🍰 Cake vs. Dessert Table: Which Sweet Ending Is Right for Your Wedding?
💍 Introduction
Every wedding needs a sweet ending — but these days, that doesn’t always mean a traditional tiered cake.
From cupcake towers and macaron walls to doughnut bars and mini-dessert bites, couples are getting creative with how they serve dessert.
At Simply Southern Events, we love helping couples design dessert moments that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you dream of cutting a classic cake or offering a spread that guests can’t stop talking about, here’s how to choose what’s right for your celebration.
🎂 Step 1: The Classic Wedding
There’s a reason the wedding cake remains timeless — it’s more than dessert; it’s a moment. The cake cutting symbolizes unity, celebration, and that first sweet act of marriage together.
Pros:
Traditional and elegant photo opportunity
Can be customized to your theme and color palette
Serves as a stunning reception focal point
Cons:
Can be pricey depending on size and design
Some guests skip cake altogether
Often more cake than needed for smaller guest counts
Simply Southern Tip: Choose flavors that feel special to you as a couple — like your favorite date-night dessert or a flavor inspired by your Southern roots (we love lemon lavender or bourbon buttercream!).
🧁 Step 2: The Dessert Table Trend
Dessert tables have become a crowd favorite for a reason — variety and visual appeal! Guests can sample multiple treats, mingle while snacking, and grab sweets between dances.
Pros:
Offers variety for every guest’s taste
Doubles as décor and a photo-worthy moment
Great for interactive receptions or outdoor celebrations
Cons:
Requires more planning and coordination with vendors
Per-person cost can add up depending on quantity
Guests may take desserts unevenly (some popular treats disappear first!)
Simply Southern Tip: Offer a mix of 3–5 bite-sized desserts — think cookies, cake pops, mini pies, or fruit tarts — and plan for 2–3 pieces per guest.
🍪 Step 3: Combine the Best of Both Worlds
Who says you have to pick just one? Many couples today do a small cutting cake for tradition and a dessert display for fun.
It’s the perfect way to have that iconic cake-cutting photo while keeping guests happy with variety.
Simply Southern Tip: Use the same colors, flowers, or signage across your cake and dessert table for a cohesive look.
☕ Step 4: Consider Your Venue & Timeline
Where and when you serve dessert matters!
Outdoor weddings: Choose desserts that hold up in heat (avoid buttercream-heavy cakes).
Short receptions: Mini desserts work better for grab-and-go guests.
Formal dinners: A plated cake slice feels more traditional and elegant.
Simply Southern Tip: Always check with your venue about storage and refrigeration for desserts — and confirm setup timing with your planner.
💐 Step 5: Presentation Makes It Magical
No matter what you serve, presentation is everything.
Use risers, trays, candles, florals, or signage to style your dessert table so it complements your theme.
A simple dessert display can become one of your guests’ favorite visual moments when styled beautifully.
Simply Southern Tip: Choose a location near the dance floor or photo booth — it keeps energy flowing and ensures guests don’t miss dessert!
🤍 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dreaming of a five-tier cake or a playful dessert spread, your sweet finale should reflect your love story.
At Simply Southern Events, we help couples plan every delicious detail — from timing and vendor coordination to styling and setup — ensuring your wedding ends on the sweetest note possible.
