Dessert table vs. A Single Cake (2024)

FAQs

Dessert table vs. A Single Cake? ›

The choice between cake cutting and dessert tables depends on the couple's preferences and budget. While cake cutting is a classic tradition that many couples cherish, dessert tables can be a fun and creative way to offer guests a variety of sweet treats to enjoy.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding if a dessert table is right for your wedding. They are more expensive! The most common misconception is that you save money because you have a smaller cake and then include less expensive desserts. While that's great in theory, it's not reality.

​A dessert table is any offering other than the wedding and groom's cake, and can range from a variety of cupcakes to a smorgasbord of treats. Popular goodies include, cookies, tarts, brownies, macarons, and cereal treats.

We recommend 2-4 items per guest, but don't worry, we'll help make sure you have enough servings to go around!

No matter what you call it—a dessert buffet, dessert bar, dessert table or dessert spread—they're all essentially the same thing: an array of desserts, beyond a wedding cake, at a wedding reception. Many couples choose to supplement their wedding cake with a collection of other desserts for guests to enjoy.

At a formal place or occasion, dessert cutlery is spread out like so, and dessert fork on the left of the plate, blade or spoon on the right. At a casual occasion, the dessert cutlery can be laid on the table or can be served on the dessert plate or bowl.

Dessert tables vary in cost depending on desserts selected, but expect to invest at minimum of $7-8 per guest, not including delivery, display rentals or set up at the venue, if required or desired.

Create Symmetry

Start by deciding on a centerpiece, like a simple layer cake set up high on a ruffled tiered cake stand, and then build out from there, creating balance with serving dishes and your desserts. A beautiful flower arrangement also makes for a stunning focal point.

There are cupcakes, pies, and cookies, plus more unexpected sweets like donuts or ice cream sandwiches.

How do you set a table for dessert only? ›

Dessert Place Setting

Dessert flatware can either be set above the dinner plate or charger at the initial table setting, or it can be carried in on a tray at dessert time, along with coffee cups and saucers.

I would open the dessert table after dinner because it is dessert. I think it would be kind of rude to come to the wedding and not even stay for dinner. I'd open it up as soon as you reasonably think people will be wrapping up dinner. So maybe 20ish minutes after dinner is served.

The general rule of thumb for most gatherings is to have approximately 1.5 standard size cupcakes per guest. It will vary depending on whether there will be other desserts of more than one flavor of cupcake.

Known as the “Venetian” hour, it is a wonderful and legendary Sicilian tradition in which the bride and groom (or hosts) display to their guests a dazzling array of pastries, cakes, frozen desserts, fresh fruit, and coffees. It is presented in great quantity and with much celebration.

If you have a wedding cake, we usually recommend 2-3 desserts per person, and 3-4 desserts per person if you want the dessert table as an alternative to the traditional wedding cake to ensure there is plenty of cake for everyone.

Turns out, whilst baking from scratch at home is still cheaper than buying a cake from a professional bakery, it would actually be cheaper to Fake Bake. You don't need to turn on the oven, saving you on energy.

On average, a tiered wedding cake costs more per serving than cupcakes. If you're looking to go the more budget friendly option, a cake may not be the way to go.

So, if your guest count is 50 people, plan to order 150 mini desserts. I would also recommend splitting the 150 into at least 5 different options. 30 Cookies (possibly divided between a few different kinds- sugar cookies, chocolate covered Oreos, etc.) See below for more dessert options and ideas!