Let Them Eat Cake — Or Pie — For Wedding Dessert

Ah, the classic wedding cake—towering tiers of fondant, buttercream and intricate designs. It’s timeless, elegant and a statement piece that’s been gracing wedding receptions for generations.

But let’s be honest: while a multi-tiered cake can be gorgeous, it can also be pricey and sometimes just not your style. Don’t feel obligated to stick with tradition if you’re looking for something a little more “you”—and maybe more manageable on the budget. The great news? There are many fabulous alternatives to explore that still bring sweetness and style to your big day.

Why Cake Comes First

Before we dive into the world of alternative wedding desserts, let’s give the cake its well-deserved spotlight. A towering cake serves as more than just dessert—it’s a centerpiece that adds a touch of grandeur to your celebration. Not to mention, cutting the cake is a wedding tradition that comes with adorable photo ops, and let’s be real, who doesn’t want to feed their new spouse a bite of sugary perfection?

Cakes aren’t cheap, though. Depending on size and design, a traditional wedding cake starts at around $1,000, and an extravagant one can cost upwards of $4,000. If your heart is set on cake, but your wallet is not, there are ways to save. Consider a smaller “display cake” for those Instagram-worthy photos and cutting, paired with a more affordable sheet cake or cupcakes to serve your guests.  

“It’s like the best of both worlds. Not everyone likes cake, so I am all for having a small cake to cut into so that you can still have cake-cutting photos and then allowing your guests to enjoy some fun desserts,” says Jessica Valenzuela, a wedding planner and designer who founded Las Vegas-based Not Jess A Planner.  

Alternative Dessert Options to Wow Your Guests

If cake isn’t your vibe, no rule says you must have one. There are so many delicious alternatives, and many couples opt to forgo cake entirely for them. 

“I have had couples have a dessert bar with varieties of cupcakes, cookies, macaroons, pies, and more,” says Diana Dorsey, a wedding planner for Simply Elegant by Diana. “I have also had couples opt for having an ice cream vendor come after dinner or even doing DIY Italian cakes that are made in front of the guests,” 

Valenzuela agrees giving the dessert a new look is a trend. 

“Many couples are opting for creative alternatives to the traditional wedding cake to reflect their personalities and tastes,” she says. “Some unique examples that my couples have done include mini desserts, ice cream carts, boba carts, pies, candy bars, fruit carts and more.” 

More Marvelous Dessert Choices

Other desserts to consider include classic pies to match the season of your wedding and provide extra variety. Everything from apple to peach, salted caramel to key lime can work. Or set up a brownie bar with classic chocolate, peanut butter swirl,and blondies, or get creative with toppings like caramel drizzle, nuts or whipped cream. These gooey bites are the perfect pick for those who want a rich and chocolatey dessert option.

Donut walls are also having a moment with Pinterest and Instagram filled with examples. Not only is a wall of donuts fun, but they add a visually playful touch to your reception. With flavors ranging from classic glazed to gourmet options like maple bacon, donuts are the perfect pick-me-up for guests after dancing. 

“There are so many options,” Dorsey says. “Cupcakes, bundt mini cakes, cookies, macarons, madeleines, ice cream, candy, cake pops, doughnuts, churros, brownies or a chocolate fountain.”

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you and your partner’s personalities. Whether you stick with the classic cake or opt for something a bit more unique, the most important thing is to have fun with it. The dessert is a sweet ending to an even sweeter day, so let your taste buds —and budget— guide you to the perfect wedding treat.

Cake or pie, donuts or ice cream—whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious.