Don’t Cut the Cake!

Sometimes, the best wedding cake is not a cake at all! With everyone looking for new ways to add a personal touch to their wedding or save the expense of a traditional cake, alternatives to the wedding cake are becoming increasingly popular. Perfect for informal ceremonies, there’s no need for the cake server and knife because many of the alternatives feature an individual-sized portion that can be easily served. The secret is all in the presentation. Whatever you're serving, stack it in tiers. Follow this simple tip to turn almost anything, including the ideas to follow, into a tantalizing treat that reflects your personality and honors the occasion.

Mousse Mountain: For a completely different effect, place delicious coconut or chocolate mousse into pre-chilled glasses and stack them into tiers on the cake table instead. This idea also works great for fresh summer berries, parfaits, crème brulee and tiramisu. One by one, each glass will disappear, but the rave reviews will linger.

Rice Krispy Treats: For those who are young at heart and truly love a sugar rush, stacking Rice Krispy Treats on a beautiful layered platter makes for a fun presentation. Garnish with greenery or flowers to dress up the tower of treats. Use them for the groom’s cake or a casual beach wedding.

Donut cake: Speaking of "krispy" ideas for the groom’s cake, whether you choose a delicious Krispy Kreme donut or a cake variety, these little rings from heaven spiraling up from an elevated serving tray will draw people like moths to a flame. At a recent wedding, the "donut cake" was completely devoured, and the guests barely touched the wedding cake. Given the unexpected choice, donuts are a first-pick favorite of many guests. If the groom is a police officer or just loves donuts, this idea is a winner!

Cupcakes: A tiered pedestal tray is the perfect way to artfully display cupcakes at a wedding. The design can be easily replenished after guests help themselves and can also incorporate a small wedding cake on top with a whimsical cake topper for the bride and groom. Place the cupcakes inside decorative cupcake holders for an elegant touch. They are available by color and theme, including butterfly and seashell designs.

Mini Cakes: A miniature wedding cake can make all your guests feel like they’re the happy couple. A personal-sized treat, mini cakes can be decorated to match the bride and groom’s cake and are easily served by the wait staff. No more standing in line to get cake!

Get creative! Choose a local pastry, seasonal dish or favorite family recipe for your cake alternative. Tiers of Sno Balls, Suzy Qs, HoHos, Ding Dongs, Twinkies and even Moon Pies have found their way to a wedding reception or two. But be sure you select something that the majority of your guests will enjoy. You wouldn’t want to get stuck with 150 moon pies on your hands.

This article was brought to you by MyWeddingFavors.com, an online retail company specializing in unique wedding favors, wedding shower favors, bridesmaids’ gifts, groomsmen gifts, and wedding accessories. We are also dedicated to providing informative articles on weddings, wedding planning, marriage, marital issues and other topics.