Creating a visually appealing and diverse dessert table can be a delightful experience for both you and your guests. Incorporating a variety of desserts such as mini cupcakes, macarons, cake pops, and fruit tarts can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
One aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your wedding is the dessert table. After all, who doesn’t love a sweet treat to cap off a delicious meal? Whether you’re looking for traditional options or something a little more unique, there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Here are a few popular options to consider for your wedding dessert table.
A Wedding Cake
A classic option, the wedding cake is a staple at most receptions. Whether you opt for a traditional tiered cake or something a little more contemporary, there are endless options to choose from. From classic white buttercream to modern and colorful buttercream, there is a cake for every taste and style. Plus, with the option to have a variety of flavors, you can cater to all your guests’ tastes.
Whether you’re looking for traditional options or something a little more unique, there are plenty of ideas out there. Here are a few popular options to consider for your wedding cake on your wedding dessert table.
Tiered Cake (Classic Wedding Cake)
Tiered cakes are what you see at most weddings. They can be made in various flavors and decorated with buttercream or fondant to match your wedding’s theme. Plus, with the option to have multiple tiers, you can cater to all your guests’ tastes by having different flavors on each tier.
Naked Cake
A naked cake is a contemporary option that is becoming increasingly popular. It features a rustic look with minimal frosting and the layers of the cake are visible. They can be decorated with fresh flowers, berries or fruits that complement the cake’s flavor.
Geometric Cake
Geometric cakes are a modern and unique option. They feature sharp angles and clean lines, making them a great option for couples who want something more contemporary.
Drip Cake
Drip cakes are a popular option for those who want something more playful. They feature a drizzle of ganache or caramel on the top and sides of the cake, giving it a playful and fun look.
Watercolor Cake
A watercolor cake is a beautiful and unique option. It features a watercolor effect on the buttercream or fondant, giving it a beautiful and ethereal look.
Aesthetically Pleasing Cupcakes
Cupcakes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Not only are they a fun and unique option, but they also allow for more flavor options and can be customized with various toppings and decorations. Here are a few popular options to consider for your wedding dessert table cupcakes.
Classic Flavors
Classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate and red velvet are always a hit with guests. These flavors are timeless and will be enjoyed by all.
Unique Flavors
If you want to be a little more adventurous with your cupcake flavors, consider unique options such as lavender honey, lemon basil or bacon maple. These flavors will add a touch of surprise and excitement to your dessert table.
Custom Decorations
Cupcakes can be decorated in various ways to match your wedding’s theme, from simple swirls of buttercream to elaborate designs such as sugar flowers or fondant toppers. You can also use edible gold leaf or glitter to add a touch of luxury to your cupcakes.
Mini Cupcakes
If you want to offer a variety of flavors but don’t want to make your guests choose between them, consider mini cupcakes. This will allow guests to try a variety of flavors without feeling guilty about committing to just one.
Tiered Cupcake Stand
Instead of a traditional tiered cake, consider using a tiered cupcake stand. This will create a beautiful display and allow guests to easily grab a cupcake or two.
Creamy Cheesecake
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, cheesecake is a delicious alternative to a traditional wedding cake. It can be made in a variety of flavors and can be topped with fruit or chocolate to add an extra touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s a great option for those who prefer a lighter dessert.
Here are a few popular cheesecake flavors to consider:
Classic: Classic New York-style cheesecake is a traditional and timeless flavor that will surely be a hit with guests. It features a creamy texture and a graham cracker crust.
Strawberry: Strawberry cheesecake is a popular flavor that features a creamy texture and a graham cracker crust, topped with fresh strawberries.
Blueberry: Blueberry cheesecake is a delicious option that features a creamy texture and a graham cracker crust, topped with fresh blueberries.
Lemon: Lemon cheesecake is a refreshing option that features a tangy lemon flavor and a graham cracker crust.
Chocolate: Chocolate cheesecake is a decadent option that features a rich chocolate flavor and a chocolate cookie crust.
Sweet Doughnuts
Doughnuts are a trendy and delicious option for a wedding dessert table and can be a unique alternative to a wedding cake. They can be made in a variety of flavors and decorated with icing or toppings to match your wedding’s theme. Plus, they’re a fun and interactive option for guests, as they can be set up to decorate their own doughnuts.
Here are a few popular wedding dessert bar doughnut flavors to consider:
Classic: Classic glazed doughnuts are always a hit with guests. They have a simple and sweet taste, perfect to end a meal.
