The wedding cake is not only a big expense, but it also often acts as the main centrepiece at your reception. Wedding trends continue to evolve every season, with dark cakes, ombre cakes and naked cakes flying the flag for fresh new approaches to wedding cakes. However, you don't have to opt for a giant, singular cake at all if you choose not to. There are plenty of alternative cakes to choose from, both lavish and simple. You might not even want a cake, and there are alternative cake options for you too.
Cake pops are a popular trend over recent years, with the ability to build them into a mock tiered cake stand, as well as easy plating up abilities. In fact, cake pops don't even really require a plate. Similar to cupcakes, they’re a little taste of cake without the whole three-tiered shebang. They can also be intricately decorated to give them a special wedding touch and be just as lavish as one big wedding cake. If you worry about missing out on the cake cutting experience with your alternative cake, have a small, simple cake just for cutting.
For variety, a dessert table is a popular addition to weddings, with a ‘main’ but small cake in the centre once again for the bride and groom to cut, surrounded by various cakes, pies and pastries for guests to take a slice of for their dessert. Your relatives might even like to contribute to the dessert table. That way, every guest can take a slice of whatever takes their fancy if wedding cake isn't really their thing. Not to mention the fact that there are plenty of ways to dress up your dessert table.
Towers are also becoming increasingly popular, similar to the cake pop tower, giving the effect of looking like a tiered wedding cake without being quite as intimidating. Towers of cupcakes are one of the more popular choices for alternative cakes. They’re easier to divide and dish out and they tend to be lighter than the traditional wedding cake. However, don't neglect the idea of a macaroon tower or even a croquembouche from France, for little profiterole-style treats as your alternative cake choice.
There is nothing that says you have to follow any rules with your cake choice. It doesn't have to be a sponge, it doesn't even have to be a cake. With the artistry that goes into cakes and desserts there are hundreds of options that will make your cake or dessert perfect. Many alternative cakes can even be easier to give out as favours at the end of the night.
- Jenny Darmody
Image Credits: Pancakes: Sweet Violet Bride | Gold cake pops: Brosnan Photographic | Dessert table: Jacqueline Lock Photography | Macaroon tower: One Love Photography | Cupcakes: Etsy