Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding dessert table can be a fun and creative process. From cakes and cookies to candy and fruit, there are endless possibilities for creating a sweet spread that reflects your style and tastes. Whether you're opting for a traditional wedding cake or thinking outside the box with a gelato cart or DIY s'mores, a well-curated dessert table is sure to be a hit with your guests. In addition to the desserts themselves, consider the presentation, from rustic wooden tables to mirrored surfaces, as well as extra décor like florals and signage. With a little imagination, your wedding dessert table will be a memorable part of your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dessert options | Macarons, doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, lemon bars, cake pops, churros, candies, ice cream, pies, cobblers, bundt cakes, chocolate truffles, mini cakes, fruit tarts, whoopie pies, chocolate-covered strawberries, candy apples, pudding cups, tarts, cakes, pastries, truffles, chocolates |
| Display | Vintage dressers, tiered displays, martini glasses, bookshelves, carts, cake stands, shelves, tables, cabinets, dressers, desks, bars |
| Theme | Rustic, modern, Parisian, bohemian, eclectic, contemporary, romantic, Victorian |
| Colors | Pastel, pink, blue, white |
| Season | Fall, winter, summer |
| Number of tables | One large table, multiple small tables |
| Tableware | Plates, silverware, napkins, serving dishes, goodie bags |
| Decor | Flowers, candles, vines, branches, eucalyptus, votives |
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What You'll Learn
Dessert table display ideas
A dessert table is a great opportunity to showcase your personality and creativity. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like, with a variety of treats to indulge your guests. Here are some ideas to make your dessert table stand out:
- Unify with colour: Even if you offer a variety of desserts, you can make the spread feel cohesive by using colour. For example, pink icing, wrapping, and garnishes can bring the table together harmoniously.
- Modern twist: Macarons are a fun, modern option as they can be made in various eclectic colours. Placing sweets on a mirrored table will make them the centre of attention.
- Rustic charm: For a rustic wedding, display your desserts on wooden platters and log slices. A dessert table at a barn or winery could be propped up on a wooden tabletop with two wooden barrels. Vines woven throughout will create a softer look.
- Creative displays: Your dessert table doesn't have to be an actual table. Try a metallic shelf, a vintage dresser draped in greenery, or a fun gelato cart for a summer wedding.
- Interactive fun: Why not have a make-your-own dessert bar? Provide the fixings for s'mores so guests can roast marshmallows and assemble their own treats. This is perfect for a fall or winter wedding, with a late-night bonfire.
- Personal touches: Include desserts made using family recipes, favourite childhood flavours, or treats that honour your heritage. You could also offer signature desserts, such as milk and cookies, or brownies and apple pie.
- Variety is key: Offer a range of treats to cater to different tastes. Popular options include cupcakes, brownies, cookies, ice cream, pies, churros, and doughnuts.
- Single-bite treats: Mini desserts allow guests to indulge in a variety of treats without feeling overwhelmed. Think chocolate mouse pies, fruit tarts, and petit fours.
- Themed treats: Base your dessert choices on your wedding theme. For example, a French-themed wedding could feature macarons, while a rustic theme could include mini pies.
- Floral accents: Add extra florals to your dessert table to make it a focal point. Arrange bouquets around and on the table for a dazzling display.
- Dessert favours: Combine your dessert table with wedding favours. Offer treats such as cupcakes, cookies, macarons, and cake pops, so guests can enjoy a sweet treat and take one home.
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Dessert table themes
Rustic
A rustic wedding dessert table can feature pies, from mini to full-size, laid out on rustic wooden platforms of different heights. Vines woven throughout add a softer look. Alternatively, a couple placed wedding cake and pastries on wooden platters and log slices. Another idea is to prop up a wooden tabletop with two wooden barrels for a rustic dessert bar, perfect for a barn or winery wedding.
Parisian
A Parisian-themed dessert bar could include mountains of coloured macarons, such as pink and white, laid out on an elegant, Victorian-inspired glass-top table.
Modern
For a modern wedding, macarons can be made in a variety of eclectic and contemporary colours, like blue. Placing sweets on a mirrored table will also add to the modern feel.
Fun and Interactive
A fun idea for a dessert table is to have a make-your-own dessert bar. For example, lay out all the fixings for s'mores so guests can roast a marshmallow and assemble their own treat. This is especially good for a fall or winter wedding, where guests will appreciate a late-night bonfire. Another idea is to serve doughnuts in various ways, such as stacked in rings or towers, on a white vintage dresser draped in greenery.
Simple
A simple dessert table could feature naked cakes, each adorned with a flower, elevated on platforms of different heights, with interspersed votives to add some twinkle. Alternatively, a small selection of treats, such as brownies, lemon bars, cookies, and pastries, can be offered alongside a larger wedding cake.
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Dessert table alternatives
Variety of Desserts
Instead of a single dessert table, consider having multiple smaller tables or displays. This allows you to offer a greater variety of desserts, ensuring something for everyone. You can get creative with the displays, using shelves, cabinets, or even a fun metallic shelf for a unique look.
Dessert Bar
A dessert bar is an interactive alternative, where guests can build their own desserts. For example, a make-your-own s'mores bar with a bonfire is perfect for a fall or winter wedding. Another idea is a churro station, where guests can add their own toppings, like cinnamon powder or melted chocolate.
