Few things in life are sweeter than a wedding cake. The wedding couple, surrounded by their guests, savor the delectable dessert amidst a celebration of love. The atmosphere makes the treat even sweeter. While wedding cakes have long been the jewel of the wedding reception, some brides are opting for non-traditional wedding reception desserts.
The origins of the wedding cake vary from source to source, although indulging in a sweet treat is a tradition that stands the test of time. A classic, white-tiered cake has long been the standard for weddings, but brides today have endless options for wedding reception desserts.
The maximalism trend is still going strong. Sky-high tiered cakes amp up the drama. Lambeth cakes merge vintage style with maximalism for an over-the-top romantic cake. Similarly, sweetheart cakes are elaborate in design yet petite in size. Many couples getting married in the Smoky Mountains want a cake that has natural features, complimenting the beautiful landscape of this area.
With countless colors, flavors, and style combinations, brides can have their cake and eat it too.
Beyond cake, many brides opt for something unique and unexpected to serve at their reception like donuts, cookies, and cheesecake shooters.
These individual portions make serving the desserts as easy as pie! Cupcakes started the individual serving trend, but today many out-of-the-box ideas are dazzling wedding guests. Here are some wedding reception dessert ideas from local Smoky Mountain bakeries and eateries:
Wedding Reception Desserts from the Smoky Mountains
Ben & Jerry’s
The iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s offers the coolest catering options for parties and events such as weddings. Treat guests to your favorite flavors in the form of scoops, ice cream sundaes, banana splits, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and more. For a wow factor, how about offering guests their choice of famous Ben & Jerry’s pints? See the full catering menu here.
During your Smoky Mountain wedding reception, a team from Ben & Jerry’s will set up, scoop, and clean up. This option is extravagant enough on its own but pairs perfectly with a traditional wedding cake or cupcakes.
Cakes & Confections by Merry
Traditional wedding cakes are still in high demand, but brides are getting more creative with their requests. We spoke with Merry Dumas from Cakes & Confections by Merry and she filled us in on the delicious trends in the wedding cake industry.
“Brides are looking for more individual serving options. Our cheesecake shooters are added to almost every wedding cake order because brides want something easy for guests to walk up and grab,” Merry Dumas told us.
Merry’s cakes are stunning, and she also offers a wide selection of other sweet treats. Popular wedding reception desserts include mini pies, brownies, and lemon bars. View Merry’s Facebook page and contact her to start planning your dessert table.
Crumbl Cookies
The self-described “best gourmet cookies in the world” have made their way to the Smoky Mountains! The Crumbl Cookies brand has soared in popularity. Since its inception five years ago, this cookie chain has grown to over 800 bakeries in all 50 states.
On par with the trend of individual portioned treats, cookies are a beautiful wedding dessert. Crumbl cookies are beautiful and come in an array of flavors like milk chocolate chip, red velvet white chip, and the 2023 people’s choice winner, Brookie Dough Pie.
We love the look of cookies stacked on a tiered display. This presentation gives the same effect as a tiered wedding cake while making it easy for guests to grab and go. Of course, the famous pink boxes look pretty chic! Find Crumbl Cookies in Pigeon Forge, and order catering here.
Gail’s Custom Cakes
Gail from Gail’s Custom Cakes is more than a baker and cake decorator; she is a sugar artist! She is a member of the International Cake Exploration Societé and Gail is current on the latest industry trends.
For a fresh take on wedding reception desserts, see her signature line which includes single-serving champagne cake cocktails, Mason-jar country bumpkins, bourbon cake shots, and more. Scroll her online gallery to see her stunning cake designs and other wedding reception dessert options.
The Biggest Trend in Wedding Reception Desserts
The most popular trend is for brides to show off their personal style by offering anything they desire. Cake is the most traditional option, but guests today have come to expect the unexpected.
With so many options for wedding desserts, it may be hard to choose just one. We love the idea of offering a dessert table with lots of confections! Imagine a wedding cake centerpiece surrounded by a variety of grab-and-go bites. Earn brownie points with your guests and serve an elaborate spread of sweets.
Follow Smoky Mountain Wedding Association on social media and view our list of cake and dessert professionals here.
Click here to request customized quotes and information for your Smoky Mountain wedding. Thank you for hosting your wedding in the Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg areas.
Congratulations, and we wish you a lifetime of sweetness!
Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
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