Ditching the Wedding Cake Entirely

Here's a liberating and economical twist on wedding-day dessert: NOT having a wedding cake at all. My friend who snagged her wedding cake for $13 wins the cheap wedding cake contest hands-down... but for those who won't come across this option, don't be afraid to Just Say No to wedding cake.

Why no cake? Maybe you don't even like cake! Some people don't. My husband and I could have easily passed on the wedding cake extravaganza... it didn't even occur to us not to. There are some exciting wedding-dessert alternatives that will let guests satisfy their sweet tooth without frosting.

Some wedding-cake alternatives to consider:

Cupcakes. You may be able to strike a deal with a local baker who doesn't even have to know they're for a wedding. (Pssst! When people hear it's for your nuptials, they're more likely to hike up the prices).

Other alternative: have a bunch of happy bakers who also happen to be invited to your wedding show up with a dozen cupcakes each in a designated flavor. One cupcake tree on each table, what could be more fun?

These cupcakes are clearly NOT in the frugal bride's price range. Pic courtesy of FlickRiver.com

Pic courtesy of APieceofCakeinChicago.com

Pastries. Talk to your wedding caterer, who may be able to pull some strings and get you pastries on the cheap that have been purchased by an outside vendor. This will then permit you to slice off the cake-cutting fee. Napoleons, cream puffs, eclairs... mmm, who doesn't love pastries?

Pic courtesy ChadsChocolateFountains.com

Chocolate fountain. I had posted the NJ chocolate fountain website on an earlier blog... if you're really into chocolate, this could be a bride and groom dessert dream come true! Serve with fruit and cookies for dipping.

Pic courtesy Yelp.com

Cheesecakes. Big fans of the New York cheesecake? Mmmm... how about a table of cheesecakes in a variety of flavors, from lemon to chocolate to blueberry?