When you’re planning a wedding, you start to think about all of the big things you need to get checked off your list first.
You might start with booking a venue, searching for a photographer/videographer, finding the perfect wedding dress, nailing down food ideas, and well… finding the right cake. While having a cake at your wedding is something that has traditionally been a part of weddings for a long time, you might be looking to try something a little different. Here are 13 non-traditional dessert ideas you and your guests will fall in love with!
1. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Let’s kick this off with an all time summer favorite, ice cream sandwiches. You can serve them straight out of the freezer, or you can have your guests make their own! Feel free to use any type of cookie and ice-cream, and have some toppings (i.e. chocolate chips, sprinkles) on hand so they can make it how they like it.
2. Cotton Candy
Who said cotton candy can’t be elegant? Sure, it might make your fingers a little sticky but this dessert idea is fun for anyone, especially the kiddos.
3. Popsicles
What better way to keep cool during a summer wedding than a popsicle! There’s really a million different ways you could serve this dessert. This idea is perfect for outdoor weddings to not only keep your guests cool but also help limit the melty mess.
4. A Candy Bar
Ever been to a wedding with a “serve yourself” candy bar? We have, and it’s awesome. All you have to do is fill a table with your favorite candies (i.e. Twizzlers, M&M’s, Starbursts) and have your guests grab whatever they want!
5. Milk and Cookies
This idea came from a family member’s wedding a few years ago and it has stuck with us ever since. They ordered cookies from Crumbl, and served both white and chocolate milk to wash them down. It’s the perfect pair!
6. Root Beer Floats
At our wedding, one thing that Kyler really wanted was to have large kegs of root beer (it’s a midwest thing, okay). We didn't have root beer floats, but having someone serve up a scoop of ice cream in a dish and then have your guests make their own float is something I wish I would’ve thought of at the time!
7. S’mores
This one is a great option for all of you with outdoor weddings. You can make a big bonfire and set out a s’more table for guests to make their own! If you have an indoor wedding with some space outside, roasting s’mores over a gas fire would also work. (Please use caution and don’t burn down your venue.)
8. Mini Nothing Bundt Cakes
If you haven’t had a Nothing Bundt Cake, you have to try one. They are so good. They sell individual bundtini’s you can order, and they not only look elegant, but they taste amazing.
9. Donuts
Having donuts at our wedding was something we both wanted, and I’m so glad we made it happen! We bought a bunch of donuts from a local bakery and displayed them on a donut wall that said “Donut mind if I do.” If that’s not super cute, I don’t know what is.
10. Hot Chocolate
I know this might not “technically” be a dessert, but who cares! If you are having a winter/fall wedding this might be the choice for you. Have a hot chocolate bar and leave out a bunch of toppings that guests can add to their drink: marshmallows, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, whipped cream… you name it!
11. Macarons
Ever had a macaron? If you haven’t you’re missing out. These little French pastries are a perfect blend of sweet and crunchy and they are a really easy dessert option. They are also (most commonly) gluten-free so you don’t have to worry about your GF guests!
12. Cake Pops
Cake pops have really been a highlight dessert over the past several years. While they are technically cake, they are easy to serve and a fun way to add some color to your wedding!
13. Cupcakes
This one you might find more commonly at weddings, but they are still a great idea for a few different reasons. You can prepare them in several different flavors, they are super easy to serve, and they can be designed to match your venue and color scheme. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cupcake?
Whether you want to stick with cake or find a different idea (or if you want both), these ideas are sure to leave your guests talking about your big day.
