Here's what you need to know about choosing a sweet ending for your wedding.
Photo: Allison Harp via Luxe Event Productions
Do consider your overall theme. "Consider your wedding theme when choosing your cake design. It should complement the overall look and feel of your celebration." —Jessica Evans, Lead Planner & Designer, First Class Events
Don't overthink it. "When considering what to do for your wedding dessert, I always tell my clients to not overthink it. The most successful cakes and dessert ideas have been desserts where guests can choose from a variety of options — think a buffet of different small sweet bites, dessert food trucks, or something interactive like a cotton candy machine. Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of wedding cakes go to waste, so either go with a small cake just to cut, or order a cake that is sized how you like, but don't stress about the piece per guest count. Usually we can cut smaller pieces of cake for your guests, which they prefer anyway and then having other dessert options pleases everyone! Most guests want something bite sized so they can get back to the dance floor.” —Kari Smith, CEO & Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Studio
Photo: Emily Woodruff Photography via Bridal Bliss
Do put taste first. “Prioritize taste over aesthetics. Your wedding cake should not only look beautiful but also be delicious. Schedule a tasting to find your perfect flavor.” —Jessica Evans, Lead Planner & Designer, First Class Events
Photo: Lisa Rigby Photography via Eventlightenment Planning / Cake: Confectionery Designs
Don't underestimate the importance of using a pro. "Don't have a friend make your wedding cake or go to a bakery and order something that is out of their creation comfort zone. We've seen cakes melt, fall apart and just look plain ugly when trying to accomplish a complex design this way. The fact of the matter is, wedding cake decorating and creation is an art and for specific requests and designs, must only be put into the hands of a trusted and talented professional.” —Valarie Kirkbride, Founder & Team Manager, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Photo: Heather Durham Photography / Planner: Handley Breaux Designs / Cake: Barb's Cakes
Do consider dietary restrictions. "Take into account any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have. Dessert bars are a great way to accommodate a wide variety of tastes and dietary needs! A small cutting cake for the couple, and then a few other options including a gluten free and vegan offering will ensure everyone's sweet tooth is satisfied.” —Ashley Lachney, Owner, Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Life View Media via Carter Group Creative / Caterer: Dominion Valley Country Club
Don't assume no one will want dessert. “Chances are that your guests will be ready for a sweet treat after breaking it down on the dance floor. Do plan for at least some cake (people do eat it!) or a combination of delectable sweets that will be the cherry on top of a perfect wedding sundae! Extra points if it's something guests can take with them on-the-go at the end of the night.” —Alexandra Dennistion, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning
Photo: Papallel33 Photography via Feathered Arrow Studio
Do plan out how to serve your cake. "Plan how you will serve your cake whether it is to each seat or to a display station when deciding the flavors and total servings at the cake design meeting. If you desire to serve more than one flavor, it is easier to do the cake cutting later after dinner, and then serve it all to a station so guests can enjoy what they would like. Most venues will not offer guests a choice of flavor if serving to tables and you may run out for the last few tables of a flavor or two even if they did. At the display station, create beautiful signage that coordinates with the rest of the wedding decor letting guests know the flavor combinations." —Valarie Kirkbride, Founder & Team Manager, Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design
Photo: Adam and Becca Photo & Video
Don't wait too long to book your cake designer. "Don't wait until the last minute to book your cake designer. Secure your vendor early in the planning process to guarantee availability." —Jessica Evans, Lead Planner & Designer, First Class Events
Photo: Yogi-Smith Photography via Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design / Cake: Driftwood
Do personalize your desserts. "Infuse your desserts with personal touches that reflect you and your partner's tastes, interests, and cultural backgrounds. Consider incorporating family recipes, favorite flavors, or thematic elements that hold special meaning to you both. Personalization adds a unique and memorable touch your guests will think are 'so you!'" —Misty Damico, Owner, Luxe Event Productions
Photo: Adam and Becca Photo & Video
Don't feel obligated to serve traditional cake. "Do what you prefer. If a traditional wedding cake is not your jam, opt for a different dessert option or various different options. Mini shooters, macarons, and individual bundt cakes are just a few that can give guests the gift of choice and represent the couple's style as well.” —Angela Carter, CMP, Carter Group Creative
Photo: Adam and Becca Photo & Video
Do make your cake display stand out. "Your cake should make a statement and one way to do that is to highlight it with a specialty linen — we love a fun bold linen!” —Jamie & Stephanie, Cape Cod Celebrations
Photo: Hannah Mezzadri via Kelly Elizabeth Events / Cake: Oakleaf Cakes Boston
Don't forget coffee! "When there is dessert at a wedding, guests will start to look for coffee and tea. Even a small station or table side offering through the caterer goes a long way, especially with your older guests." —Kelly Soule, Kelly Elizabeth Events
Photo: Galaxie Andrews via Everlie & Co. / Cake: Flourish Cake Design
Do keep all outdoor factors in mind. "While many consider sun and heat when thinking about having their cake outside, another big detail to consider is critters! As we all know sugar attracts bugs and that is the last thing you want on your beautiful wedding cake! If dancing happens to take place in another area (ideally indoors) consider displaying your cake there instead so it doesn't have to sit out as long." —Nora Sheils, Founder, Bridal Bliss + Co-Founder, Rock Paper Coin
Don't ask guests to bring a dessert (or any food, for that matter). "Potlucks are a thing of the past and truly have no place at a wedding. We had one client in the past request to bring their own desserts sourced from a specific, special bakery to them, and it didn't go well. Quantities were off, and the replenishment took a lot of time and meticulous care, as the desserts were extremely fragile." —Ashley Lachney, Owner, Alston Mayger Events
Photo: Henry & Mac Photography via Cape Cod Celebrations / Dessert: Ice Cream Cafe
