Alternative Wedding Cake Ideas

Possibly an unpopular opinion but I think Wedding cakes are a little bit of an anti climax at a wedding. Don't get me wrong, no discredit to the amazing creatives that make them. So much time, effort and talent goes into cake making of any kind, let alone wedding cakes. Hear me out, you spend hundreds, you have some lovely pictures of the traditional cake cutting, then it gets dished up for your guests. And you're pretty much guaranteed loads left over! And I mean loads! I had 85 guests at my wedding, had a cake made for 100 people. We must have come home with at least half of the cake and going on honeymoon 2 days after the wedding. There was no way we were able to get rid of it. So half of my £800 (13 years ago) beautiful wedding cake went literally in the bin! If you have the same thoughts, or maybe don't like cake there are literally so many other alternative wedding cake ideas you could use instead.

Let's explore just some of the alternative wedding cake options out there! Some of these could save you so much money too! Bonus!

Cupcakes

If you are a lover of cake but don't want a traditional cake, why not consider using cupcakes instead?

Image Credit - Pinterest

Doughnut Tower

More of a doughnut fan than cake lover? Doughnut 'cakes' or doughnut walls are a great alternative! Krispy Kreme anyone?

Image Credit - Krispy Kreme

Cheesecake

A cheesecake 'cake' is a great option if you are looking for something a little bit lighter and fresher than a traditional cake. You could have a selection of different flavours to suit what you both love!

Image Credit - Pastry Corner UK

Fruit Pies

More of an Apple Pie lover? Or perhaps a lemon meringue pie enthusiast? If fruit and pastry is more your vibe, this option could be right up your street!

Image Credit- Martha Stewart Weddings

Croquembouche

Well it is safe to say this wedding cake alternative holds its own when it comes to making a statement. One for the profiterole lovers out there!

Image Credit - Pinterest

Brownies

Who doesn't love a brownie? Even non-cake lovers can appreciate a well made brownie. Or seven!

Image Credit - Pinterest

Macarons

Another gorgeous show stopper! Macarons are a stunning dessert option and can look absolutely amazing as a wedding cake alternative!

Image Credit - Bluebell Kitchen

Cake Pops

Like the cupcakes, this is another great alternative wedding cake idea if you like cake but don't want the traditional option.

Image Credit - Brides

Dessert Table

A trend hitting 2024 like wildfire! Instead of having one wedding cake, why not provide your guests with a dessert table. These can look AMAZING!!! Have a selection of different types of desserts, perfectly tied into the aesthetic of your day.

Image Credit - Pinterest

Dessert Truck

We talked about food trucks in our catering options post, but today we are focusing purely on the sweet options! Who doesn't love a Mr whippy, a Gelato, a loaded waffle or rice krispie treats straight from a food truck?!

Image Credit - Style Me Pretty

Alcohol Cake

I'm not going to lie, this one floats my boat! Instead of any type of food why not have an 'alcohol cake'. Whether you decide on a champagne tower or maybe even a miniature tower, they can still look absolutely stunning, make a great photo opportunity, and will definitely get the guests in the party mood ready for the evening.

Image credit - Pinterest

'Cheese' Cake

One alternative wedding cake I would absolutely do in a heart beat! If you are more into savoury desserts like a cheeseboard, why not consider a cake literally made of cheese? Just the thought of it is making me hungry!

Image Credit - Pinterest

Scones

This alternative wedding cake option would be perfect for a Cornish or Devon based wedding. But just be prepared for the age old debate of cream or jam first!

Image Credit - Ruffled Blog

Waffles

One for the waffle lovers! How you display this option completely depends on how you want your 'cake' table/dessert area to look. You could have a waffle station or create a cake like structure and have it already covered with your favourite toppings.

Image Credit - Utah Valley Bride

Mini Cutting Cake

If you still want to have a cake cutting moment to your day, but really aren't into the idea of spending loads on a big wedding cake, why not just have a small cake for the purpose of cake cutting and leave it at that? This is a trend that is set to be a HUGE hit in 2024 too!

Image credit - Pinterest

Don't Have One

There is literally no rule book with weddings. Yes, there are traditions, but that doesn't mean you need to stick to them. So many wedding traditions have developed over the years and changed with the times, why can't having a wedding cake be another one of those? If cake isn't your thing, you're not precious about the cake cutting pictures, then simply don't have one! There are plenty of other sweet treat options you can provide your guests throughout the day instead.

Are you thinking about having an alternative wedding cake? What have you chosen? We would love to hear in the comments!