Wedding cakes are the traditional dessert served at wedding receptions, and the cutting of the cake is a classic moment, usually captured by photographers and cheered by guests. But if you don't like cake or want to surprise your guests with something more original for dessert, you're not alone. More and more couples are opting for nontraditional desserts or including other dessert options in addition to cake, according to the online wedding resource The Knot.
Revisit Your Childhood
If you have a favorite childhood dessert, consider serving it to your guests instead of wedding cake. Strawberry shortcake, banana pudding, rice pudding and even s'mores or flavored ice on a stick are fun twists on tradition. Serve family-style for casual celebrations, or offer small, individual portions for a more sophisticated take. Consider serving the bride and groom's favorite desserts side-by-side, or ask your parents or grandparents about their favorite desserts to inspire a table of heirloom dessert options.
Relish the Season
Let local produce inspire a dessert selection. Autumn brides can set a welcoming dessert table with apple or pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake with hazelnut crust, apple sorbet and hot apple cider. In the summer, desserts like cold cherry soup, berry-spiked bread pudding, blackberry bombes and lemon pavlovas are refreshing desserts. In spring, consider treats like strawberry ice cream, strawberry-rhubarb pie and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
Think Chocolate
If you love chocolate, sharing your love with your guests can inspire creative dessert ideas. Set up a chocolate fountain or communal fondue stations at your tables, and offer guests a fun variety of dippers, including fresh fruit, marshmallows and cheesecake squares. Splurge on a truffle tasting menu or bar, and let guests sample your favorite combinations. Include classics like creme de menthe or caramel in addition to unusual flavors like bacon or wasabi.
Think Small
If you want to surprise your guests, consider serving up tiny versions of comfort food classics. Serve small donuts with coffee-spiked semifreddo, pass around bite-size cannolis or set up a cute cart to serve small ice cream sandwiches. Or ask your caterer to create gourmet bites based on your favorite candies, like mouth-puckering lemon drop-inspired gelee or a GooGoo Cluster-style mix of chocolate, peanuts, marshmallow and caramel.
Set Up a Bar
Let guests customize their own perfect dessert by setting up a dessert bar based around a theme. Consider an ice-cream sundae bar, complete with several different ice creams, nuts, fresh fruit, different syrups and fresh whipped cream, or set up an ice-cream soda bar with a variety of ice creams and sodas -- butterscotch ice cream with cream soda is one option. Or choose a variety of colorful candies, and let your guests fill a bag with their favorites.
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