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35 Delicious Desserts from Real Weddings

Add some extra sweetness beyond your wedding cake. From creamy ice cream to delectable donuts, we’ve compiled 35 of our favorite desserts from real wedding receptions.

By: Emily Goldman

Enter Slideshow
  • Ice Cream Sundae Bar

    Ice Cream Sundae Bar

    Why have one scoop of ice cream when you can have an entire sundae? 

    Photo: Lars Wanberg/Withers Wanberg Pictures

  • Cultural Delights

    Cultural Delights

    Oreshki, a Russian cookie baked in a walnut mold and filled with dulce de leche, is a cultural, and sure to be guest, favorite.

    Photo: Pasha Belman Photography

  • Vanilla Bean Mini Bundt Cakes

    Vanilla Bean Mini Bundt Cakes

    Guests will love homemade vanilla bean Bundt cakes with vanilla bean frosting, with dairy-free options available for their vegan family and friends.


    Photo: Julie Nicole Photography

  • Monogrammed Cookies

    Monogrammed Cookies

    Sugar cookies are fun, but adding your new initials makes them even sweeter.

    Photo Credit: Polly Alexandre

  • Mini Parfaits

    Mini Parfaits

    Mini parfaits are the perfect mini treat for guests.

    Photo: Josh Lynn Photography

  • Hard Candy

    Hard Candy

    Give guests something to suck on during the reception toasts. 

    Photo Credit: Ace Photography

  • Basketball Groom

    Basketball Groom's Cake

    Give a nod to the couple with this fun cake that showcases their hobbies.

    Photo: Scobey Photography

  • Cupcake Tower

    Cupcake Tower

    With a variety of flavors to choose from, a cupcake tower that serves as a party favor!

    Photo: Phoebe Neel – Ephemera Designs 

  • Key Lime Pie

    Key Lime Pie

    Sweet and sour never looked cuter!

    Photo Credit: Brett Matthews Photography

  • Cookie Bar

    Cookie Bar

    Why have one option when you can give guests a selection of carefully curated couple cookies?

    Photo: Abby Rose Photo

  • Crepe Cake/ Kue Lapis Cake

    Crepe Cake/ Kue Lapis Cake

    Give guests a taste of a different culture, with a traditional Indonesian Kue Lapis – a cake made from thin layers of pumpkin and chocolate.

    Photo: Brian Rose

  • Vegan Cakes

    Vegan Cakes

    Give the vegans in your lives something to choose from with a mini, side option like these vanilla cakes.

    Photo: Julie Nicole Photography

  • Rock Candy

    Rock Candy

    Blue rock-candy lollipops, with a hand-stamped label make a customizable, fun dessert.

    Photo: Meg Hamilton of Rodeo and Co.

  • Kool Aid

    Kool Aid

    Who said treats had to be solid? Sip on something sweet like Kool Aid.

    Photo: Timecut Photography

  • Options Galore

    Options Galore

    A dessert bar with mini cakes, cookies, chocolates, tarts, and French macarons gives guests many options.

    Photo: Ari Simphoukham Photography

  • Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    Chocolate Covered Pretzels

    Offer guests something salty and sweet like chocolate covered pretzels.

    Photo: Erin Johnson Photography

  • Alternative Cakes

    Alternative Cakes

    Instead of a traditional wedding cake, or in addition to, have a cake made in the shape of something (or somewhere) special to you as a couple. 

    Photo: Nick Brown Photography

  • Persian Desserts

    Persian Desserts

    Stay true to your roots with desserts from your heritage. 

    Photo: Will Pursell Photography

  • Chocolate Fountain

    Chocolate Fountain

    Chocolate-lovers rejoice! Give guests the gift of chocolate dipping and let them have the time of their lives.

    Photo: Dana Lane Photography

  • Strawberry Shortcake

    Strawberry Shortcake

    Keep things short and sweet – like strawberry shortcakes served in small mason jars.

    Photo: Tomasz Wagner

  • Cookies

    Cookies

    Give out cookies from your favorite bakery. 

    Photo: Mike Peyzner and Natasha Valik of Choco Studio Photography

  • Wedding Lollipops

    Wedding Lollipops

    Feel like a kid again with cute, striped lollipops. 

    Photo: Nadia D Photography

  • Candy Apples

    Candy Apples

    Perfect for a fall wedding, give guests the gift of candied fruit!

    Photo: Ashley Photographer

  • Pastries

    Pastries

    This wedding featured bananas fosters and a pastries table for guests to enjoy. 

    Photo: Dana Lane Photography

  • Customized Candy Bars

    Customized Candy Bars

    A great party favor, and treat!                             

                           
    Photo: Three Nails Photography

  • Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Chocolate Covered Strawberries

    Dark chocolate eclairs, dark and white chocolate drizzled pain au chocolat, oreo mousse Verrine, tuxedo dipped strawberries, and black and white French chocolate macaroons are all amazing options.

    Photo: Chard Photography

  • Macaroons

    Macaroons

    For something colorful and sweet, give guests macaroons. 

