Creating A Wedding Dessert Table: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding dessert table is a fun and creative way to showcase a variety of sweets and treats at your wedding. It adds a unique and interactive element to your reception, giving your guests a memorable experience. From cupcakes and pies to candy floss and churros, the options are endless for curating a dessert table that reflects your personal favourites. In this guide, we will explore the steps to creating a stunning and delectable dessert table, from choosing the right treats to styling and presenting them in a way that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied.

Choosing a theme and colour scheme

Choose a theme that reflects your interests and personalities

If you and your fiancé have a shared love of a particular dessert, such as doughnuts or candy floss, consider making that the theme of your dessert table. Alternatively, you could base the theme on your favourite flavours, such as his = key lime pie, hers = Nutella. You could also create a "his and hers" dessert table, featuring a mix of both your favourite treats. This is a great way to personalise your wedding and give your guests a fun and unique experience.

Opt for a colour-coordinated dessert table

An elegant and traditional wedding calls for a colour-coordinated wedding cake and dessert table. Choose a colour that ties in with your wedding colour scheme, such as your wedding flowers or bridesmaids' dresses. This will create a stylish and cohesive look for your dessert table. You can also use different shades of the same colour to achieve an ombré effect, adding depth and interest to your display.

Go rustic with a vintage-style display

For a rustic wedding, consider a vintage-style dessert table. Mix and match colours and textures, such as a faux-fur runner with old, textured wood and scattered foliage. Use a variety of chopping boards, trays and chests to create a unique and eclectic look. This style is perfect for a village hall or tipi wedding, with homemade cakes, pies and tarts.

Add some height and drama with tiered stands and cakes

To make a statement, consider adding some height to your dessert table. Use tiered cake stands to display your sweets and cakes, creating a visually appealing display. Opt for tiered cakes upon tiered cakes for extra drama and impact. This style is perfect for a couple who wants to offer a variety of treats, such as cupcakes, pies and cookies.

Bring in nature with a floral or greenery theme

Flowers and greenery can add a touch of elegance and romance to your dessert table. Consider using your wedding bouquets as centrepieces, or ask your florist to create a floral wreath or garland to hang across the front of the table. Succulents and cacti are also a unique and trendy option, adding a modern twist to your dessert display.

Remember, your wedding dessert table should reflect your personal style and taste. Get creative and have fun with it!

Selecting a table and backdrop

The Table

If you're looking for something a little different, consider repurposing a vintage dresser or desk to display your wedding cake and desserts. You could scour reclamation yards and boot sales for a bargain, then add a lick of paint and some quirky handles. A thrifted desk with a shelf, for example, allows for two different layers of desserts. Alternatively, a small rustic table from a rental company or a bar provided by the venue are also good options.

The Backdrop

A creative backdrop can elevate your dessert table and make for amazing photos. The type of backdrop you choose will depend on your event's theme. For example, if you're going for a rustic theme, consider a macrame backdrop or a pastel floral garland. If you're looking for something more modern, a balloon backdrop or a music-inspired backdrop with music lyrics could be fun. You could even hang a large arbor framed with a custom sign, or drape fabric bunting or garlands from a wall.

If you want to keep things simple, placing your dessert table against a plain wall or window always works well and ensures your photographer will be able to get some great shots. You could also use your wedding bouquets as a backdrop by placing them in vases on the table.

Picking the desserts

Know Your Guests' Preferences

Firstly, consider your guests' preferences. If you know that most of your guests have a sweet tooth, then cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and candies are a safe bet. However, if some guests prefer savoury options, think about including cheese and crackers, nuts, fruits, and biscuits.

Choose a Variety of Desserts

Variety is key when it comes to a wedding dessert table. Aim for a range of 3 to 7 types of desserts, depending on the number of guests and whether you will be serving a wedding cake. This will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. A good rule of thumb is to serve 2-4 portions per person if you are not serving a traditional wedding cake.

Personalise Your Choices

Make the dessert table a reflection of you and your partner's favourites. If you both have a sweet you particularly love, such as key lime pie or chocolate chip cookies, be sure to include it. You could also base your choices on a theme or wedding style. For example, a French theme could include macarons, while a rustic theme could feature mini pies.

Consider Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

It is important to ensure that all your guests can enjoy the dessert table. Include one or two options that are suitable for guests with allergies or dietary restrictions, such as a gluten-free or vegan dessert.

Create a Colour-Coordinated Display

For an elegant and stylish touch, consider colour-coordinating your wedding cake and dessert table. This could mean matching the colours of your blooms or other decorations, or simply using complementary colours or different shades of the same colour to achieve an ombre effect.

