Cocktail Hour Desserts: A Sweet Pre-Wedding Treat

There are many options for couples to consider when it comes to serving dessert at their wedding. While some opt for a traditional wedding cake, others choose to offer a variety of desserts such as gelato, churros, or even a sundae bar. One unique idea is to have a dessert cocktail hour, where bite-sized sweets are passed around to guests before dinner. This can be a fun and unexpected way to surprise your guests, but some worry it may fill guests up before the main course or confuse them. A happy medium could be to offer a few savoury options during the cocktail hour, and then provide a dessert bar later in the evening.

Dessert during cocktail hour: yay or nay?

So, you're wondering whether to serve dessert during the cocktail hour at your wedding. It's an interesting idea, and there are some pros and cons to consider.

On the one hand, a dessert cocktail hour can be a fun and unexpected surprise for your guests. It can add a whimsical and unique touch to your wedding, and who doesn't love the idea of bite-sized sweets? It's also a great way to showcase your personality and creativity as a couple. You could have a variety of treats, such as mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, brownies, and even something savoury like a cheese wheel cake, to cater to different tastes.

However, some guests may prefer traditional savoury hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour. They might feel that sweets don't satisfy their hunger and may even spoil their appetite for dinner. It's also worth considering that not everyone has a sweet tooth, and some people may prefer to indulge in dessert after their meal, as is more customary. Serving dessert during the cocktail hour may also be confusing for guests, especially if they are expecting savoury options.

So, what's the verdict? Well, it depends on your personal preference and the vibe you want to create at your wedding. If you're set on the idea of a dessert cocktail hour, you could offer a mix of sweet and savoury options to cater to different tastes. Alternatively, you could stick to the more traditional route and save the sweets for after dinner, perhaps with a fun dessert bar offering a variety of treats. Ultimately, it's your special day, so go with what feels right for you and your partner!

What desserts to serve during cocktail hour?

There are a variety of options to consider when choosing what desserts to serve during cocktail hour. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Mini desserts

Mini desserts are a popular choice for cocktail hour as they are easy to eat and provide a variety of options for guests. Some options include mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and cake pops. These can be made ahead of time and are simple to serve, making them a convenient choice.

Fruit options

For a refreshing and healthy option, consider serving fruit-based desserts. This could include fruit skewers, chocolate-covered fruit, or a fruit platter with a variety of fresh fruits. Fruit is a good option for guests who may not want something too heavy or sweet before dinner.

Savory options

In addition to sweet desserts, consider offering some savory options during cocktail hour. Cheese and crackers, charcuterie cups, or mini sandwiches are all good choices. These can help balance out the sweetness of other dessert options and provide something for guests who may not have a sweet tooth.

Passed desserts

For a more interactive and unexpected experience, consider having waitstaff pass around bite-sized desserts during cocktail hour. This could include small treats such as truffles, macarons, or mini doughnuts. This option can be more expensive but adds a touch of elegance to the event.

Interactive dessert stations

Create interactive dessert stations where guests can customise their own treats. This could include a sundae bar, a build-your-own-cupcake station, or a s'mores bar. This option encourages guest interaction and provides a fun activity during cocktail hour.

When planning your cocktail hour desserts, it's important to consider the timing and variety of options to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions. Offering a mix of sweet and savory options ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Savory vs. sweet options

When it comes to cocktail hour at your wedding, you have a variety of options for treats to serve your guests. While some may enjoy the traditional route of savoury hors d'oeuvres, others may be perfectly happy to indulge in sweet treats before dinner. Here are some ideas to consider for your wedding cocktail hour, ranging from savoury to sweet:

Savoury Options:

• Sliders: Offer miniature versions of classic comfort foods, such as beef biscuit sliders or tiny chicken sandwiches.
• Flatbread: Opt for a versatile option that can be customised with various toppings to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Fried asparagus: Serve hearty veggies with a unique presentation, like standing up on small pegs.
• Grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters: Combine childhood favourites for a comforting and satisfying option.
• Fruit skewers: Elevate a basic fruit platter by skewering a variety of fresh berries and even some chocolate for a sweet and savoury option.
• Deviled eggs: A simple yet tasty classic that can be elevated with a uniform garnish or a dash of salmon caviar.
• Charcuterie, cheese, and fruit spread: Create a decadent display that blends sweet and savoury, offering a variety of textures and flavours.
• Summer rolls: Opt for a refreshing and nutritious choice like vegetarian summer rolls with a sweet Thai and chili sauce.
• Bacon-wrapped veggie kabobs: Wrap grilled vegetables in bacon and display them artfully on a wooden plank for a savoury and smoky treat.

