wedding 2024 | Let them eat cake

Or Other Desserts

date posted: March 02, 2024

Photo by Love Me Do Photography.

Most wedding couples embrace the tradition of serving cake on this sweetest day, and it’s easy to see why: Wedding cakes can be utterly gorgeous and delicious. If you decide to go this route, you have a great many choices: Buttercream or fondant? Flavors? Shape? Decoration? As with other vendors, choose and reserve your baker several months ahead of time for the best selection and results.

But not everybody likes cake, and lots of other choices—either instead of or in addition to—can add a sweet note to your feasting. Here are some other possibilities to consider:

Cupcakes: Choose them in your wedding colors!

Cheesecakes: An array topped with various berries and sauces look (and taste) luscious.

Tiny pie: Miniature key lime or lemon meringue pies are cute and just the right size.

Hand-held desserts: Eclairs or cannoli are easy to eat. Fancy it up with croquembouche, a classic French confection of spun sugar and creampuffs.

Bonbons by EJ Bonbon & Confections

Dessert Tarts by Café Marguerite.

Ginger Chocolates by Lucky Chocolates.

Photo by Jason Hupe Photography.

Individual servings of pudding, mousse or custard are always welcome.

Food as art:A donut wall or pyramid is fun and pretty.

Traditional:Dancing the night away is hot work. Ice cream with a choice of toppings hits the spot.

Viva Italia: Millefoglie is a traditional Italian wedding favorite with layers of puff pastry, fresh fruit, and creamy custard.

But wait, there’s more: Crepes or pancakes, tiramisu, or beautifully decorated cookies are fun go-tos.

Cake alternatives can be styled to add plenty of elegance and “wow” factor.

on the table

Cake alternatives can be styled to add plenty of elegance and “wow” factor. Start by styling the table with a fine cloth—maybe creamy linen for a traditional venue setting, red-and-white checks for a rustic look, or something sparkling and metallic in a sleek modern setting. Add some decorative touches—greenery, flowers, fruit, small clear bowls of crystals, whatever you love. Use dessert towers to arrange individual servings for an elegant, abundant look. And for a nice final touch, add a platter of fresh fruit, cheese, or charcuterie so those who avoid sweets completely will still have a tasty after-dinner snack.

ADAMS FAIRACRE FARMS

Hudson Valley, 845-336-6300 (Kingston), adamsfarms.com

Let us cater your special day. Our expert bakers will work with you to create the wedding cake of your dreams. Your special dessert, baked to perfection by us, will be a huge hit! Call or visit your local Adams store to schedule a consultation with our bakers.

CAFÉ MARGUERITE

Margaretville, 718-484-2121, cafemarguerite.com

Chocolates, gifts, specialty, and wedding cakes for your special day! They don’t just bake cakes, they sculpt edible dreams. Imagine your vision brought to life—flavors dancing on your palate, designs reflecting your unique love story. Expertly crafted with the finest ingredients, each tier a testament to their passion. Don’t settle for ordinary, say “I do” to a wedding cake as special as your love.

EJ BONBONS & CONFECTIONS

Woodstock, ejchocolates.com

Available year-round, our customizable box of assorted chocolate bonbons is designed to bring you on a journey of discovery. Enjoy each piece one by one and find your favorites along the way. From weddings and baby showers to corporate presents and welcome bags, our customizable two-, four-, five-, and 12-piece boxes of handmade and painted chocolate bonbons are the perfect gift for your next event.

LUCKY CHOCOLATES

Saugerties, 845-247-3134, luckychocolates.com

Handmade in the heart of Saugerties, our chocolate treats are made by a team of 3 to make your special day perfect. From chocolate truffles to decorative molds, we offer many options to choose from to bring your vision to life. Form your most important memories with a sweet treat so you can revisit your beautiful day whenever you enjoy Lucky Chocolates.

MAIN COURSE CATERING

New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.com

Main Course is a full-service caterer that can coordinate all wedding aspects including customized menus, cakes, décor, linens, and rentals. Under chef Bruce Kazan’s innovative leadership, a team of talented professionals creates the finest in catered events. Main Course, a leader in the sustainable food movement, uses small Hudson Valley purveyors to provide the freshest local, organic produce, free-range poultry, line-caught fish, and hormone-free meats.

OVERLOOK BAKERY

Woodstock, 845-684-5898, overlookbakery.com

Add some whimsy to your wedding! Small-batch wedding cakes baked with love in the heart of the Catskill mountains. Overlook Bakery will create the perfect custom cake for your special occasion. Choose from our delicious flavors & unique decorative looks. Gluten-free, vegan, and delivery options available.