Maple Bacon: Maple bacon doughnuts are a unique and delicious option with maple glaze and crispy bacon bits.
Chocolate: Chocolate doughnuts are a decadent option with a rich chocolate flavor and can be topped with chocolate icing or chocolate chips.
Vanilla Bean: Vanilla bean doughnuts are a deliciously sweet option infused with real vanilla beans.
Cinnamon Sugar: Cinnamon sugar doughnuts are a classic flavor that many love. The doughnuts are fried, then tossed in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and spicy treat.
Pistachio: Pistachio doughnuts are a unique and delicious option with a pistachio-flavored dough and a pistachio glaze.
Strawberry: Strawberry doughnuts are a delicious option with a strawberry-flavored dough and a strawberry glaze. They are perfect for a summer wedding theme.
A Dessert Bar
A dessert bar is a great option if you want something more interactive. This can include a variety of treats, such as cookies, brownies and candies, that guests can help themselves to. Plus, you can set up a DIY station where guests can make their own sundaes or s’mores.
Check out these wedding dessert bar ideas:
Variety: Offer a variety of desserts such as cookies, brownies, cakes, macarons and candies. This allows guests to try a little bit of everything and caters to everyone’s taste.
Display: Arrange the desserts in an attractive and organized manner on the dessert bar, making it easy for guests to see and choose what they want.
DIY Station: Set up a DIY station where guests can make their own desserts, such as s’mores or sundaes, adding an interactive element to the dessert bar.
Decorations: Use decorations such as flowers or balloons to match the theme of your wedding and to make the dessert bar a focal point of your reception.
Labels: Provide labels for the desserts, indicating the flavors and ingredients for guests with dietary restrictions.
Add-ons: Consider adding a hot chocolate or coffee station to accompany the desserts.
Ice Cream Sundae Wedding Dessert Bar
Another wedding dessert bar interactive option is an ice cream sundae bar. Some argue that a sundae bar is even more fun than a wedding cake. With a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings to choose from, guests can customize their own sundaes. Plus, it’s a more refreshing option than wedding cakes for a summer wedding theme.
Here are a few ideas to consider when setting up your sundae bar:
Ice Cream Flavors: Offer a variety of ice cream flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and mint chocolate chips to cater to everyone’s taste.
Toppings: Have a wide range of toppings available such as sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel, chopped nuts, fresh fruits, cookie crumbs or even wedding cake pieces!
Sundae Glasses: Use clear sundae glasses to showcase the beautiful sundaes and make them more attractive.
Display: Arrange the ice cream flavors and toppings in an attractive and organized manner on the sundae bar, making it easy for guests to see and choose what they want.
DIY Station: Set up a DIY station where guests can make their own sundaes and get creative with their toppings.
Staff: Have a staff member or a catering company oversee the sundae bar, ensuring it stays clean and well-stocked and helping guests as needed.
Lighting: Use lighting such as candles or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere around the sundae bar.
Add-ons: Consider having additional options, such as brownies or cookies, for guests to add to their sundaes for some extra sweetness.
A sundae bar is a great way to add fun and interactivity to your wedding dessert table and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. With various flavors and toppings, everyone is sure to find the perfect sundae to enjoy.
Macarons
Macarons are a delicious option if you’re looking for something elegant. They come in a variety of flavors and can be customized to match your wedding’s color scheme. Plus, they’re a petite and delicate option that is sure to impress your guests.
Here are a few popular macaron flavors to consider:
Classic: Classic French macarons are a timeless and elegant option. They feature a crisp exterior and a chewy interior and can be filled with flavors such as vanilla, chocolate or coffee buttercream.
Raspberry: Raspberry macarons are a delicious option with a sweet flavor and can be filled with raspberry buttercream or jam.
Lemon: Lemon macarons are a refreshing option with a tangy lemon flavor and can be filled with lemon buttercream or curd.
Salted Caramel: Salted caramel macarons are a delicious option with a sweet and salty flavor and can be filled with salted caramel buttercream or ganache.
Pistachio: Pistachio macarons are a unique and delicious option with a pistachio flavor and can be filled with pistachio buttercream or ganache.
Chocolate: Chocolate macarons are a decadent option with a rich chocolate flavor and can be filled with chocolate buttercream or ganache.
A Chocolate Fountain
A chocolate fountain is a fun and interactive option for a dessert table. It’s a great way to add a touch of elegance and luxury to your reception.