Rustic Charm
For a rustic wedding, especially at a barn or winery, a wooden tabletop propped up on barrels can serve as a charming dessert bar. Display your desserts on rustic wood platforms of varying heights, and use wood platters and log slices for a cohesive look. Vines and eucalyptus branches add a soft, natural touch.
Colour-Coordinated
Unify your dessert table through colour. Choose desserts that match your wedding colour palette, from icing colours to garnishes. Macarons, for instance, can be made in a variety of colours to match your theme.
Personal Touches
Add a personal touch to your dessert table by selecting desserts that are significant to the couple. This could be a recreation of a dessert from their first date or family favourites. Decorate with symbols or numerals to commemorate milestones in their relationship. You can also incorporate everyday items like wine glasses or mason jars as unique vessels for desserts.
These ideas provide a starting point for creating a memorable dessert table that reflects your style and adds a unique twist to your wedding day.
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Dessert table quantities
When planning a wedding dessert table, it's important to consider the quantity of desserts to ensure that there is enough for all your guests. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you determine the appropriate quantities for your special day:
Determining Dessert Quantities
As a general rule, it is better to have more desserts than too few. A good guideline is to provide 2-3 servings per person, including cake slices, if you're offering cake as well. For example, if you have 100 guests, aim for about 200-300 total dessert servings. This allows for variety and ensures that your guests can indulge in their favourite treats.
If you're offering a variety of mini-desserts and no cake, allocate 3-4 mini-desserts per person. However, if you're also serving cake, you can reduce the number of mini-desserts to 1-2 per person. This ensures that your guests have a good selection without being overwhelmed by too many options.
It's worth noting that not everyone may want or remember to eat dessert, especially if it's served during dancing. So, it's a good idea to estimate that some guests may opt-out of dessert and adjust your quantities accordingly.
Types of Desserts and Presentation
The type of desserts you choose can also impact the quantity needed. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Cookies, brownies, cupcakes, donuts, mini pies, and cake pops are all popular choices that can be easily portioned and served.
- For a more interactive experience, consider a make-your-own dessert bar, such as a s'mores station or a crepe station with various toppings.
- For a summer wedding, a gelato cart or ice cream station can be a refreshing option.
- If you want to include fruit, consider creating colourful displays or incorporating them into mini fruit tarts or parfaits.
- For a rustic wedding, a selection of pies, from mini to full-size, can be displayed on wooden platters and log slices.
- Macarons are perfect for a modern or Parisian-themed wedding, and they can be made in various colours to match your wedding colours.
- For a unique presentation, use a vintage dresser, rustic table, or a bar provided by the venue.
Personalisation and Budget
A dessert table is a great opportunity to showcase your and your partner's favourite treats, family recipes, or desserts that honour your heritage. You can also offer a variety of options to accommodate any dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan desserts.
To manage your budget, consider a dessert potluck, where you ask a handful of family and friends who bake to contribute a dessert. This can be a more casual and cost-effective way to ensure a variety of desserts without breaking the bank.
In summary, when planning your wedding dessert table quantities, aim for a variety of options and slightly overestimate to ensure there is enough for your guests to indulge. Remember to consider the presentation, personalisation, and your budget when making your selections.
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Dessert table setup
When it comes to dessert table setup, there are endless possibilities to choose from. The first thing to consider is the type of table or display you want to use. A traditional table is not your only option; you can also use a shelf, cabinet, dresser, or bar. For a rustic wedding, a wooden table or barrels can be used, while a metallic shelf or vintage dresser can add a touch of elegance.
The next step is to choose your desserts. Variety is key to a successful dessert table, as it ensures there is something for everyone. Popular options include cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, churros, doughnuts, and macarons. You can also offer different types of cake, such as bundt cakes or naked cakes adorned with flowers. To make the table feel cohesive, consider using a unifying colour or theme. For example, you can use your wedding colour as an anchor, incorporating it into the desserts and table decor.
It is also important to consider the serving dishes and silverware. Rustic weddings may opt for wood platters and log slices, while other themes can be accentuated with vintage serveware. Using different heights for your desserts, such as cake stands or platforms, can also add interest and dimension to the table. Additionally, extra decor like floral arrangements or punny signs can help to tie the dessert table into the overall reception decor.
Finally, don't forget about practical considerations, such as providing plates, napkins, and extra silverware for your guests. If you're offering a variety of desserts, you may want to provide small plates or containers for guests to create their own dessert plates. This can help reduce waste and allow guests to sample a variety of treats without taking too much.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many options for wedding desserts, including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, ice cream, pies, churros, and candies. You can also offer a variety of small desserts, such as cake pops, chocolate-covered strawberries, and mini pies or cakes.
No, you can have both! Many couples choose to offer a wedding cake alongside a selection of other desserts.
It depends on the types of dessert you're offering. If you're serving all small desserts, like cookies or candies, you should allocate about 2-3 per person with 5-6 different options. If you're offering larger desserts, like pies or cupcakes, your guests may be less likely to grab multiples.
You can get creative with your display! Consider using a variety of serving dishes and plates of different heights to create a visually appealing setup. Think about your wedding theme and try to tie it into the dessert table with colours or decorations.
Yes, you can create a make-your-own dessert bar where guests can assemble their own treats. For example, you could provide the fixings for s'mores and have a bonfire where guests can roast their own marshmallows.
