Creating A Wedding Dessert Bar: A Sweet Guide

A dessert bar is a great alternative to a wedding cake and can be a fun way to showcase your personality as a couple. From cookies to churros, the options are endless and can be tailored to your preferences and budget. You can also get creative with DIY decorations to match your wedding theme or colour palette. A dessert bar is a fantastic way to treat your guests to a unique and memorable experience.

Choosing a theme

• Colour-coordinated: Choose a colour scheme that ties in with your wedding colours or a specific theme you have in mind. For example, a pink dessert bar with pastel pink icing, pink wrapping and pink garnishes. You can also incorporate coloured candies, macarons, or other treats to match your chosen colours.
• Seasonal: Consider the season in which your wedding is taking place and choose a theme that reflects that. For instance, a fall-themed dessert bar could include apple-based treats, such as a candy apple bar with various toppings, or a summer-themed dessert bar could offer chilled treats like popsicles, ice cream, and gelato.
• Cultural heritage: Honour your cultural heritage by incorporating traditional desserts and treats from your background. For example, a Mexican Pan Dulce Bar or a Persian sweet table during cocktail hour.
• Childhood favourites: Curate a dessert bar based on your favourite childhood treats. This could include anything from brownies to chocolate-dipped pretzels, churros, or s'mores.
• Late-night snacks: If you're having a late-night snack bar, it can double as a dessert bar. Offer treats that will give your guests a boost of energy to keep the party going, such as cookies, brownies, or even a waffle bar with sweet and savoury toppings.
• Interactive: Create an interactive dessert bar where guests can assemble their own treats. This could include a s'mores bar with a bonfire or fire pit, a candy bar where guests can fill bags with their favourite treats, or a sundae bar with various ice cream flavours and toppings.
• Alternative to cake: If you're not a fan of traditional wedding cakes, your dessert bar can be the main attraction. Offer a variety of treats such as cupcakes, pies, tarts, or even a tower of cream puffs.
• Bite-sized treats: Offer a selection of bite-sized or single-bite desserts that guests can easily grab and enjoy without needing a plate or cutlery. This could include mini chocolate mouse pies, fruit tarts, petit fours, cake pops, or macarons.
• Local specialties: Showcase your local area's specialties by offering desserts and treats that are popular in the region. For example, if you're having a destination wedding, include local fruits, sweet treats, or delicacies.

Selecting a display

Dessert Bar Types:

• Cookie Table: A traditional option that offers a variety of cookies.
• S'mores Bar: A unique indoor option that allows guests to make s'mores without a bonfire.
• Candy Bar: This can be colour-coordinated for a cohesive look or feature a random assortment of candies.
• Donut Wall or Bar: A popular choice, featuring full-sized or mini donuts displayed on a wall or table.
• Candy Apple Bar: A fun option with various dipping sauces and toppings.
• Ice Cream Bar: A crowd-pleaser, especially if you offer a variety of toppings and flavours.
• Sweets & Treats Bar: An assortment of bite-sized desserts such as mini cupcakes, cake pops, and fruit tartlets.
• Popcorn Bar: Savoury and sweet popcorn options can be offered, with a variety of unique flavours.
• Chocolate Fountain Bar: Allow guests to dip various treats in chocolate, such as strawberries, pretzels, or even potato chips.
• Waffle Bar: A versatile option that can be served sweet or savoury, with a variety of toppings.

Display Options:

• Tables: A traditional option, offering a simple way to display your desserts. You can use a single long table or multiple smaller tables.
• Shelving Units: Consider a chic gold and glass shelving unit adorned with foliage and flowers for a modern and elegant display.
• Cabinets: Cabinets with different cubbies can be used to group desserts by flavour or type.
• Carts: A mobile option, such as a gelato cart, can add a fun and interactive element to your dessert bar.
• Dressers: A vintage dresser can be draped in greenery and used to display donuts or other treats.
• Antique Furniture: For a unique and elegant touch, consider using antique furniture such as a desk or dresser with drawers to hide a donut wall.
• Wooden Barrels: For a rustic wedding, prop up a wooden tabletop on barrels to create a charming dessert bar.

Visual Appeal:

• Colour Coordination: Choose a colour scheme that ties in with your wedding colours or theme. This can be applied to the desserts themselves or the display setup, such as linens, garnishes, or wrapping.
• Height and Levels: Create visual interest by varying the height of your display. Use cake stands, risers, crates, or platforms to showcase your desserts at different levels.
• Florals and Foliage: Add florals or foliage to your display for a pop of colour and elegance. Consider using the bridal party's bouquets after the ceremony.
• Backdrops: Create a backdrop for your dessert bar to make it a focal point. This could be a balloon backdrop, a music-inspired backdrop, or a flower wall.
• Signage: Include cute or whimsical signage to enhance the overall aesthetic of your dessert bar.

Practical Considerations:

• Space: Ensure you have enough space at your venue to set up your dessert bar. Consider the number of guests and the flow of traffic to determine the amount of space needed.
• Timing: Plan to set up your dessert bar after dinner has started to prevent the desserts from sitting out for too long.
• Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Provide labels for each dessert, clearly indicating any allergens or ingredients for guests with dietary restrictions.
• Lighting: If your dessert bar is in a marquee or a room with artificial light, consider adding lighting to enhance the display, such as backlights or mood lighting.

