Wedding Cake Reimagined

There's probably probably been cake at weddings since Marie Antoinette declared "Let them eat cake" but with so many new trends and designs, some brides are choosing to opt out of the traditional wedding cake in favor of more unique options. Here are a few of the most popular options and why they may be a better option for you.

 

The Tower

The dessert tower has been giving the wedding cake a run for its money for quite some time now; put quite simply, it's much easier to dig in to and distribute on the big day. The tower also eliminates the danger of running out of dessert early or having too much left over, since all you need is a head count. Most popular to grace this tower is the ever-trendy cupcake. No cake cutting or icing smearing required here; each guest simply chooses his own cupcake and moves on. And you certainly don’t lose any beauty shrinking your wedding cake; cupcakes can be topped with equally exquisite and delicious detail. Still feeling a little blue over the idea of not having a wedding cake? Have a special couples cake made that you and your groom can share. This way, you still have something to cut together and take photos with while still keeping the guest option simple and easy to serve.


While you can do pretty much any flavor and color you could dream of with a cupcake, the tower opens you up to an endless supply of desert options as well. You name it, they can stack it in a tower, from éclairs and macaroons to individual dessert dishes and mini pies. Get even more creative by mixing several pastries together on the same stand or create two separate "His and Hers" towers to give your guests a variety.

The Do-it-yourself Bar

The great thing about a self-serving dessert bar (besides all the delicious options, of course) is the fact that it can be designed to enhance the look and feel of your wedding celebration. The idea here is to take a basic, classic desert and amplify it by giving guests the option to personalize it. For a homemade feel, try personal cheesecakes in mason jars with a spread of fresh fruits and toppings. Need a cold treat on a hot day? Plan an ice cream bar complete with all your favorite toppings and flavors. A desert bar is also a great way to provide your guest with something to eat between events. Having a peaceful outdoor wedding in the woods? Create a wedding trail mix for your guests to enjoy by mixing a variety of nuts, chocolates, and fruits. Having a bar set up through the day allows you to be versatile in what and when you serve without the stress of having to deliver food to each individual guest.

Dessert on the Move

The reception is all about celebrating. It shouldn’t be a stiff, impersonal affair; there should be dancing and laughter and music from beginning to end. Dessert should be the same thing; the idea here is to find a dessert that people can eat while moving around and socializing. Guests can help themselves to dessert when they want and enjoy it on their own timetable. Still “married” to idea of cake at your wedding? Try cake pops, a unique and adorable on-the-move cake adaptation. For those looking for a lighter alternative to rich pastries, try chilled champagne flutes filled with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For variety, try an assortment of mini desserts; this could be anything from chocolate mousse in double shot glasses to tiramisu in cosmo glasses.

With just a little creativity and inspiration, planning the dessert at your wedding will be a piece of…..whatever!

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