Wedding Cake Alternatives

Wedding Cake Alternatives

Modern weddings are all about giving old traditions a new twist— making them more fun, more personal, or more elegant. If the idea of a standard wedding cake doesn’t appeal to you, there’s no reason to stick with it! Check out these wedding cake alternatives and find inspiration for your own celebratory wedding dessert.  

Petit Fours 

Petit fours are bite-sized perfection, so why not substitute them for the traditional cake at your wedding? Ask your baker or confectionary vendor what types of petit fours they can create, and choose some that complement the color palette and decor style of your wedding. Petit fours topped with miniature edible flowers are especially charming.  

Cheese and Fruit 

In Europe, a cheese plate is sometimes served in lieu of dessert. You can incorporate the same idea at your wedding reception; at an elegant venue like Nanina’s in the Park, this Continental touch feels very à propos. Serve large wheels of cheese or samples of specialty varieties like Stilton, Brillat Savarin, aged cheddar, Gouda, Pecorino Folgie di Nocci, Comté, or Roquefort. Toasted almonds or walnuts, grapes, marmalade, figs, rose confit jelly, or pears often pair well with dessert cheeses.  

Doughnuts 

Do you and your partner have a love affair with doughnuts? Maybe light, airy crullers are your fave, or perhaps you prefer richer versions drizzled with sugary icing. Plenty of vendors and bakers supply decadent doughnuts that not only taste amazing, but look beautiful, too! Pile them on platters, or ask your baker to arrange them in a towering stack that mimics the look of a wedding cake.  

Pie 

Are you embracing a more relaxed atmosphere for your reception? Consider serving pie instead of cake! There are a myriad of delicious pies from which to choose; and you can have slices served, or opt for individual tartlets. Some brides have even offered up cute “pies in a jar,” with the tiny jars serving as personalized souvenirs for guests.  

Tiny Bundt Cakes 

Adorable mini Bundt cakes are sure to charm your guests! As long as they are kept in airtight containers, they can be baked a couple days before the wedding. With a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a tasty glaze, they are the perfect finishing touch to your reception meal.  

Cupcakes 

If you love cake but you want something a little different that the traditional multi-tiered version, ask your baker to create palate-pleasing, eye-catching cupcakes instead. Raspberry swirl, salted caramel, strawberry shortcake, chocolate, apple cinnamon, lemon cream cheese, Boston cream pie— there’s seemingly no end to the delicious cupcake options. Ask your baker which flavors tend to be most popular and purchase extra of those varieties.  

Want to find the perfect wedding cake alternative for your big day? Talk to the expert wedding planners at Nanina’s in the Park to get some additional tips and ideas. While you’re at it, why not schedule a tour of our lovely grounds? We’re happy to show you around and discuss options for making your day special. 

Schedule your tour today!

Phone: (973) 751-1230