One of the best things about weddings today is that couples no longer have to follow convention and can put their own stamp on everything – from the dress to the decor to the cake! So if you don’t want a traditional tiered wedding centerpiece, there are plenty of wedding cake alternatives that might be more ‘you.’
Not only are these different sweet, and even savory, treats more personal, they can be cost-effective and look more fun in photographs. So whether you have a weakness for French cheese or crave Krispy Kremes, get some inspiration with our top ten list!
Show-stopping Sponge
If you still want a cake but you’re not a fan of fruit or plain sponge, look for recipes for non-traditional wedding cakes. Even Harry and Meghan broke convention by considering a banana-flavored cake, and they finally chose a lemon and elderflower masterpiece. More unusual flavors include sea salt and caramel, orange and almond, or even gin and tonic!
Local Favorites
Why not honor the place you’re getting married or where you’re from with a regional dessert. From Boston cream pie to Alabama Lane cake, most states or cities have their own favorite bakes. If you’re tying the knot overseas or have international heritage, you could have an Italian Millefoglie, a Scandinavian Kransekake, or a spectacular French Croquembouche!
Designer Donuts
Donuts never fail to please a crowd and are a fun, modern, and budget option. With so many flavors, fillings, and toppings to choose from, there’s something for everyone and they will look great on your Instagram! Pile your donuts high into a tower, set up a DIY station, or really wow your guests with a whole ‘donut wall.’
Poptastic
Cake pops – morsels of cake dipped in chocolate and stuck on lollipop sticks – make a fun and easy wedding dessert. You can match the icing to your wedding color palette and even add personal details like dates and monograms. There’s no need for forks or even plates, and you could probably easily eat one while on the dancefloor!
Breakfast Club
Do you love brunch? If you’re having a morning wedding, why not serve pancakes on your big day. Delicate French pancakes look stunning piled into a ‘crepe cake,’ sandwiched with cream and topped with icing sugar and fresh fruit. You can even slice it and take a cake-cutting photo with a twist. Or for a more laid-back breakfast, set up a pancake or waffle bar and dive in!
Custom Cookies
There’s nothing ‘cookie cutter’ about serving beautiful personalized cookies at your wedding. Whether you adore Oreos or are partial to shortbread, you can make your favorite cookie into an impressive wedding centerpiece. Arrange them on a tiered stand like a traditional cake or serve individually, perhaps with mini milk bottles!
Say Cheese!
No sweet tooth? No problem. Some couples are opting for savory cake alternatives at their reception. The most popular has to be the ‘cheesecake,’ made from different-sized rounds of cheese, stacked and topped with fresh fruits and flowers. It’s then disassembled to make an after-dinner cheese board. Other savory ideas include tiers of charcuterie, pretzels, or sushi!
Nice as Pie
Perhaps you’re getting married around Thanksgiving or your day wouldn’t be complete without your mom’s pecan pie? Good news, pies and tarts make perfect wedding desserts. With flavors such as cherry, apple, lemon, or pumpkin, there are plenty of recipes to choose from, or display them all on a ‘pie table.’ For another savory option, pile up the pork pies!
Pick ‘n’ Mix
Candy stations are fast becoming a wedding trend. Multi-colored sweets look super stylish presented in tall jars or big bowls, and if you serve them with favor bags and boxes, your favors are sorted too! Get personal by selecting nostalgic candy from your childhood or brands you enjoyed during an early movie date.
Virtuous Desserts
If you’re health conscious, want something light, or you need to cater for allergies, there are also healthy cake alternatives. Today you can order vegan, gluten-free, or even raw wedding cakes that look and taste just as good as regular ones. Other ideas include stacked sorbet pots, fruit salads, or a strawberry tower! Dip your berries in dark chocolate for a more decadent treat.
Traditional wedding cakes can be really beautiful, but they are no longer your only option. Want them all? Set up a dessert table with a variety of fancy desserts or homemade bakes. Above all, it’s your day so make sure you pick something you’ll look forward to eating at the end of the night!
Matilda is Marketing Manager in the International Team, bringing Zazzle to customers everywhere from Sydney to Stockholm.
