Listen-up! If you are a cake lover then this article is not for you, I apologize. Cake just isn’t my thing (as pretty as they may be), so I’m all in favor of saving some money and having budget-friendly wedding desserts. The cost of a wedding cake can quickly add up when the price per serving starts around four to five dollars and goes up from there. You are looking at close to $1000 for the cake if you plan on having 200 guests at you wedding. In addition, sometimes caterers charge a cake cutting and serving fee – add another dollar or two per serving.
So, what do I recommend? I have a slight bias to all things chocolate, cookies and ice cream, but there are a few other fun suggestions on my list of budget-friendly wedding desserts.
Dessert Bars (of ANY kind)
Guests LOVE having options. They are like kids in a candy store when they see a dessert bar. It’s the perfect opportunity to indulge and have no shame in doing it. You name the dessert, guests love it.
A few tips on this one:
- Dessert bars are like buffets, guests will try one of everything. Make sure you have 2-3 pieces per guest.
- Prices can quickly add up if you get 2-3 pieces per person. Watch the price points!
- This can also serve as your favor. Add a cute take-home bag and guests can enjoy a sweet treat later!
Jello Shots
While researching popular desserts in America, I was kind of shocked and surprised that Jello made the list on several different sites. Jello doesn’t necessarily come to mind when I think of desserts, but it is extremely budget-friendly and guests love alcohol and cool experiences. It sounds like a winning option to me! I’ve seen some pretty awesome displays caterers have done to make Jello shots look classy and not trashy.
Since not everyone consumes alcohol or likes Jello, I would pair this with another budget-friendly wedding dessert like custard parfaits or mousse shooters just to make sure there is an option for everyone.
Ice Cream Carts or Trucks
I love a good ice cream bar, but more often than not, it gets messy and looks unappealing if not done correctly. Ice cream carts and trucks are the perfect solution. The ice cream is contained and looks cute throughout the entire night.
Popsicles
Similar concept to the ice cream, but with gourmet popsicles. What a perfect option for a hot summer wedding!
Cookie Table
If you haven’t noticed, there’s a grab-and-go theme to everything I’ve mentioned. After dinner guests are full and are ready to dance. A dessert that can be set out later in the night gives guests the option to enjoy something at their leisure. Cookie tables are super easy and a budget-friendly wedding dessert. Just like a dessert bar, a cookie table can also serve as the wedding favor.
The other thing I love about a cookie table is that it is the perfect job to give to all of the family members asking how they can help. Have a few family members bake a couple dozen cookies to cut down on the amount you need to buy.
If cake really isn’t your thing, there are so many budget-friendly wedding desserts that can save you some money. You wedding day is about you and your significant other, so why not enjoy your favorite dessert!
