Planning your wedding dessert table
- tracy7132
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
5 Tips for Sweet Success
Planning the perfect dessert table for your wedding is fun but can be overwhelming with all the things you need to think of to make your sweet ending a success. You want your beautifully curated dessert bar to not only delights the taste buds of all your guests but to work within your budget and your venue.
I've created a LOT of dessert tables for weddings and many other special events and as a result I've figured out what works and what doesn't. Let me save you some trial and error. I've got five tips that are essential for memorable and tasty dessert tables. Let's get started!
1. Wedding Dessert Table Budget
First things first: budgets. I know, setting budgets and getting real often brings us down to earth, but it’s got to be done. 😊 Start by determing the number of guests, then decide how much you want to spend person.
Dessert table prices vary depending on several factors including: if you have a cutting cake versus a multi-tiered cake, and what you want for desserts mini tiramisu versus brownies. The complexity of the cake and desserts all contribute to the costs.
Wedding cakes are priced by guest count, ie if it’s $10.00 a slice with a 100 guest count, standard pricing would be $1,000.00 investment. Dreamin' Desserts mini desserts range in price from $2.25 up to $9.50 for elaborately decorated cookies.
Delivery and set up of the wedding dessert bar are additional costs that need to be considered. Other things you need to think about are table rentals, backdrops, cake stands, lights, candles, florals, etc.
2. Location, location, location
Before you start getting down to the yummy decision making of choosing your cake flavors and desserts, consider where the table will be setup. Is it outdoor event and there are bugs & flies to contend with? Is there an area out of direct sunlight and wind? Even under a tent, wind and heat can cause major problems. Is there enough space for a dessert table throughout the entire event? What is the room/outdoor temperature?
Some desserts may need to be refrigerated until shortly before serving. You will need to know if the venue has refrigeration before making final dessert decisions. If you’re setting up the table part way through the event you need to be sure that the desserts can easily be brought out and set up without interruption.
Be sure to consider the delivery timing of your desserts. You should have an event time line which includes the key activities leading up to the cake cutting (if you are having one) and dessert serving time. Knowing this will help you determine the optimum time to have your desserts delivered and your table set up.
3. The Focal Point
For most wedding dessert tables, a cake usually takes centre stage among the mini desserts. For weddings the cake provides a wonderful opportunity for a traditional photo of the couple cutting the cake together.
The traditional wedding cutting cake can be anything you want accommpanied with 2-3 pieces of mini desserts for each guest.
If you want full on drama a multi-tiered cake is the way to go accompanied with a choice of mini desserts. The number of mini desserts required depends on the size of your cake and how many portions it will serve.
The cutting cake cake doesn’t have to be a tratditional cake. You could have a stacked cheesecake, crêpe cake or even a lemon tart - whatever's the favorite of the happy couple. Choose to focus on your day and favorites!
4. Storytelling with Props
Use your dessert table to carry the theme of your wedding or to make it a personal story of you and your future spouse. Just be sure not to overdo it, because the desserts are so pretty and you don’t want to have too much visual competition.
Surprise your guests with little props that tells the your story together as a couple. Prop ideas include framed photographs & quotes, travel or sports themes, topographic maps for avid climbers, and florals and greenery. Let your imagination run wild.
5. Creating balance & symmetry
Be sure to give your table a ‘Wow’ factor! How do you do that, you ask? Well, one of the ways is by creating height. Vary the height of your desserts by using risers, pedestal cake stands, multi-tiered serving trays, jars for cookies and decorative platters. Tall sculptures and vases with long stem fresh flowers to draw your guests' eyes upwards are just a few ideas.
Your props will help add to the balance and symmetry of the table with their varying heights and textures. Even the current trend of floral crowns (florals at the base of the cake) help add to the interest of your table.
In some cases you may find that your background doesn't do justice for your dessert table. Sometimes you need to create a backdrop, in which case consider twinkle light curtains, fabric or ribbon curtains, a faux finished ’wall’ or vinyl printed floral ‘walls’.
Wrapping it all up
Creating the perfect wedding dessert table is all about careful planning and attention to detail. By setting a realistic budget, considering the setup location, creating a captivating focal point, telling a story with props, and achieving visual balance, you can create a stunning display that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Remember, the goal is to delight not only the eyes but also the taste buds, so let your creativity shine as you bring your sweet vision to life! With these tips, your dessert table will be a delightful centerpiece of your event, ensuring sweet memories for all.
If you're planning your wedding in the greater Bend, Oregon area get in touch to discuss, ideas, arrange a dessert and/or cake tasting.
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