How Sweet It Is--Wedding Desserts

In my years of Wedding Planning and Coordinating, I truly believe I've seen every sweet treat possible be offered at a wedding Reception. From a Sundae Bar food truck, to fried oreos/donuts, to churros and cinnamon sugar pretzels, sweets offer a way to personalize your dessert offerings if you aren't big on cake!!

From an August wedding that offered a TON of sweet treat options this past year!

Wedding Cake Trends

As more couples downsize their guest counts and turn up the personalization of their Receptions, a traditional tiered wedding cake is becoming less popular. I'd guess about 1 out of every 3 weddings I do still goes for a tiered cake.

One of my brides opted for a marbled tiered cake, complete with her sweet pups!

Something I've been seeing more of (thanks to my local Brick Street Cafe in Greenville, SC) is simple round cakes, instead of a tiered cake. Many of my couples like that delivery isn't as high-stress with a "normal" cake, and you can still get multiple flavor options for your guests to enjoy.

Did you know, there is also a SUPER SECRET third kind of cake? It's a LIE cake. I'm always surprised how few people know about it. With some bakeries, you can opt to have a "tiered cake" for your pictures, when in reality it's fully styrofoam covered in icing with a singular piece of cake hidden for you and your spouse to cut into (very subtly marked). Then, the "cake" is taken into the back and "cut" for your guests (just a typical sheet cake). I can't tell you how often that happens and how no one ever notices the cake they're served isn't the cake you cut.

One of my fall brides opted for multiple cakes in fruit and chocolate flavors for their guests to enjoy.

Non-Cake Options

In smaller, more intimate gatherings, I'm seeing more homemade and handheld dessert options, too. One of the "perks" of going with a non-traditional wedding venue is a lack of restriction on what you can bring in for food service. I remember at my sister's wedding, each member of my family and my sister's husband's family made their favorite dessert for guests to enjoy. It was personal, sweet, and offered guests a wide range of options to choose from!

A cookie station at Gaines Lodge in Table Rock. This was a HUGE hit.

Benefits of Non-Traditional Desserts

Many of my couples are leaning away from a traditional tiered cake for a number of reasons.

• Ease of Eating/No Interruption to the Dancing

  In my experience, guests love a handheld dessert option because they don't have to interrupt their dancing to enjoy it. I remember I once had a bride with a champagne glass in one hand and a churro in the other in the middle of a dance circle at 10:30pm on a Saturday night. To say she was living her best life is an understatement.

• Cost Reduction

  Most of the time, a tiered cake (especially one with multiple flavor/icing combos) is pretty pricey. When couples choose to think outside the box, serious savings typically follows! I once got quotes for a tiered cake for a 225 guest wedding. I also got quotes for three flavor cupcakes, brownies, blondies, and cookies (where each guest would get a cupcake and either a brownie/blondie/cookie). The second quote was significantly cheaper (by over $200). I remember the bride asking why anyone would go with cake if they could have more options for a more reasonable price.

Whether you're looking to stick to tradition with a tiered cake or change things up with something personalized or portable, your wedding is sure to be sweet!!

One of my sweet 2025 couples cutting their homemade "naked" cake. The groom's sister made it!