These days, we're seeing more and more brides do their wedding their way: long gone are the days of the obligatory fruitcake (unless, of course, you're really big on fruitcake!). We love having the freedom to combine favourites and experiment - whether it's a cake and something extra on the side, or, scrapping the cake entirely for a brand new showstopper. We've assembled a quirky collection of alternative wedding desserts and why to choose them just for you... The sweet tooth reigns supreme!Â
Pie Station
Fancy living the American Dream? The slice of pie remains a diner classic, inspiring many a movie and television moment! Savvy brides are opting for this wonderfully rustic new trend: A bring and try pie station! Gather your family and friends to share their favourites on your big day - this is a great way to get everybody around the table! Bake off? Bake on! (Checkered cloth and sweet little chalk boards for flavours optional!)Â
Croquembouche
Ahh, the French and their heavenly patisserie. When it comes to a celebration, the French know how to lay on a fabulous dessert! Breathe a sweet, sweet sigh of relief for this offering: A croquembouche (literally meaning 'crunching in the mouth') is a dessert of choux pastry bites (typically profiteroles - yes please!) formed into a towering cone, held together by spun sugar or caramel. We're seeing more and more of these at weddings, which, to us, is a fabulous sign!Â
Image credit: Le Papillon Patisserie
The Doughnut Wall
Something a little DIY? Behold: The doughnut wall! We have no idea where this trend came from, but have a hunch that it's to do with the holes that just scream "hang us up!" and, of course, we love it! Chocolate, glazed, smothered in rainbow sprinkles, one of each... However you like your doughnuts, pin up a selection for your guests to mix, match and take their pick! If you're looking for a fun, vibrant wedding, then go ahead and put a ring on it!Â
On A Stick, With A TwistÂ
You've seen skewered meat, skewered kebabs, skewered fruit, skewered marshmallows... why stop there? Catching on are skewered desserts in miniature: Perfect for doughnuts, cakes and anything that'd stay on a stick! They actually look great piled high and are ideal for your guests to snack on when they're after a little bit of what they fancy! What's more, you could offer sweet sauces or melted chocolate for dipping and this dessert would take on another dimension in the sharing stakes!Â
Cookie BarrelÂ
A crate of cookies: simple, effective, elegant. Who doesn't love a cookie? They're the stuff that childhoods are made of and, remain irresistible to adults on the coffee run! Cookies can be effortlessly made in their hundreds, with slight variations resulting in fantastic flavour combinations! Cookies made with smarties would make a cute addition to the kid's table and could even be served with a shot of milkshake!Â
The Quintessential English Summer
The English country garden offers beautifully classic style and shabby chic, vintage touches will always be a favourite at weddings - just bring out the florals! This got us thinking about traditions: Eaton mess, strawberries, meringue, whipped cream... These aren't just for Wimbledon! With macarons bursting onto the foodie scene in recent years, gourmet meringues have become an entirely elegant dessert from pavlova through to pie. Opt for these at your wedding this Spring or Summer for an instant classic.Â
Which of these would you choose? 🍧