NASHVILLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
10 wedding cake alternatives that guests will love
Did you know that it’s OK to not serve cake to your guests?
As a wedding photographer in the Nashville TN area, I have photographed hundreds of weddings, that did not include a cake for their guests. Many have chosen to have a small cake to cut for traditional purposes and pictures, but then have a unique alternative for their guests to enjoy. This has become quite common in the last few years. Here are some alternatives to the traditional 4-layer sugary confection that will satisfy every sweet tooth, and some cost-effective DYI ideas.
1-Cupcakes
OK, the mini cake is my dream dessert, especially that 1 bite cupcake, these allow your guests to try more than 1 flavor and not feel too guilty! From carrot cake with cream cheese frosting to chocolate, with peanut butter icing, these are always a hit. The Cupcake Factory in Nashville does a great job with the presentation, and their cupcakes are delicious! They will even come and set up a display that will make your guest’s mouths water.
2- Wedding cookies
Wedding cookies have become extremely popular, in fact over half of the weddings I photographed in 2019 included cookies! From beautifully iced monograms to state cutout shapes and, yes, even designs with your faces printed on them, wedding cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and add an element of personalization. Check out Baked, located in Nashville for some beautiful and delicious cookies!
3- Cake Pops
If you still love the idea of cake, cake pops will certainly be a hit! Many serve these as an addition to serving small slices of wedding cake. Fully customizable with your wedding colors and theme, cake pops are easy for your guests to grab, and get back onto the dance floor. Nashville sweets are well known for their cake pops, both pretty to look at and yummy.
4- Pie
Pie is not just for Thanksgiving anymore! Wedding pies are a great alternative for those who don’t like cake ( yes there are some people who don’t like cake! Can you imagine?) Mini pies offer a variety of flavors for you and your guests to enjoy. Getting married in the fall? Wedding pie also is a great décor to go with your fall theme. Papa Pies, located in Brentwood TN, is well known for their wedding pies, from pumpkin to Key lime yummmmmmm!
5- Ice Cream
You scream I scream we all scream for Ice cream! Have you thought about having an ice cream bar? Your guests will line up to create their own sundaes with all the heavenly toppings! You can even have a wedding flavor and color for more personalization! Think signature cocktail with ice cream. How about an Ice cream truck? Maggie Moos in Nashville comes right to your reception and serves your guests! Plus their truck is so darn cute!
6- Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy is not just for carnivals and kids, Spin your wheels cotton candy cart, offers 21 different flavors to choose from, your wedding guests will certainly remember this! Book their hand-spun cotton candy catering cart and server for your wedding to give guests something to rave about!
7- Donuts
Donuts are not just for breakfast anymore and became increasingly popular in 2018, I even had a couple cut a huge donut instead of a cake! Not only are wedding donuts easy to eat, but they can also easily be customized too. Get them iced in your wedding colors, monogrammed, or keep them simple and display them on a donut wall. Donut walls can fit any decor but aim more towards a rustic theme. Regardless of how you display them, your guests will devour your wedding donuts. Donut and Dog have been a favorite donut bakery for many couples.
8- Macaroons
With hundreds of flavor and color combinations to fit any wedding color palette or theme, it’s no wonder Macaroons are getting so popular can be beautifully colored and wrapped to match your wedding theme. These stylish French treats are made from light-as-air meringue pastries and a delicate cream filling. Macaroons require a skilled baker to make just right.
Looking for a little DYI on your day?
9- S’mores bars
S’mores bars have become increasingly popular, who doesn’t love ooey gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate, between graham crackers? There is something very nostalgic about sitting around a fire pit in the evening roasting marshmallows on a stick. Plus, a S’mores bar can be very cost-effective! If you want to forgo a bonfire you can still give your guests, the surprise of the night by offering a S’mores station. It is a treat that will make everyone happy.
10- Candy Bars
Candy Bars have popular for a few years now, and I am not quite sure if they are cost-effective, it is a great treat for your guests! If you love DIY, Oriental Trading has tons of candy in all different shapes sizes, flavors, and colors, many have the option to personalize with your wedding date and names. Everyone will feel like a kid in the candy store 😊, and don’t forget the cute bags for your guests to pack full of the candy!
Whatever you choose for your wedding guests, remember it’s ok to not serve the cake or to have your cake and eat it too! It is your reception to choose what you want!
Ok, am I the only one craving sweets now?
Thanks for reading! Chat Soon! Charlene
My wedding gallery is always being updated! Oh my goodness I love what I do!
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