Alternative Wedding Desserts: Beyond the Traditional Cake
As Calgary couples look for new ways to make their weddings stand out, many are veering away from the traditional multi-tiered wedding cake and opting for creative, personalized dessert options. From interactive dessert bars to fun, Instagram-worthy setups like donut walls, the trend toward alternative wedding desserts is gaining momentum. If you're a bride or groom looking to do something different for your big day, here are some of the hottest alternative wedding dessert ideas to consider, along with a few Calgary vendors who specialize in these delicious treats.
1. Dessert Bars: A Sweet Variety
Dessert bars offer a fun and customizable way to treat your guests to a variety of sweets. Whether you opt for a spread filled with mini cakes, cookies, pies, or tarts, dessert bars let you serve something for every palate. You can also design the bar around your wedding theme, creating a cohesive and visually stunning dessert station.
Local Vendors:
Crave Cupcakes: Known for their decadent mini cupcakes, cookies, and brownies, perfect for creating a variety of bite-sized treats.
Pretty Sweet Bakery: They offer custom dessert bars that include macarons, mini cakes, and even themed sugar cookies.
Pro Tip: Work with your baker to create a dessert bar that matches your color scheme or includes personalized desserts, such as cookies with your initials or macarons in your wedding colors.
2. Donut Walls: A Fun and Tasty Trend
For couples who want to add a touch of whimsy to their wedding, donut walls are a playful and visually striking option. These interactive dessert stations feature a wall adorned with rows of hanging donuts that guests can help themselves to. From classic glazed to more decadent flavors like maple bacon or Nutella-filled, donut walls are sure to please a crowd.
Local Vendors:
Jelly Modern Doughnuts: Calgary’s go-to spot for gourmet donuts, offering a variety of flavors perfect for a donut wall.
Donut Mill: Based just outside Calgary, they offer a range of unique and customizable donuts that can be displayed on a donut wall.
Pro Tip: Consider pairing your donut wall with a coffee station to give your guests a delicious late-night treat!
3. Cupcake Towers: A Twist on Tradition
Cupcakes are a popular alternative to traditional wedding cakes, and they’re perfect for couples who want the look of a tiered cake without the hassle of cutting and serving. Cupcake towers allow for a beautiful display, and they’re easily customizable with different flavors and frostings to suit everyone’s tastes.
Local Vendors:
Crave Cupcakes: A Calgary favorite, offering a wide variety of cupcake flavors and beautiful designs.
Sweet Relief Pastries: They create stunning cupcake displays that range from rustic to elegant.
Pro Tip: For an added touch of elegance, top your cupcake tower with a small, single-tier cake for cutting.
4. Macarons: Chic and Elegant
Macarons are a sophisticated choice for couples who want a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These delicate, colorful French confections are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table, and they can be customized to match your wedding’s color scheme.
Local Vendors:
Ollia Macarons & Tea: Calgary’s premier macaron shop, offering a wide variety of flavors that can be customized for your wedding.
Pretty Sweet Bakery: Another fantastic option for chic, elegant macarons in a range of flavors and designs.
Pro Tip: Create a macaron tower or pair them with other small desserts to create a French-inspired dessert station.
5. Pies: A Cozy and Rustic Option
For a more rustic, homey feel, pies are a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Whether you go for classic flavors like apple and pecan or more adventurous choices like mixed berry or pumpkin, pies bring a warm and nostalgic element to your wedding dessert lineup.
Local Vendors:
Pie Junkie: Specializing in handmade pies with both sweet and savory options, perfect for creating a pie station.
Bliss & Co. Bakery: Offers a variety of classic and seasonal pie flavors that can be customized for weddings.
Pro Tip: Serve mini pies or pie slices in different flavors to give your guests a chance to sample a few varieties.
6. Themed Dessert Tables: Create a Sweet Experience
Themed dessert tables allow couples to curate a selection of treats that reflect their personalities or wedding theme. From chocolate-covered strawberries and mini cheesecakes to gourmet popcorn or candy bars, the possibilities are endless. These stations can be as extravagant or as simple as you’d like, and they’re a fun way to offer your guests a variety of options.
Local Vendors:
Decadent Brûlée Catering: Offers beautifully curated dessert tables that include everything from tarts to gourmet chocolate treats.
Cake Bake Shoppe: They offer customizable dessert tables, including cake pops, cookies, and other sweet treats.
Pro Tip: Consider creating a dessert table that pairs with your cocktail hour or late-night snacks, offering both sweet and savory options for guests to enjoy.
Why Choose Alternative Desserts?
Opting for alternative wedding desserts provides a few advantages:
Customization: You can tailor the desserts to your preferences and theme, giving you endless options for flavor, design, and presentation.
Variety: With a dessert table or multiple dessert options, your guests can enjoy a variety of sweets, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Interactive and Fun: Dessert bars and walls offer a fun and interactive element that adds excitement to the reception and gives guests a memorable experience.
Whether you're leaning toward a whimsical donut wall or an elegant macaron tower, alternative wedding desserts offer a creative way to wow your guests and express your personal style. Calgary has a wealth of talented vendors who specialize in these treats, ensuring that your dessert options are as delicious as they are beautiful. Explore the possibilities and make your wedding desserts one of the highlights of your special day!
Be sure to check out YYCBride.com for more tips on planning your perfect Calgary wedding!
