Historically, wedding cakes have been an essential part of any wedding reception. But nowadays, couples are frequently opting for less traditional desserts and other wedding cake alternatives. Whether you are looking for something unique or just want a more cost-efficient option, here are five alternatives that are just as delicious and show-stopping. 

Cupcakes

wedding cupcake ideas by Edible Art NC | Wedding Cake Alternative

Photo Courtesy of Edible Art NC.

If you don’t want to stray too far from tradition, then cupcakes are the perfect alternative. These work great for large weddings, as you avoid the struggle of divvying up a cake between hundreds of guests. 

Make a statement by displaying the cupcakes on a lavish tower. For a more lowkey look, serve them on smaller platters at each table. Cupcakes also allow for more variety, and are a fantastic way to play around with different flavors. Edible Art NC offers a wide assortment of unique flavors, from caramel apple to blackberry lemonade. 

Macaron Tower

wedding macaron tower by Mon Macaron | Wedding Cake Alternative

Photo Courtesy of Mon Macaron

The delicate and romantic French dessert is the perfect centerpiece for any wedding reception. Add some dreamy flowers to your display for an extra elegant touch. Macarons are also easy to customize – you can mix and match a medley of colors and flavors. 

Add a personal touch to your macarons with Mon Macaron. With their edible printing machine, they can add wedding logos, monograms, hashtags and more. 

Donut Wall

Everyone loves a good donut. A colorful donut wall is not only a fun way to display the dessert, but also doubles as an Instagrammable backdrop. It’s creative, affordable and convenient; guests can stop by and replenish their sweet tooth all night long. If you’re the crafty type, you can even DIY your own wall – all you need is plywood and your favorite donut shop. 

Chocolate Covered Fruit

wedding strawberry tower by LiLi’s Sweet Shop | Wedding Cake Alternative

Photo Courtesy of LiLi’s Sweet Shop

Looking for a healthier dessert option? After a hearty meal, a fresh fruit spread is a must-have at the wedding reception. To satisfy guests with a stronger sweet tooth, you can rent a chocolate fountain. 

Chocolate fountains are always a crowd-pleaser, but they can get messy. For an alternative with less clean-up, consider a chocolate-covered strawberry tower. It makes for a stunning centerpiece, and the colors can be customized based on your wedding theme. 

Dessert Bar

Struggling to decide between dessert options? We don’t blame you. Enjoy a little bit of everything by incorporating a dessert bar into your reception. Have all your favorite sweets in one place – cake pops, brownies, cookies, and more. It’s also a great way to showcase any desserts that have cultural or familial significance. 

Some elements to keep in mind when planning your dessert bar are your wedding theme and seasonal flavors or colors. A dessert bar can also serve as a favor stand, making it multifunctional and cost-efficient. 

Choosing the perfect caterer for your big day can be tough. For more options, check out some of our favorite local bakeries.