching your budget, you can still get the trend on a smaller cake, so browse our cakes under £40 for the more affordable designs.
Are your bow cakes halal?
Yes. Every cake we bake is halal, across every design and every flavour, so a bow cake from Cake Trays suits Muslim celebrations without anything separate to order. Our sponges come in vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, pistachio and Biscoff, all baked fresh to order. There is more on our halal cakes page.
Bow cake delivery across East London
We bake in East London and deliver bow cakes across Romford, Ilford, Barking, Dagenham, East Ham, Stratford, Walthamstow, Leyton, Woodford, Chigwell, Hainault, Manor Park, Plaistow, Forest Gate, Goodmayes and Seven Kings, with collection available from RM8 2SR. Standard delivery is £4.99. See the full list on our East London cake delivery page, or check your own area such as Romford cake delivery.
Timing is the part people get wrong. Rather than assuming a date works, pop your postcode in at checkout and you will see the delivery slots that are genuinely open for your order. Faster turnarounds may be available depending on how booked the kitchen is, so confirm the slot before you plan around it.
How to order a bow cake
Pick your design and choose your slot at checkout on the cake page, or get in touch if you would like to personalise the colours, bow style or message. Call us on 0208 597 5629, message us on WhatsApp on 442085975629, or send a quick DM on Instagram @caketrays4eastlondon with a photo of the look you want and your delivery date. We will confirm what is possible and take it from there.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bow cake?
A bow cake is a buttercream celebration cake decorated with a ribbon style bow as its centrepiece, usually paired with vintage piping such as shell borders and pearl dots. It is one of the most popular cake designs going into 2026.
Are bow cakes halal?
Yes. Every Cake Trays cake, including our bow cakes, is halal, across the whole range.
What colours can I have my bow cake in?
Popular choices include lilac with black bows, ivory or cream with a single big bow, pastel pink, sage green and butter yellow, and noir black ribbon on white. We can match your colour scheme, so let us know when you order.
How much does a bow cake cost?
Personalised birthday cakes including bow designs start at £32.99, and heart shaped versions start at £39.99. Standard local delivery is £4.99.
Can I add matching cupcakes to my bow cake?
Yes. Many customers order a bow cake with a matching box of bow topped cupcakes for a coordinated table. Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram and we will put a set together for you.
Written by the Cake Trays Team, an East London bakery baking halal celebration cakes to order at caketrays.co.uk.
