PIE: If a couple wants to move away from cake altogether while still keeping a larger dessert on the table, a popular alternative is pie. Having a selection of pies is warm, welcoming and reminiscent of family times. Modern couples have embraced pie pops, miniature pies on a stick and Whoopee Pies.
DOUGHNUTS: Sticking to the customary tiered trend, the industry suggests replacing a tiered cake with a stacked favorite dessert. An industry and couple favorite are doughnuts. Sweet, ring-shaped treats are favored for their colorful and flavorful varieties. For an elegant look, try glazed doughnuts sprinkled with edible pearls and adorned with a vintage-style wedding banner topper.
CUPCAKES: Cupcakes are an adorable way to replace the common cake, as they are the miniature version. Like doughnuts, they come in a variety of flavors and sizes — and are just as customizable. The frosting on the cupcakes allows for endless decorating options, and since each cupcake is, in essence, a smaller wedding cake, each can have its own miniature topper.
ALTERNATIVE CAKES: With a myriad of ideas popping up online, industry trends have begun to take notice and have suggested various alternatives to the traditional wedding cake, including an assortment of cheesecakes and Bundt cakes. Moving even further away from the idea of cake are tiered Rice Krispy treats, stacked meringues, personalized miniature cakes for each guest and “millefoglie” — a traditional Italian wedding cake.
DRESSED UP SNACKS: Current trends lead wedding planners to suggest dressing up these ordinary snacks to make them appropriate for a formal event. For more solid desserts, such as Rice Krispy treats or meringues, decorate with fondant ribbons or sugared flowers. For softer textured desserts or for desserts with crevices, such as Bundt cakes and millefoglies, top with fresh fruit. Berries are popular for these particular pastries
FRENCH DESSERTS: Some couples have sought out foreign desserts, such as French macaroons and “croquembouche” — a conical-shaped French dessert consisting of cream-puff pastry and crystallized fruit, held together by a caramel sauce.
Lavender Take a whiff of the lavender in your bouquet to instantly relieve your wedding day jitters. The soothing tone and scent do well as sprigs present throughout a spray or as stalks wrapped in a ribbon.
Succulents Succulents add a modern and eclectic touch next to timeless flowers. Plus, they make for an excellent keepsake as they can be planted after the wedding.
Hydrangea Hydrangeas are small flowers that make a large impact. “The blue and white hydrangeas are budget friendly and go a long way in an arrangement,” Jones advises.
White Anemone The white anemone is likely the mysterious white flower with midnight blue center that you have pinned relentlessly on your wedding board. “These are seasonal flowers generally available from late December to June,” Jones explains.
Eucalyptus Colorful bulbs and blooms need a bit of greenery interspersed. “Seeded eucalyptus is very popular for its gray appearance and aromatic smell,” says Jones.
Berries and Fruits Blackberries, figs, small citrus, plums, hypercium berries, privet berries and holly berries are just some examples of fruits that can be used for adornment. We won’t tell if you decide to nibble on your bouquet. Edible arrangements, indeed.
Peonies Peonies are the new roses. They are large in size and add elegance to bouquets and centerpieces. Beware though, they can definitely be a budget-buster.
Ranunculus With the appearance of spiraled crepe paper, ranunculus are dainty and delicate. “My personal favorite are the Japanese variety as they have enormous blooms,” offers Jones.