Creating a menu

Variety is the Spice of Life

Offer a variety of desserts to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Include a mix of crowd-pleasers, such as cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and mini desserts, as well as some unique options like churros, candy apples, or local delicacies. Aim for three to seven types of dessert, depending on the number of guests and whether you'll be serving a wedding cake.

Personalize Your Menu

Make your dessert bar personal by sharing family recipes, childhood favourites, or desserts that honour your heritage. You could also serve treats that hold a special meaning for you and your partner, such as ice cream from your first date or your go-to restaurant dessert.

Consider the Season

Take into account the season and weather when creating your menu. For example, a gelato cart would be perfect for a summer wedding, while a s'mores bar would be ideal for a fall or winter wedding.

Dietary Restrictions

Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. Offer a couple of options that are gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free, and clearly label the desserts to indicate any potential allergens.

Presentation is Key

Think about the presentation and variety of your desserts. Include a mix of bite-sized treats, full-sized portions, and perhaps some miniature versions of full-sized confections. Play with height by using cake stands, tiered platters, or rustic wooden crates to display your desserts.

Theme it Up

You can also theme your dessert bar. For example, a candy bar with a variety of colourful sweets, a chocolate fountain with an assortment of dips, or a popcorn bar with sweet and savoury options.

Don't Forget the Savoury

Remember, not everyone has a sweet tooth. Include some savoury options like cheese and crackers, fruit, nuts, and biscuits for those who prefer something less sugary.

Quantity Matters

Finally, consider the quantity of desserts you will need. As a rule of thumb, aim for three to four portions per person if you're not serving a traditional wedding cake. If you are serving a cake, you may need slightly fewer desserts, but it's always better to have too much than not enough!

Sourcing props and accessories

Props and accessories are essential to creating a beautiful and functional dessert bar at your wedding. Here are some ideas to help you source the perfect items:

• Signage: Cute phrases and labels for the desserts will not only add to the decor but also help guests know what they are tucking into. This is especially important for guests with allergies, so they are aware of any ingredients that may cause issues.
• Garlands: Hang garlands made of greenery, balloons, or paper chains to create a festive backdrop for your dessert bar. You can make these yourself or purchase them from wedding decor stores.
• Floral arrangements: Flowers can add a pop of colour and elegance to your dessert bar. Consider using the bridal bouquets or ask your florist to create floral wreaths or garlands to drape across the table.
• Candles: For a romantic and intimate atmosphere, include candles on your dessert bar. Just ensure that naked flames are positioned safely and allowed by your venue.
• Height and levels: To create a visually appealing display, vary the height of your desserts by using cake stands, risers, crates, chests, and boxes. This will also make it easier for guests to view and access the treats.
• Backdrop: A backdrop can transform your dessert bar into a stunning focal point. Consider a balloon backdrop, a music-inspired backdrop, or a floral wall.
• Lighting: Ensure your dessert bar is well-lit by using mood lighting or backlights, especially if it is located in a marquee or room with artificial lighting.
• Tableware: Choose tableware that complements your wedding theme. For a rustic look, use wooden platters and log slices. For a modern or elegant theme, opt for marble and gold platters or crystal and chrome serveware.
• Jars and containers: If you're creating a candy bar, source jars, containers, and pedestals of varying heights to display the sweets attractively.
• Takeaway bags: Provide guests with takeaway bags so they can enjoy their favourite treats even after the wedding.

Involving suppliers

If you want to create a dessert bar that's a little more complex than simply laying out some sweet treats, you may want to involve some suppliers to help you execute your vision.

Florists

Florists can help you craft a garland to hang across the front of the table or provide blooms to be dotted amongst the dessert trays. If you want your florist to place the flowers themselves, be sure to provide clear instructions and an inspiration picture to ensure the result is what you imagined.

Caterers

Caterers can stock your dessert bar with the goodies you love. They can also advise on the correct quantities to order, so you don't end up paying for extra food. If you're planning on serving a wedding cake alongside your dessert bar, your caterer can arrange slices of cake and mini desserts so guests can indulge in a variety of treats.

Bakery

A bakery can provide an array of desserts to fill your dessert bar. From cupcakes to cookies, brownies, and mini pies, there are endless options to choose from. If you're opting for a cake as well, a bakery can create a unique wedding cake that reflects your style and theme.

Lighting and DJ

If your dessert bar will be in a marquee or a room with artificial lighting, consider discussing additional lighting with your venue or wedding DJ. Some mood lighting or backlights can help enhance your carefully chosen décor and ensure your dessert bar doesn't go unnoticed!

Props and accessories

Stores such as Ginger Ray and The Wedding of My Dreams offer a range of props and accessories to elevate your dessert bar. From signage with cute phrases to garlands and faux greenery walls, these extra touches can make your dessert bar even more memorable.

Venue

Your wedding venue can also be a supplier in this context. They can provide vases for your bouquets, advise on safety procedures regarding candles, and offer suggestions for the best location for your dessert bar.

Frequently asked questions