What Desserts to Serve at a Wedding  - Historic Acres of Hershey (2024)

• Nicole Adams
• April 10, 2023
• Weddings

Are you searching for wedding dessert ideas that are unique and out of the norm? While everyone loves a good cake, there are so many other desserts to consider, from pies to whoopie pies. You can make it easy to grab a desert at a station in between songs or stick to the traditional post-dinner dessert while guests are still seated. There are no rules when it comes to serving up delightful sweet treats for your guests.

Wedding Dessert Ideas

Wedding desserts can take many forms, from traditional wedding cakes to cupcakes, pies, or even a self-serve dessert buffet. Some couples choose to forgo a formal, served dessert and opt for a more low-key option, such as a small cake or a dessert table with various sweet treats. Ultimately, it is your special day, and you should plan it according to your preferences and budget. If you decide to offer dessert, here are some ideas to consider.

• Wedding Cake: a classic choice, and must-have dessert at many weddings; you can choose from various flavors, fillings, and designs to match your wedding style and theme.
• Cupcakes: if you want a fun and trendy alternative to wedding cake, consider serving cupcakes. You can offer a variety of flavors, and guests can easily take one to go.
• Cake Pops: another alternative to traditional wedding cake, cake pops are easy to display and eat and fun for kids and adults alike.
• Whoopie Pies: delicious and hand held, whoopie pies are a great alternative to cupcakes. These can be pre-packaged so guests can save them for later, or you can display them similar to a cake.
• Cotton Candy: a nostalgic and whimsical dessert, cotton candy can be a unique addition to your wedding dessert spread.
• Macarons: these delicate French cookies are a popular wedding dessert, easy to eat and available in a range of colors and flavors to match your wedding décor.
• Donuts: are fun and easy to grab and go. They’re a perfect late-night snack and there are many ways to creatively display them.
• Churros: are a fun alternative similar to donuts. The cinnamon and sugar coated fried dough is a Spanish and Mexican dessert that has gained popularity as street food, and as a wedding dessert. They are perfectly sweet and easy to eat.
• Mini Pies: great for seasonal weddings, pie is a cozy and delicious dessert to serve at your wedding. From fruit pies to cream pies, there are a variety of flavors to serve such as apple, pecan, or pumpkin.

If you’d rather skip a more formal seated dessert, consider setting up a dessert bar or different self-serve dessert stations. Guests can make their own concoctions, choose their portion size and enjoy their sweet treats when they want. You could also offer packaged or to-go options if guests want to save their treats for another day. Here are some ideas for yummy self-self style wedding desserts.

• Dessert Stations: set up stations with different types of desserts, such as a s’mores station, a cookie decorating station, or a donut wall.
• Candy or Chocolate Bar: create a candy bar with a variety of sweets for guests to fill up bags, such as gummy bears, M&Ms, and chocolates.
• Ice Cream Sundae Bar: set up an ice cream bar with different flavors of ice cream and various toppings, such as sprinkles, candy, and sauces.
• Chocolate Fountain: a chocolate fountain can be a fun and interactive dessert option, with various fruits and treats to dip in the flowing chocolate.
• Dessert Kebabs: let guests skewer fruits and desserts together to create colorful and delicious dessert kebabs, such as strawberries and marshmallows dipped in chocolate.

There are many traditional and creative dessert ideas that can match your wedding theme and decor and be perfectly delicious to eat and lovely to display. You’ll want to keep in mind the season and location of your reception venue and ensure that you have access to electricity, storage, refrigeration, etc if your sweets require specific temperature control or displays.

Wedding Dessert Considerations

When it comes to planning dessert for your wedding, there are several important things to keep in mind. Many couples start by choosing their wedding cake, as it’s typically the centerpiece of the dessert table and usually matches the style or theme of the event. Be sure to remember dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have and include gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options. Add an extra personal touch by using special cake stands, tiered trays, or other creative displays to showcase your sweet treats.

Take into consideration the time of year that you’re getting married, and choose desserts that are appropriate for and can withstand the season. For example, a fall wedding could feature apple or pumpkin pies, while a summer wedding could feature refreshing sorbets or ice cream, although you’ll need a plan to keep them from melting. Decide if dessert will be plated or self-served and if you want guests to have to-go options.

Once you’ve decided what delicacies to serve up for dessert, you’ll want to order enough to serve all of your guests, but not go overboard- you don’t want to end up with too many leftovers, or not enough for everyone to enjoy. Work with your wedding planner and caterer to determine the quantity, and coordinate the timing, storage or delivery of the desserts.

By taking these things into account, you can create a delicious and memorable dessert spread for your wedding. Historic Acres of Hershey offers various wedding event spaces, all of which are beautiful and unique, contact us to learn more and schedule a tour.