Here are a few popular chocolate fountain ideas to consider:
Dark, Milk and White chocolate: Having a variety of chocolate options such as dark, milk and white chocolate allows guests to choose their favorite and caters to different dietary restrictions.
Dipping Options: Offer dipping options such as fresh fruits, pretzels, cookies and marshmallows for guests to enjoy.
Decorations: Use decorations such as flowers or balloons to match the theme of your wedding and to make the chocolate fountain a focal point of your dessert table.
Set up: Set up the chocolate fountain on a raised platform or on a separate table to make it easily accessible to all guests.
Lighting: Use lighting such as candles or fairy lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere around the chocolate fountain.
Add-ons: For a unique twist, consider adding flavors such as peppermint, hazelnut or caramel to the chocolate.
Staffing: Have a staff member or a catering company oversee the fountain, ensuring it stays clean and well-stocked throughout the reception.
Safety: Make sure to follow safety guidelines such as using heat-resistant utensils and keeping the fountain at a safe temperature to avoid accidents or injuries.
How Your Wedding Theme Affects Your Desserts
Are you stuck on settling for the perfect wedding theme? Don’t miss out on our favorite picks:
- 10+ Tips for the Best All-Black-Themed Wedding
- How to Decide on Your Wedding Theme
- The Best Black and Red Wedding Theme Ideas
Flavor and Presentation
The theme of your wedding can influence the flavors and presentation of your dessert. For example, if you’re having a beach-themed wedding, you may want to serve a tropical-flavored dessert like a coconut cream pie or a pineapple upside-down cake. Similarly, if you’re having a rustic-themed wedding, you might choose a dessert that incorporates natural elements like a berry crumble or a fruit tart.
Dessert Display
Your wedding theme can also affect the way your dessert is displayed. For example, if you’re having a vintage-themed wedding, you may want to serve your dessert on vintage plates or in vintage glassware to add to the overall aesthetic. If you’re having a more modern or minimalist wedding, you might choose a sleek and simple dessert display.
Customized Dessert
You can also customize your dessert to match your wedding theme. For example, if you are having a Harry Potter-themed wedding, you can have your cake shaped like the Hogwarts Castle or a wizard hat.
Determining the Right Amount of Dessert for Your Wedding
When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much wedding dessert you need to serve. Not only do you want to make sure there’s enough for everyone, but you also want to ensure you’re not wasting food or money. Here are some tips for determining the right amount of dessert for your wedding.
Consider the Number of Wedding Guests
The first step in determining how much dessert to serve at your wedding is to consider the number of guests you’ll be hosting. The general rule of thumb is to plan for one serving of dessert per person. However, if you’re having a large wedding with a lot of guests, you may want to consider ordering a little extra to ensure there’s enough for everyone.
Related post: How to Number Tables at Wedding – 10 Best Ideas For Wedding Table Numbers
Think About the Time of Day
Another factor to consider when determining how much dessert to serve is the time of day. If your wedding is taking place during the afternoon or early evening, you may not need as much dessert as you would for a wedding that takes place later in the evening. This is because guests will likely be full from their meal and may not have as much room for dessert.
Take Into Account Other Wedding Day Dessert Options
You may also want to consider the other dessert options you’ll have available at your wedding. For example, if you have a dessert buffet, you may not need as much cake or other traditional desserts. You may also need less of each item if you have a dessert bar with various options.
Consider Your Budget
Finally, you’ll want to consider your budget when determining how much dessert to serve. Dessert can be expensive and you’ll want to ensure you’re not overspending on something that’s not a priority for you. You may also want to consider options like dessert stations, which can be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding cake.
Take Feedback From the Caterer
Your caterer or baker will have a better idea about the serving size and quantity of the dessert, as they have experience dealing with such events. You can take their feedback and adjust your order accordingly.
The Bottom Line
The wedding dessert table is an important aspect to consider when planning your wedding. There are many options aside from wedding cake, whether you’re looking for traditional options or something a little more unique. Some popular options include wedding cakes, cupcakes, cheesecake, doughnuts, macarons and chocolate fountains.
Regardless of your choice, it’s important to remember that it’s about what you and your partner love. It’s also important to have a taste test before you decide. Work with a professional baker or caterer to ensure that your desserts will be perfect on your big day. With a variety of options and flavors, you’re sure to find the perfect dessert to make your wedding a sweet and memorable one.
