Picture a perfect wedding dessert, and what comes to mind? You probably thought of a wedding cake, visualizing a pristine tower of opulence that’s been expertly designed and polished for the big day. Our modern versions owe much to traditions developed during the Middle Ages and from Victorian England. At the same time, you have plenty of options when selecting the special sweet treats for your wedding.

Consider Your Options

The popular multitiered dreamy confection has become a timeless wedding symbol, as much an integral part of the celebration as the rings, the vows, and the first dance. Just as you’d want to customize other aspects of your special day, personalizing your dessert begins with a key decision: classic wedding cake or another kind of delectable edible?

In a January 2016 Brides article, writer Sandy Malone points out that the height-defying artistic wonders in wedding magazines or on social media usually rely on fondant for their style and structure. The plus is that fondant is stiff, which means it can easily be sculpted, but it’s very chewy and doesn’t score high marks for flavor among guests. If you don’t care about a sugary architectural wonder at your event, you could opt for a buttercream-frosted version. You’ve also no doubt heard about trendy wedding cake alternatives, but this Gay Wedding Guide piece offers a short list of possibilities:

• Donut, cupcake, or macaron towers
• Tiers of cheese
• Pancakes or crêpes
• Candy displays
• “Naked” cakes with fillings, glazes, and toppings
• Croquembouches, or decorated mounds of cream-filled pastry puffs

Wedding Dessert Shopping Tips

If you’ve watched shows like TLC’s “Cake Boss” or Food Network’s “Cake Wars,” you already know that a lot of work, planning, and details go into these creative confections. While most of your hometown bakers probably aren’t duking it out on national television for cash and prizes, you’ll likely choose a dessert crafter who can skillfully blend both aesthetics and taste. While Bridal Guide’s advice is geared toward cake, you can follow its tips for any wedding dessert:

• Look for potential vendors as early as possible.
• Study their websites and social media pages.
• Keep in mind your event’s style as you shop.
• Schedule consultations with your favorites.
• Make sure their total costs fit in your budget.

A few additional words of wisdom apply when you narrow down your choices. Selecting an LGBTQ-friendly vendor will save you some heartache later. Wedding Wire offers some tips for sourcing one at its GayWeddings portal. Don’t forget to check out previous customer reviews, make sure you clearly understand what products and services you’re paying for, and read any fine print before you sign contracts or pay deposits.

A Few Money-Saving Ideas

Thinking outside the box and adopting elegant simplicity can go a long way, resulting in a confection that both looks and tastes good while staying budget-friendly. The Knot offers helpful hints, some of which you can tailor for any dessert option:

• Choose a simple design.
• For floral looks, choose real blooms instead of sugar-crafted versions.
• A DIY dessert table display can save money.
• Buttercream-frosted and naked cakes are usually less expensive choices.

Flexing your creative muscles may also help you find great, cost-effective solutions. For example, a small single-tier or two-tier cake paired with a sheet cake or other desserts can be a fun and cheaper alternative to a multilayered cake.

Satisfying Your Guests’ Sweet Tooth

When it comes to picking a wedding dessert, begin your journey by considering your event’s aesthetic. Cake is just one of many possibilities, and creative thinking can rustle up some unique ideas. Smart shopping, crunching numbers, and picking the right vendor are also essential steps, resulting in delicious and memorable sweet treats on your wedding day.