When it comes to wedding dessert, the popular wedding cake has been around since the Middle Ages. Said to have begun in the British Isles, the custom was to BYOB (bake-your-own-biscuit) as a contribution to a pile of sweet cakes over which the bride and groom would share a kiss; the taller the pile, the more the newlyweds would prosper. In 1660, a French chef transformed this custom into the artfully crafted, multi-tiered wedding cake we know today.
While the traditional wedding cake, complete with buttercream frosting and fondant, remains a steadfast custom, some brides and grooms want to break away from tradition and make a personal statement on their wedding day. Cara Clinton Greer, event coordinator for Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant in Meredith, New Hampshire, offers the following suggestions for those looking for something in lieu of the traditional wedding cake:
Pie Buffet
Temp guests with a variety of pies – from apple, blueberry, and key lime, to chocolate cream (and everything in between). Pie flavors can be customized to match the theme or wedding season. For example, a spread of pumpkin, apple, and pecan would add a nice, cozy touch to a rustic autumn wedding. Just like the traditional cake, a pie bar can be decorated and displayed throughout the reception and then cut after dinner. Newlyweds can take part in making the first slice…. and pie can be smashed into ones face just as easy as cake!
Candy Bars
A colorful display of favorite candies adds a youthful and fun vibe to any reception. A couple can let their personalities shine through the sweet selections they choose to offer, as well as how they personalize goodie bags. A successful candy bar comes down to the display. Greer explains, “Cute jars with lids are a must … as are scoops or tongs (no fingers allowed).” Ensure jars are easily accessible to avoid a disastrous spill and include decorative signage as to the mystery contents of each jar. In addition to being a sweet end to the meal, a candy buffet can serve as a fun way for guests to customize their own wedding favor. Although the cost of individual candies may seem insignificant, WeddingWire and The Knot forums both suggest costs can potentially surpass what would’ve been budgeted for a traditional wedding cake.
Sheet Cake or Dessert Bars
For those looking for the best of both worlds consider a 6” cake topper decorated with a few sprigs of flowers. This provides the opportunity for the infamous cake-cutting photo, without the price tag of an elaborately decorated tiered wedding cake. For guests, couples can choose to serve a simple sheet cake, or get creative with fun alternatives such as cupcakes, cookies with milk, mini éclairs, chocolate mousse served in a dessert glass, or freshly baked donuts.
Whatever option you decide on always make sure to rent dessert plates and silverware. For dessert bars and pie buffets, that often encourage guests to return multiple times throughout the reception, you’ll want to rent extra dishware and silverware.
