14 Yummy (and Cheap!) Wedding Cake Alternatives

Part 2/2

A bride’s wedding cake is one of the most important (and expensive) features of her wedding reception. So what do you do if you don’t even like cake, or just think cake is boring? Or what do you do if you’re shocked to discover the prices at your local bakery? It might be time to consider some wedding cake alternatives.

Remember, this is your wedding, and you don’t have to have a wedding cake if you don’t want one! But your guests will be expecting something, so you should plan for an alternative. Luckily, there are actually a LOT of fun, yummy, and cheap ideas for wedding cake alternatives out there. 

We’ve scoured the internet and put together a 2-part list of some of our favorite options. If you missed Part 1, go check that out here! Otherwise, continue reading for Part 2.

Here are 7 more options for yummy (and cheap!) wedding cake alternatives:

8. Cake pops
9. Macarons
10. Donuts
11. Brownies
12. Pies
13. Mini parfaits
14. Dessert/candy bar

8. Cake pops

Let’s talk cape pops. Cake pops are some of the most charming and efficient wedding cake alternatives out there. Thank you, Starbucks, for making them so popular!

Cake pops are great because you can still have a wedding cake taste, but make it a lot more fun, convenient, and tidy. You can have a variety of flavors and colors to please many palates and match your wedding theme. 

Cake pops can be presented by constructing them into tiers of different designs to resemble a traditional cake, or can be more simply presented and easy to grab. Either way, these yummy little gems are both adorable and elegant, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your guests.

9. Macarons

Macarons are the ultimate little fancy, French, and feminine treats, and make great wedding cake alternatives.

They are light, airy, and stylish, and provide a healthier alternative to heavier wedding cake options. Classic French macarons are also naturally gluten-free, which puts them in a category that’s available to most of your guests without having to offer other options.

Macarons are versatile and easy to work with. Tier them in layers of various flavors for a colorful and elegant wedding cake alternative that your guests will love. And with reliably luxe brands such as Larduree, you can’t go wrong.

10. Donuts

Somewhere along the way, donuts became trendy. Gourmet donut shops started popping up everywhere offering limitless innovative toppings such as Froot Loops or bacon. Their trendiness makes donuts one of the most fun wedding cake alternatives. 

The many ways to present donuts for special events like your big day become almost as creative as the flavor combinations themselves. One of our favorites is to hang them on pegs to create a “donut wall” that your guests can select from. It’s super cute, a lot of fun, and a surprising treat for your guests.

11. Brownies

One of the simplest wedding cake alternatives is one of the most classic desserts there is: brownies. 

Although some people out there don’t like chocolate (whaaaaat!?), we think it’s safe to say that most people do. And nothing solves that chocolate craving better than a dense, fudgy brownie.

Elevate the look with aesthetically arranged ribbon, berries, and elegant florals for a presentation that will wow your guests without the high price tag of a traditional wedding cake.

12. Pies

Looking for something more rustic and fruity? Pies make perfect wedding cake alternatives. With so many varieties to choose from, you definitely have plenty of options. 

There are dense pies with classic crust and fruit fillings, or cream pies with sweet flavors like chocolate, banana, or coconut. Can’t decide? Serve up several options! One idea we really love is to serve multiple flavors of mini pies that guests can choose from and easily grab. The presentation is charming and way less messy than having to cut and serve slices.  

This wedding cake alternative is “easy as pie.” 

13. Mini parfaits

Trying to find wedding cake alternatives that are on the healthier side? Look no further than mini yogurt parfaits.

When presented well in individual clear serving cups to display the layers of yogurt, fruit, and granola, this simple, healthy, and cheap wedding cake alternative is surprisingly classy.

14. Dessert/candy bar

Who knew there were so many traditional wedding cake alternatives! If you’re overwhelmed with all the options and can’t decide, don’t worry. You don’t have to choose just one. 

One trending concept in modern weddings is to offer a dessert bar with a diverse selection of sweet options. Give your guests a variety of dessert treats and candies to indulge in. The presentation can easily be eye-catching, colorful, and indulgent. 

Cake is cool, but more desserts are better!

Love this content and want more? Check out our blog for more wedding planning tips!

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