FOOD + DRINK
Weddings are increasingly defined by individuality rather than tradition, so it’ s perhaps no surprise that modern couples are swapping out the classic three-tier cake for a dessert table filled with fondant favourites. There’ s more than something for everyone, and guests young and old will love to indulge. So, if a dessert table is on your wedding wishlist, how exactly do you do it?
Choose your favourites
If you’ re the kind of person who struggles to choose what to eat when you go out for dinner, then working out what to serve up on a dessert table might feel overwhelming. But, it doesn’ t need to be advises Abby Hammond from Andersons Caterers.
“ Ultimately, we always say choose your favourite desserts and don’ t worry about anyone else; a dessert table or sharing dessert platters make great talking points amongst your guests, as they can discuss their favourites or fight over the last jam beignet!” she says.
But, there are some treats that in her experience are always crowd-pleasers.“ You cannot go wrong with a double chocolate brownie” she says.“ Add a touch of salted caramel to the top and it is heaven in a bite( or two). We also have a twist on the classic cheesecake – topped with popping candy. It is always fun to spot guests’ surprised faces when the popping sensation begins!”
Think big
Dessert tables are more impactful when the puddings are laid out at different heights, or styled in unusual ways. Right now there’ s a big trend for tiramisu and mousse towers, which create‘ wow’ moments and definitely get guests talking.
‘ Lighter’ desserts like these are also popular choices because they aren’ t too filling – especially after a heavy meal.
Host your own bake off
You’ ve heard of bring your own bottle, but what about bring your own cake? If you’ ve got some bakers in the family,( and if your wedding venue allows you to) you could ask guests to bring a dessert to add to your collection of sweet treats. It’ s a fun way to sample different types of dessert, and helps to keep costs down too.
Give them space to be showstoppers
“ You always want to make sure there is space at the venue so the table as a whole can be viewed and enjoyed by guests, rather than being squeezed into the corner of the room and getting missed” says Abby.“ Dessert bars are made to be a showstopper so it is important to give them the room to show off!”
Consider your cake
You might want to go all-out on the wedding cake alongside your dessert table, or you might choose to have no cake at all. However, you could also consider a smaller cake to complement the dessert table.
“ Dessert tables are increasingly seen as a complement to the wedding cake. While the cake provides that iconic photo, a dessert table allows couples to extend the eating experience” says Abby.
“ A fun way to incorporate your wedding cake into your dessert bar is to have an elegant one-tier cake that can sit in the middle while we build the dessert table around it. You can then have your traditional cake cutting picture before the dessert bar gets demolished by your guests!”
122 • wedinkent. co. uk