Sweet Options:

• Mini cheesecakes: Individual servings of cheesecakes topped with caramel sauce are sure to be a hit.
• Cupcakes: Pretty cupcakes from a bakery can add a touch of elegance to your dessert table.
• Cookies: Offer a variety of cookies, such as 2" cookies or chocolate chip cookies, for a classic treat.
• Mini donuts: These bite-sized treats are perfect for guests who want something sweet but not too filling.
• Chocolate-covered strawberries: Dip strawberries in white chocolate and add decorations to match your wedding theme, such as baseball stitching for a unique twist.
• Cotton candy: Hire a gourmet cotton candy business to cater to your reception, providing a fun and whimsical experience for all ages.
• Macaron tower: Personalise macarons with your names and wedding colours for a elegant and tasty treat.
• Ice cream: Hire an ice cream truck or set up a DIY sundae bar to let your guests create their own sweet concoctions.

Dessert presentation ideas

There are many ideas for presenting desserts during the cocktail hour of a wedding. Here are some suggestions:

Dessert Cocktail Hour vs Dessert Bar

You could offer a variety of bite-sized desserts during the cocktail hour as a fun and unexpected surprise for your guests. This could include mini cheesecakes, mini donuts, cupcakes, brownies, and chocolate-covered bacon. However, some guests may prefer traditional savoury hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour, so it is essential to consider your guests' preferences.

Presentation Ideas

• Serve desserts in clear plastic cocktail cups, like a "jarcuterie".
• Display artisanal donuts in a dainty jewellery case for easy grabbing.
• Offer cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and mini cheesecakes on a semi-DIY dessert bar.
• Serve bite-sized desserts on skewers or lollipop sticks, such as watermelon and feta bites, fried mac 'n' cheese, or tomato and mozzarella skewers.
• Present a variety of fresh berries on skewers displayed on wooden serving blocks.
• Offer a charcuterie bar with assorted cheeses, meats, and fruits on clear and smoke-gray acrylic trays.
• Create a taco wall instead of a traditional taco bar, or serve one-bite tacos in lime wedges with margarita shots.
• Serve soup in mugs, such as tomato soup or gazpacho, eliminating the need for spoons.
• Offer a bread station with croissants, ciabatta rolls, sourdough, and nut breads in wooden crates.
• Set up a mobile raw bar with expert shuckers serving oysters or clams to your guests.
• Display tiny donuts with a sprinkling of petals, perfect for a nuptial fête.

Other Considerations

If you decide to serve desserts during the cocktail hour, it is essential to provide a variety of options to accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences. Additionally, consider offering some savoury options alongside the sweets to cater to those who may not have a sweet tooth.

Dessert portions

If you're planning to serve dessert during your wedding cocktail hour, it's a good idea to offer a variety of portion sizes and options to accommodate different preferences and dietary needs. Here are some suggestions for dessert portions:

• Bite-sized or miniature desserts: Offer an assortment of mini desserts such as cupcakes, cookies, brownies, doughnut holes, cake pops, tarts, or cheesecakes. These small portions allow guests to sample multiple treats without filling up too quickly.
• Dessert shooters: Serve desserts in small shot glasses, such as key lime pie shooters, milk and chocolate chip cookie shooters, or milkshake shooters. This presentation offers a unique and fun way to enjoy dessert, and the small portions are perfect for a cocktail hour.
• Passed desserts: Instead of displaying desserts on a buffet table, have servers pass around bite-sized sweets during the cocktail hour. This ensures that guests can easily grab a treat while mingling and avoids the potential waste of having uneaten desserts.
• Dessert bars or stations: Create themed dessert bars with a variety of portion sizes. For example, you could have a sundae bar, a s'mores station, or a cookie bar with different types of cookies and toppings. This allows guests to customize their dessert and choose their preferred portion size.
• Full-sized desserts: While most cocktail hour desserts tend to be small bites, you can also offer a few full-sized options, such as slices of cake, pie, or brownie. This can be especially useful if you want to provide a more substantial option for guests who may not have eaten beforehand.
• Combination of sweet and savoury: Consider serving a combination of sweet and savoury options during your cocktail hour. For example, you could offer a charcuterie board with fruits, cheeses, and chocolates, or provide small cups of quinoa salad topped with a bite of shrimp. This ensures that you cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions