Five Fun Wedding Cake Alternatives
The decision to forego the tradition is becoming more and more en vogue. In fact, many guests come to expect something different nowadays.
Whether it’s the money, a distaste for cake altogether, or the desire to have something more unique, here are five fun wedding cake alternatives that’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests.
1. Donut Towers
Donut towers have become so popular at weddings now, some say the trend’s here to stay. For good reason too because who doesn’t love a good donut?
Donut towers are a fantastic and visually appealing alternative to the traditional wedding cake. With so many boutique and artisan doughnut places, you can find incredibly inventive and fun flavors, making them easy to match with your wedding theme.
You can arrange them in a tiered display to mimic the look of a wedding cake or create a stunning donut wall for guests to choose their favorites.
Why Donut Towers Work
Versatility: Donuts can be customized with different glazes, fillings, and toppings to suit your taste.
Convenience: They are easy to serve and eat, reducing the need for cutting and plating.
Visual Appeal: A beautifully arranged donut tower or wall is a show-stopper that also doubles as a fun photo backdrop.
2. Cheese Wheels
For the couple who prefers savory over sweet, a tiered cheese wheel cake is a sophisticated and unexpected alternative. You can select a variety of cheeses to stack, such as brie, cheddar, gouda, and blue cheese, to create a stunning centerpiece.
Adorn with grapes, strawberries, figs, jams, and prosciutto roses.
Why Cheese Wheels Work
Sophistication: A cheese wheel cake adds an elegant touch to your wedding reception. (Bring out some wine pairings to really take things over the top.)
Customization: You can choose cheeses that reflect your personal tastes and pair them with fruits, nuts, and crackers.
Savory Option: It offers an offbeat alternative for guests who may not have a sweet tooth.
3. Bite-Sized Cookies
It takes a special kind of person to turn down a cookie, especially one that’s bite-sized. Like donuts, the flavor possibilities are endless. You can mix and match between classics and other more unique flavors (like Peanut Butter Cookies ‘n Cream).
Guests can easily grab a few in between dances or squirrel away a couple for the road. Plus, when compared to cake, there’s far less mess to worry about, which everyone appreciates from your guests down to the folks cleaning up at the end of the night.
Oh, and don’t forget the milk!
Why Bite-Sized Cookies Work
Personalization: Like donuts, cookies can be tailored to your wedding theme and colors.
Convenience: Guests can easily grab a cookie and enjoy it without the need for plates or utensils. Bonus, it’s easy to package up leftovers.
Memorability: Mini but mighty cookies are a nostalgic treat that guests will remember.
4. Pie Bar
A popular option especially for fall weddings, pie bars are a charming and cozy alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Offering a variety of pies, from classic apple and cherry to more exotic flavors like key lime or bourbon pecan, gives your guests a range of choices to satisfy their cravings. You can even include mini pies for a bite-sized option.
Why Pie Bars Work
Variety: A pie bar offers multiple flavors, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Comfort Food: Pies evoke a sense of comfort, helping to create an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Presentation: A beautifully arranged pie bar can be a stunning focal point for your reception.
5. Macaron Towers
For a touch of elegance and a burst of color, consider a macaron tower. Macarons are delicate, French cookies made from almond flour that come in a wide range of flavors and color hues. A tiered macaron tower is not only visually stunning but also adds a little luxury to the day.
Why Macaron Towers Work
Elegance: Macarons add a touch of sophistication to your wedding dessert table.
Variety: They come in countless flavors, from traditional vanilla and chocolate to unique options like lavender or matcha.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors and beautiful presentation of a macaron tower make it a standout feature at any wedding.
Choosing an alternative to the traditional wedding cake allows you to showcase your personality and create a unique experience for your guests. Whether you opt for a donut tower, cheese wheels, bite-sized unique cookies, a pie bar, or a macaron tower, these options offer a tasty and memorable twist on the classic wedding cake.
