Wedding Cake Alternatives

Instead of blanketing the outside of this cream puff tower in spun sugar, as is tradition for a French croquembouche, the pastry chef at Old Edwards Inn gave the tower at this Toast Events wedding a decadent coating of chocolate. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Donut walls have gained popularity at weddings over the last couple years. Rethink that trend by displaying these desserts in a pyramid shape, instead, à la this M Cakes Sweets creation. The result? A treat that resembles a wedding cake, but still deviates from tradition. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Maybe you don't want a pastry-focused dessert at all. If so, ice cream is a great idea. Ice cream sandwiches, like these from The Catered Affair, are an especially fun treat for summer weddings; serve up a few flavors from your favorite parlor for a personalized touch. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Take note of this macaron display if you're partial to the crowd-favorite French pastries. A custom stand allowed the Gâteau bites to be turned on edge and stacked in a unique ombré pattern, creating a cohesive, elegant display. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

One reason couples choose to forgo classic wedding cakes is because they would rather have desserts that are pre-portioned for each individual guest. If you're one of those duos, mini key lime pies are a solid option. How adorable are these tiny treats from Paws Up? #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

A love-filled fête calls for a heart-shaped dessert; a unique cake shape is a surefire way to set your wedding treat apart. Aquarella Cakes made this couple's heart-shaped custard confection and completed with a topping of fresh strawberries. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Of course, a cheese-inspired offering can be sweet, too, if you opt for a cheesecake. These desserts are incredibly versatile and can be filled with just about anything; this couple, with help from Inspire Styling, chose fresh blueberry as one of their Hééélijk confection's flavors. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Maybe you and your spouse-to-be simply don't like sweets. In that case, consider a savory "dessert," instead. This couple stacked wheels from Murray's Cheese to anchor their charcuterie-inspired Autumn Nomad display. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

If you and your spouse still want to have a traditional cake-cutting ceremony, choose a dessert alternative that needs to be sliced before serving. Bundt cakes, like these from Nothing Bundt Cakes, are unique options, but still lend themselves to the tradition. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Spain, is an excellent source for dessert inspiration. Spanish weddings often feature low, wide cakes that are more custard-forward than buttercream-filled, like this Cocina con Marta confection served at a Very Beloved Wedding celebration. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

If you want a cake alternative that is both delicate and flavorful, this is the option for you. Millefoglie is a traditional Italian wedding dessert, with layers of custard cream, puff pastry, and fresh fruit. This Dolci Di Mary confection, served at a Wonderlust Events wedding. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

While wedding cakes may be customary at American celebrations, look to other cultures when breaking the dessert mold. Croquembouche, a patisserie confection made with cream puffs and spun sugar, is commonly served at French nuptials. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Still on the search for a unique offering? Continue your world confectionary tour with a jaunt south to Italy. Custard-filled cannolis, like these from The Fresh Market, are an Italian favorite—and perfect for your big day. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Think beyond the traditional round three-tier when deciding on a big-day dessert with these real-life wedding cake alternatives. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Worried that your cake alternative won't feel wedding-worthy? If you don't want to deviate too far from a traditional big-day dessert, make a treat shaped like one. Even though this stack was made of flapjacks, the cake-inspired shape made the "confection" feel bridal instead of brunch-ready. #weddingideas #wedding #marthstewartwedding #weddingplanning #weddingchecklist

Donuts, donut towers and donut walls are a very popular wedding trend right now - Click to see Martha Stewart Weddings favorite ways to serve donuts at your wedding. #Wedding #WeddingDesserts #DonutWall #DonutWeddingWall #Donut #Donuts #DonutTowers #WeddingCakeAlternatives #WeddingDonuts #WeddingTrends | Martha Stewart Weddings