Add Some Height and Creativity

To make your dessert table visually appealing, play with height. Use cake stands, risers, crates, chests, and boxes to create different levels and add interest to your display. You can also use candles, florals, foliage, and a colourful statement cloth to give the table depth and a Pinterest-worthy look.

Provide Labels and Signage

Lastly, don't forget to label each dessert, especially if you are offering a wide variety. This will help guests know exactly what they are tucking into and allow them to avoid any allergens. Cute phrases or puns on signage can also add a whimsical touch to your dessert table.

Buying or making props and accessories

Props and accessories are essential to creating a beautiful and functional wedding dessert table. Here are some tips for buying or making them:

Buy or Make Your Own?

You can either buy ready-made props and accessories or make them yourself. Buying can save time and effort, especially if you're short on time. However, making your own can add a personal touch and be more cost-effective. Consider your budget, time constraints, and creativity when deciding whether to buy or DIY.

Types of Props and Accessories

When it comes to props and accessories, there are numerous options to choose from:

• Signage: Cute signs with phrases like "Treat Yo Self" or "Donut Let Go" can add a whimsical touch. You can DIY these or purchase them from sites like Etsy.
• Floral Arrangements: Flowers can be used to create a floral wreath, garland, or backdrop for your dessert table. Work with your wedding florist to incorporate blooms that match your wedding theme and colour palette.
• Candles: Candles can add a romantic and elegant ambiance to your dessert table. Just ensure they are positioned safely, especially if you're also using florals and other flammable decorations.
• Tableware: Use creative tableware to display your desserts. This can include cake stands, platters, mason jars, thrifted drawers, or vintage dressers. Mix and match different heights and styles to create a visually appealing display.
• Labels: Labels are important, especially if you have guests with allergies or dietary restrictions. You can DIY these or ask your calligrapher to create elegant place cards or labels.
• Backdrops: A creative backdrop can elevate your dessert table and make for amazing photos. Use items like drapes, balloons, ribbons, or flowers to create a unique backdrop that fits your wedding theme.
• Accessories: Small details like flowers, confetti, empty frames, or wooden figurines can give your dessert table personality and make it stand out.

Where to Buy Props and Accessories

If you decide to buy props and accessories, there are several great options:

• Online Stores: Websites like Etsy, Ginger Ray, and The Wedding of My Dreams offer a variety of wedding props and accessories.
• Local Stores: Check out local wedding supply stores or home decor shops for unique finds.
• Rentals: Consider renting props and accessories from a rental company or your venue. This can be a more cost-effective option, especially for larger or more expensive items.

DIY Ideas for Props and Accessories

If you're crafty and enjoy DIY projects, here are some ideas for making your own props and accessories:

• Greenery Garlands: Make your own garlands using faux greenery, balloons, or paper chains.
• Floral Arrangements: Create your own floral arrangements by mixing and matching blooms from your local florist or even your own garden.
• Signage: Design and print your own signs at home or by hand. Get creative with fonts and colours to match your wedding theme.
• Tableware: Thrift stores and boot sales are great places to find unique tableware and furniture for your dessert table. A lick of paint and some quirky handles can transform an old dresser or desk into a stunning display piece.

Creating labels and signage

• Decide on the information to include: Besides the name of each dessert, consider adding ingredients to help guests with allergies or dietary restrictions make informed choices. You may also want to include a small symbol or note for gluten-free, vegan, or other special options.
• Choose a style: Opt for a style that complements your wedding theme and decor. For instance, if you're having a rustic wedding, consider using kraft paper and twine for a more natural look. If your wedding is more elegant and sophisticated, you might choose elegant calligraphy on sleek black slate labels. You can also incorporate your wedding colours into the design.
• DIY or outsource: You can choose to create the labels yourself, using your own design and printing them, or writing on them by hand. This gives you more creative freedom and can be more cost-effective. Alternatively, you can outsource the task to a calligrapher or purchase ready-made labels from sites like Etsy.
• Placement and presentation: Consider how and where you will place the labels and signage. For individual desserts, you might use small stands or cards. For a more cohesive look, create a menu sign or a large chalkboard with all the dessert options listed. Ensure that the labels are easy to read and placed near the corresponding dessert.
• Add some flair: Decorate your signage with illustrations, florals, or other embellishments that tie into your wedding theme. For instance, if you're having a musical-themed wedding, you could include musical notes or lyrics on your dessert table sign.
• Provide additional information: Besides the dessert names and ingredients, you might want to include a short description or a fun fact about each dessert. This adds interest and can make the selection even more enticing for your guests.

Remember to proofread your labels and signage to avoid any errors, and ensure that all the necessary information is included.

Frequently asked questions