    Photo: Pexels

  • Sugar Cookies

    Sugar Cookies

    Perfect for the kiddo’s, and Halloween!

    Photo: Carmen Ash Photography

  • Fruit Salad

    Fruit Salad

    A healthy alternative, give guests the option of sweet fruits!

    Photo: Acqua Photo

  • Milk & Cookies

    Milk & Cookies

    This dessert classic will win you some major bonus points with guests.

    Photo: Kirstyn Marie Photography

  • Cake Pops

    Cake Pops

    Bite-sized and super sweet, cake pops make a perfect treat!

    Photo: John Yao

  • Candied Almonds

    Candied Almonds

    Some protein with a side of sugar, please!

    Photo: Anna Roussos

  • Ice Cream

    Ice Cream

    Whether homemade or lactose-free, ice cream is a smile guarantee.

    Photo: Shawna Yarbrough & Damion Hamilton

  • Sweets Table

    Sweets Table

    From classic candy bars to M&M's, a sweets table is a colorful, no-brainer way to make everyone happy.

    Photo: Cody Burgess

  • Jamming

    Jamming

    Homemade jam is the perfect DIY wedding favor-meets-snack for summer nuptials.

    Photo: Choco Studio

35 Delicious Desserts from Real Weddings

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20 Stunning Centerpieces from Real Weddings

From cascading floral arrangements to champagne bottles, find all of the inspiration you need for your big day with these fun focal points. 

By: Emily Goldman

Enter Slideshow
  • Pink and Gold

    Pink and Gold

    Take the opportunity to have fun with your centerpieces and floral arrangement by having flowers spill over the vase, or in this case, goblet. 

    Photo credit: Rach Loves Troy

  • Small but Mighty

    Small but Mighty

    When opting for smaller centerpieces, go with an impactful color, like orange.

    Photo Credit: Ozzy Garcia

  • Bigger is Better

    Bigger is Better

    The bigger, the better when it comes to florals like this. Opt for a transparent vase so guests can see and speak to one another without having to climb over the table. 

    Photo Credit: Brett Matthews Photography

  • Hollywood Glam

    Hollywood Glam

    Stray from traditional vases and pick something with a bit of height like this gorgeous piece with overflowing flowers. 

    Photo: Chard Photography

  • More is More

    More is More

    Mix your colorful flowers with opulent candlesticks for an elevated, regal look. 

    Photo Credit: Nadia D Photography

  • Garden Table Party

    Garden Table Party

    Nothing feels more right at an outdoor wedding than seasonal, local plants.

    Photo Credit: Tomasz Wagner

  • Hot Pinks

    Hot Pinks

    When keeping flower arrangements small, choose colorful flowers that pack a punch.

    Photo Credit: Lisa Lefkowitz Photography

  • Popping Bottles

    Popping Bottles

    Keep things simple, yet fun, with mini champagne bottles that double as table decorations and favors.

    Photo Credit: Kirstyn Marie Photography

  • Table Numbers

    Table Numbers

    Tie together your table numbers with your centerpiece to save space, and add beauty. 

    Photo: Phoebe Neel – Ephemera Designs 

  • Bejeweled

    Bejeweled

    Add some crystals to spice up a classic bouquet. 

    Photo Credit: Pasha Belman Photography

  • Luxe

    Luxe

    Coordinate your vase to the color of your flowers, and your place settings for a put-together, cohesive focal point. 

    Photo Credit: Hendrick Moy Photography

  • Candlelight

    Candlelight

    Line your table with tea candles for a home-y, well-lit evening. 

    Photo Credit: Tracy Timmester Photography 

  • Silver Styling

    Silver Styling

    Dress your table in silver, from your place settings to your candle sticks, to the vases.

    Photo Credit: Lauren Ross

  • Color Coordinated

    Color Coordinated

    Add candle holders and small vases in a vibrant hue for an impactful tablescape. 

    Photo Credit: Damion Hamilton

  • Floral Fiesta

    Floral Fiesta

    From above and below, entice guests' sense of smell and sight with beautiful flowers hanging above and on the table. 

    Photo Credit: Maring Visuals

  • Greenery

    Greenery

    Keep your table simple, yet elegant with light greenery. 

    Photo Credit: Gertrude & Mabel Photography

  • Flowers of All Sizes

    Flowers of All Sizes

    For some fun space play, use both tall and short flower arrangements. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Garmon Photographers 

  • Pineapple Surprise

    Pineapple Surprise

    Add some fun to your reception décor by placing your favorite whimsical fruit along the table. Bonus: they can double as table number holders!

    Photo Credit: Acqua Photo

  • Symmetry

    Symmetry

    For weddings with a single, family-like long table, opt for bright flowers in a row.

    Photo Credit: Acqua Photo

  • Floating Flowers

    Floating Flowers

    For a beach-themed wedding, try floating flowers in a clear vase filled with water.

    Photo Credit: Sacha Blackburne Photography

20 Stunning Centerpieces from Real Weddings

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