4 Wedding Treat Table Ideas (That Aren’t Wedding Cakes)

Key Takeaways

• More and more couples are breaking away from tradition and offering unique wedding treats on their dessert tables, instead of one big cake.
• There are numerous dessert ideas for every wedding, from various cookie flavors to muffins.
• Still want a traditional wedding cake? Include both the wedding cake and your favorite alternative wedding treat from The Bold Bakery on your dessert table to give your guests options.

While it may seem like it, wedding cakes are NOT the only dessert idea for weddings! In fact, couples are increasingly choosing to embrace alternative wedding desserts: cookies, mini cakes, muffins, pastries, etc. Maybe you’re not a “cake person.” Maybe you prefer handheld desserts. It’s your wedding. You can serve any dessert you’d like! 

Not sure which non-traditional treat is best for your wedding? Get inspired with these unexpected wedding treat table ideas from The Bold Bakery!

1. Small Gourmet Cakes

If you want something non-traditional, but still want to serve cake…downsize! Mini cakes are a great alternative to tiered wedding cakes, providing plenty of flavor versatility and visual interest on your dessert table. You’ll also still get your classic cake-cutting moment with smaller cakes!

We offer a unique selection of 8-inch and 9-inch gourmet cakes at The Bold Bakery, from chocolate-based cakes to berry treats. Our menu also includes mini cakes, which are great served alone or as a complement to our 8 or 9-inch cakes. Choose one flavor or a few to allow guests to pick their favorites!

2. Gourmet Cookies

Prefer cookies over cake? Fresh baked cookies are a fun, alternative wedding treat that can be personalized in countless ways. Here are a few wedding dessert ideas for your table:

• Provide Variety - Unlike traditional wedding cakes, which are typically a singular flavor, you provide tons of variety with cookies, like chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pistachio cookies, and more, so there’s something for everyone at the wedding.
• Play with Presentation - Stack cookies into a cake-inspired shape on a cake stand, arrange cookies on unique platters and trays, place cookies into glass jars, or mix and match platters and stands on your dessert table for an elaborate display.
• Complement the Cake - Arrange cookie platters around your wedding cake so you get the best of both worlds: your cake-cutting ceremony and an alternative dessert.
• Go Beyond the Dessert Table - Alternative displays are perfect for your alternative wedding dessert ideas! Go beyond the dessert table by displaying cookies on a dessert cart or by incorporating them into your wedding decor with a cookie wall that utilizes floating shelves.

3. Artisan-Baked Muffins

The Bold Bakery’s fresh baked muffins provide a unique and memorable dessert option for you and your wedding guests! These baked goods blend contemporary aesthetics with rustic charm to offer fresh, bold flavors in every bite. 

Depending on the wedding’s theme, muffin displays can be sophisticated or more casual. Try one of these wedding dessert presentation ideas:

• Use tiered cupcake stands of varying heights and shapes for visual appeal
• Add an elegant touch with pedestal cake plates
• Add flowers and other decorative elements to complement the muffins
• Incorporate theme-appropriate details (wooden crates and plant stands for a rustic wedding, glass displays and soft lighting for a romantic wedding, etc.) for a cohesive look
• Create a simple arrangement on plates with greenery and flowers

4. Biscones

Biscones from The Bold Bakery are everything alternative wedding dessert ideas should be: rich, unique, and flavorful, with the perfect amount of sweetness. Utilize serving platters and tiered cupcake stands to display these artisan baked goods. This not only allows you to showcase the different desserts, but you could also pair them with other treats to provide guests with variety, such as banana bread or muffins.

Want to make this wedding treat table idea interactive? Provide toppings like local honey, fresh fruits, and gourmet jam to allow guests to customize their desserts. You could also offer tea, coffee, or juice on your dessert table to complement the biscones.

Tip: Provide a designated area for the interactive table to prevent clutter at your reception!

Alternative Wedding Dessert Tips and Ideas

• Decide whether you want your desserts plated, passed, or self-serve. This will help determine the dessert(s) and their size.
• Your wedding is a celebration of YOU. Consider your and your partner’s tastes to narrow down different wedding dessert ideas. You may also want to consider your wedding theme.
• Include at least 2 to 3 small desserts per person to ensure you have enough desserts based on the number of wedding guests. 
• Your dessert table should blend in with the rest of your decor. Use the same color scheme or complementary colors with your backdrop and other personal touches.
• Label your desserts to let guests know which flavors they’re choosing.
• Ambient lighting and decor can enhance the visual appeal of your dessert table.
• Can’t decide which wedding dessert idea is right for your big day? Offer a table full of assorted treats from The Bold Bakery to appeal to diverse tastes.

Create a Sweet Celebration with The Bold Bakery

Nestled in the heart of Tysons Corner/Vienna, VA, The Bold Bakery is an artisan bakery dedicated to crafting bold culinary experiences for special events and every day. We offer a unique selection of cakes, cookies, and pastries on our menu, all handcrafted using the finest ingredients.

Love our wedding treat table ideas? Let our local bakery cater your big day!