More and more couples are skipping the tiered wedding cake, or shrinking it right down, in favour of a dessert table. We did exactly that ourselves (it's how Sugar & Slice started). Here's an honest look at both.
Why couples choose a dessert table
- Choice. Guests pick what they love instead of getting one slice of one flavour.
- Dietary needs are easier. With several desserts, it's simple to include gluten-free or nut-free options.
- Less waste. Wedding cake often goes uneaten after a big meal. Mini treats get picked at all evening.
- It works as décor. A styled table with stands and florals becomes a feature of the room.
- It stretches across the day. Use it as the dessert course, then keep it going for the evening guests.
- Take-home favours. Leftovers go into little boxes rather than the bin.
Why some couples still want a cake
- The cutting moment. It's a tradition and a lovely photo.
- A statement piece. A big sculpted cake can be a real showstopper.
- Family expectations. Sometimes Nan just wants a cake.
The best of both
You don't have to choose. A popular option is a cake for the cutting moment, anything from a small 6" cake to a few tiers, sat beside a dessert table that does the real feeding. You get the photo and the tradition, and guests get choice. We can make your wedding cake as part of your dessert table order, styled to match.
What about cost?
Prices vary a lot by design, but a dessert table is often similar to or less than a large multi-tier cake, and it usually replaces the plated dessert too. Our packages start at £275 for up to 50 guests, £425 for up to 100 and £650 for up to 150 (DIY setup). See packages and menu.
Questions to ask yourselves
- Is the cake-cutting moment important to us?
- Do we have guests with dietary requirements?
- Is our wedding breakfast already three courses?
- Would we rather guests have one slice, or try a few things?
- Do we want the dessert to double as part of the styling?
If you're leaning towards a dessert table, have a look at our wedding dessert tables or use the calculator to see what you'd need.