Beyond the Cake: Delicious Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Cake
Let’s be real—wedding cakes are iconic, but they’re not for everyone. Maybe you’re not a fan of cake, or maybe you just want something a little unexpected that will have your guests talking. The good news? There are so many fun, delicious, and totally photo-worthy alternatives to the classic tiered cake. More and more couples are ditching the traditional cake in favor of something that's a little more unique, or simply something they prefer to eat.
So, let’s dive into some mouthwatering alternatives that are just as gorgeous as they are tasty.
Donut Towers
Who doesn’t love a good donut? Picture this: a towering stack of fluffy, icing-drizzled perfection in every flavor you can dream of. Bonus? They’re easy to grab, which means less fuss and more dancing.
Photography Tip: Arrange them in a stunning tiered display, or go for a fun “donut wall” that doubles as an eye-catching backdrop for photos and guests to take selfies!
Cupcake Displays
Cupcakes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You get all the beauty of a wedding cake, but with built-in portion control and no messy slicing. Plus, you can mix and match flavors to keep everyone happy.
Photography Tip: Play with colors, textures, and decorative toppers to create a visual masterpiece your wedding photographer will love capturing.
Macaron Towers
Want a little Parisian flair at your wedding? Macaron towers are chic, colorful, and elegant. They’re also perfect for a light, airy dessert option that won’t leave guests feeling overly stuffed if they want to try a few different flavors.
Photography Tip: Soft pastels and vibrant hues look incredible in wedding albums.
Cheesecake Bar
For the lovers of all things rich and creamy, a cheesecake bar is a dream come true. Serve mini cheesecakes in different flavors, or go bold with a multi-tiered cheesecake for a unique spin on tradition.
Photography Tip: Set up a rustic, candlelit dessert station for a cozy, romantic vibe that makes for stunning photos.
Cookie Stacks
Milk and cookies, but make it wedding-worthy. Whether it’s a tower of your favorite homemade cookies or a DIY cookie-decorating station, this is a sweet way to keep things casual and fun.
Photography Tip: A close-up shot of a bride and groom dunking cookies in milk? Adorable and absolutely frame-worthy!
Pie Table
For the couple that loves cozy, nostalgic vibes, a pie table is the way to go. From classic apple to indulgent chocolate silk, guests will love the homey feel of this delicious alternative to cake. It's especially fun for Fall and Winter weddings when the Holiday vibes are in full swing.
Photography Tip: Display pies on mismatched cake stands or vintage plates for a warm, charming aesthetic that will shine in your wedding photos.
Ice Cream Bar
Why wait for summer to enjoy an ice cream bar? Let guests build their dream sundaes with different flavors, toppings, and sauces. It’s interactive, refreshing, and a guaranteed hit for guests of ALL ages!
Photography Tip: Those vibrant toppings and drippy cones make for the perfect detail shots.
Final Sweet Thoughts
At the end of the day, your wedding desserts should be as unique as your love story. Whether you go for cupcakes, cookies, or a mountain of macarons, the key is making it personal and beautiful. Whatever you choose, I can tell you from years of experience as a wedding photographer, the "dessert table" is one of the most fun details to photograph at any wedding!
If you're ready book your wedding photographer (and you want one who LOVES those sweet detail photographs) let's chat! Contact me today!