By Sarah Carlos

While there are some brides and grooms-to-be who want a standard traditional wedding cake to perfect their special day, there are some of us who want to shake things up a little. Would you ever consider serving cupcakes in the place of a cake? What about a square or a hexagon-shaped cake to mix things up? We have broken down some of the best alternatives to a three-tiered concoction that will look as great as they taste.

Donuts on Elegant Glass Platters
Any junk food addict would agree that donuts, especially jelly, are their favorite. Maybe you are having a very laid-back wedding and would like to keep up the vibe, or maybe everything about your wedding is traditional and this would reveal a different side of you. Whatever the reason, your guests will chuckle and feel at ease. Go ahead – grab some elegant glass platters and stack those donuts high!


Cupcakes on Three-Tiered Platters
Like the old jelly donut, decorated cupcakes are a great way to set a casual tone while offering your guests their own little mini dessert. Cupcakes on three-tiered platters will add a little fun and  poke playfully at tradition. Besides, who doesn’t like cupcakes?


Square, Hearts, and Hexagon-Shaped Cakes
If jumping completely off the cake wagon is too much for you, then think about changing the shape of your cake. Shapes are becoming increasingly popular, especially the idea of stacking several squares on top of one another to resemble presents – bows and a patterned design complete the look. If squares aren’t your thing, not to fear; there will always be hearts and hexagons!


Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, Anything Goes
Who says your wedding cake can’t be a cheesecake? Traditional wedding cakes are round and white with white icing and butter cream roses, but this is your time to honor your wishes, not necessarily tradition. Anything goes, from chocolate spice, carrot cake, rum cake, red velvet, and poppy seed. You can also have a multiple-layer wedding cake with many different flavors – the sky is the limit as to what you can do.


Memorable Photo Cakes
Photo cakes are all the rage, and no I am not talking about the ones you get at Kroger and Bi-Lo. Now more than ever couples are taking candid pictures and sending them to the baker to be elegantly displayed in sugar on the cake. While shape lovers may choose to show a photo on each angular side of their mouth watering marvel, others may choose to have small circular areas designated on their round, more traditional cake for all of their special photos. The result is breathtaking and definitely worth looking into.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regardless of whether you choose to stick with tradition or you want something unique, here are ways to ensure the dessert process is stress-free:

  • Decide what kind of dessert you want three to six months before the wedding and start approaching bakers – the sooner the better. At this point you will have already decided on the colors and theme of the wedding, and you will be narrowing down the menu for the reception. Make sure your dessert not only fits your reception menu, but the overall vibe you wish to have.
  • Always ask to see photographs of the baker’s work. This will give you an idea of their experience, what kind of style he or she has, and how edgy they may be willing to go.
  • Sample the goods before purchasing. You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a spin around the block, would you? The dessert at the reception sets the tone for the rest of the evening, so be sure the work of the creator is everything you want it to be.
  • Keep the size of your wedding into consideration. Many couples wish to allot a dessert for each guest, while others only supply enough for 75 percent of the total count. Make sure to inform your baker of the number you would like as well as any kitchen details (refrigerator), colors, and floral scheme you may want them to keep in mind when making your dessert.
  • Whether the baker or a family member is bringing the dessert to the reception site, make sure that person is aware of the times of the wedding and reception and is provided with a phone number and clear directions to the reception facility.

 

Photographs by David Wright Photography