With so many details in wedding planning, from dresses, music, decor, table assignments, and everything in between, it can be a lot of details to think about – don’t stress though, when it comes to the dessert table we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re planning a single wedding cake or an assortment of sweet treats, these tips will help you to create a table that will be photogenic and inviting to guests of all ages. Here are our top tips to curate the most scrumptious dessert display; hopefully you’ll just eat them right up.
Create Visual Interest
Utilize display pieces of different heights to create visual interest. Tiered platters and pedestals are a great way to showcase all of the dessert options, while also making the table appear more full. Mix it up with tiers and trays – tiered displays in the back and low trays in the front so each dish is visible.
Location Location Location
Strategically place the dessert station near where you want everyone to be so that it doesn’t take people away from the action, like near the bar or the dance floor. If you want guests to stay on the dance floor, keep the dessert station nearby, otherwise guests will either be going on and off the dance floor to go get a dessert, or they won’t enjoy the desserts if they’re out of the radar.
Make it Inclusive
Create a menu that’s inclusive to special diets. Offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options are a great way to be inclusive. Even if you’re unsure of whether a guest has a special diet, we highly recommend offering these choices. Otherwise, you may have hungry guests leave early if there isn’t anything for them to eat. Plus, it’s a nice gesture to say, “Hey, we thought of you ahead of time. Enjoy a sweet treat!”
Tie the Theme Together
Maintain a streamline look across the board. Keep the same color scheme and decor throughout the entire reception space, without forgetting about the dessert table. This goes for colors and decorative pieces, as well as the dishes the desserts are displayed on. If your wedding theme is rustic chic, use a beautiful wooden slab and trays to display the trays. If your theme is pastel and floral, keep it going with flowers and colorful dishes.
What’s in a Name?
Be creative with dish names and labels. Again, keep it cohesive with the overall theme of the event. Get festive without being too vague. Guests will enjoy cute names but also want to know what they’re about to eat. Think of creative names to include on the labels and briefly describe the dish below making sure to clearly label the gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free options.
Choose Your Own Adventure
People love the idea of customizing their desserts. Toppings and sauces are a great way to provide a customizable option even if your primary dessert is cake. Nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, and sauces are fun, colorful, and interactive. No matter what age you are, everyone loves an interactive dessert table!
Incorporate Party Favors
This is a great way to make sure everyone gets a party favor. We love the idea of providing hot chocolate in date-stamped mugs that guests can enjoy at the party and at home! Another great option is to provide local beer in a mason jar stenciled with the name(s) of the newlyweds and their wedding date.
Be Eco-Friendly with Doggie Bags
Minimize waste by using reusable dishes and cloth napkins. If you need to use disposables, be mindful and choose compostable products, like plates and utensils made of biodegradable material and napkins made of recycled materials.
Make it Manageable
This depends on the nature of your wedding, but ideally the dessert is best enjoyed if it’s a one-handed option, or able to fit on a small plate. Especially if it’s a reception where the focus is on socializing and dancing, then you want something that guests can mingle and walk around with easily.
