top of page

Unconventional Sweet Treats: Exploring Unique Wedding Cake Alternatives in Des Moines, Iowa

Writer: The Team at The VineyardThe Team at The Vineyard

Planning your perfect wedding can be both exciting and a little daunting. One of the important choices you’ll face is the wedding cake, a tradition that typically takes center stage at the reception. However, many couples now consider alternatives to the traditional wedding cake. These alternatives not only represent their personality but also provide something refreshing for their guests. In Des Moines, Iowa, numerous creative sweet treats can enchant your guests and build unforgettable wedding memories.


This blog post will explore some fun and unconventional wedding cake alternatives that are trending in Des Moines weddings. From delicious desserts to stunning displays, there's something here for every couple looking to personalize their wedding day.



Cake at The Vineyard


Cupcake Towers: A Sweet Stack of Individual Treats


Cupcakes have surged in popularity as alternatives to traditional wedding cakes. A cupcake tower can serve as a show-stopping centerpiece, giving guests the freedom to select their preferred flavors and toppings.


Picture this: a dazzling tower stacked with cupcakes, featuring flavors from classic vanilla to adventurous lavender lemon or indulgent chocolate salted caramel. You can easily customize these cupcakes to align with your wedding's theme or color palette, enhancing your décor with delightful aesthetics.


Moreover, you might consider setting up a DIY cupcake bar. This will allow guests to personalize their treats with a variety of toppings, such as sprinkles and candies. It's an interactive experience and a fun way to engage your guests.


Eye-level view of a cupcake tower decorated with vibrant frosting
A colorful cupcake tower featuring various flavors and toppings.

Donut Walls: A Sweet Twist on a Classic


Donuts offer a delightful and indulgent option that adds a unique flavor to your wedding reception. A donut wall can serve as both a dessert and a decorative element. Imagine a whimsical arrangement of freshly made donuts with an assortment of glazes and toppings, enticing guests to indulge.


Donuts allow for huge creativity. You can feature flavors like maple bacon, raspberry-filled, or even offer vegan options for a diverse group of guests. Set up the wall so guests can easily access their favorites, making it a memorable highlight of your wedding.


High angle view of a colorful donut wall with assorted flavors
A vibrant donut wall showcasing a variety of donuts with different glazes and toppings.

Macarons: Elegant and Sophisticated Treats


If sophistication is your style, consider a macaron tower. These delicate French cookies can add an elegant touch to your wedding.


Available in a broad spectrum of colors and flavors, macarons not only satisfy guests with their unique almond-flavored shells and creamy fillings but also elevate your wedding décor. Display them on tiered stands or in decorative boxes for guests to take home.


Choosing macarons gives you the chance to align their colors and flavors with your wedding theme, ensuring they enhance the overall aesthetic beautifully.


Close-up view of various colorful macarons arranged elegantly
An assortment of pastel macarons arranged on a decorative display.

Cheesecake Bars: A Creamy Delight


For those who love cheesecake, individual cheesecake bars are a delightful alternative to a traditional cake. They can be personalized with an array of toppings, from fresh fruit to chocolate sauce or caramel drizzles.


These bars not only come in various flavors—think strawberry, chocolate, or pumpkin spice—but are also easy to serve. You could even set up a dessert table filled with mini cheesecake squares or served in individual cups for guests to grab as they mingle. This unique option satisfies your guests’ sweet cravings while offering a twist on a classic dessert.


Pie Stations: A Nostalgic Touch


A selection of pies can add warmth and nostalgia to your wedding event. By establishing a pie station, guests can select from flavors ranging from classic apple and cherry to more unique ones like pecan or chocolate cream.


Create a pie bar that radiates rustic charm, ideal for outdoor or vineyard weddings. Adding cute signage and decorative accents like mason jars enhances this inviting setup.


Pies not only provide a comforting dessert but are also easy to slice and serve, allowing for a fuss-free experience for everyone.


Cookie Tables: A Sweet Spread of Variety


A cookie table offers a wonderful way to provide guests with an assortment of treats, evoking the feel of a warm, homemade celebration. Utilize cherished family recipes alongside popular cookies to create a curated selection ensuring a favorite for everyone.


Consider showcasing a range of cookies, such as chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or indulgent options like lemon blueberry and snickerdoodle. A beautiful presentation using platters, jars, and tiered trays will elevate the visual appeal of your cookie display.


Not only does a cookie table convey a relaxed vibe, but it also gives guests the freedom to sample a variety of flavors throughout the evening.


Ice Cream Bar: Beat the Heat with Sweet Treats


For summer weddings or outdoor celebrations, an ice cream bar can keep guests cool and delighted. Set up various flavors, toppings, and sauces for guests to create their own sundaes.


This interactive dessert option allows couples to select unique flavors that reflect their personalities. For instance, you can include local favorites or create custom combinations that tell your love story.


An ice cream bar offers your guests a fun and engaging experience, allowing them to craft their desserts, which adds an exciting touch to your wedding festivities.


Candy Buffets: A Colorful Treat for All Ages


A candy buffet is a fantastic choice for those wanting to embrace their playful side. Fill jars with an array of colorful candies, including gummy bears, chocolate-covered pretzels, and even custom M&Ms.


This option allows couples to display their favorite sweets while creating a vibrant setup that embodies fun. Themed décor can also reflect your wedding colors or style, transforming your candy table into a stunning centerpiece.


Candy buffets give guests the chance to indulge at their own pace and provide them with small bags of goodies as fun wedding favors.


Fruit Displays: A Fresh and Healthy Alternative


For health-conscious couples, a luxurious fruit display can serve as a refreshing alternative to a traditional cake. You can create an eye-catching centerpiece with seasonal fruits, beautifully arranged.


Include tropical fruits, berries, or even elegant fruit tarts. Enhance this healthy option with chocolate-dipped strawberries for some indulgence.


To elevate the presentation, consider incorporating fresh herbs or edible flowers. This delightful spread will be a refreshing delight, especially during warmer months.


Sweet Alternatives That Shine


Wedding cakes have long been a staple at receptions. However, couples looking to explore unique alternatives have many exciting options at their disposal. From cupcake towers to donut walls, the variety of sweet treats available can reflect your personal style and taste.


In Des Moines, Iowa, couples have access to skilled bakers and dessert makers ready to bring these creative ideas to life. By choosing unconventional desserts, you create a memorable experience for your guests while celebrating your special day in a way that feels true to who you are.


Don’t hesitate to break from tradition. Let your creativity and taste shine through with these unique dessert options. No matter what you choose, your wedding will certainly be a celebration to remember, leaving guests talking about the delicious alternatives for years to come.


__________________________________________________________________________________




Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. 

 
 
 

Comments


The Vineyard at St. Charles

15166 20th Avenue
St. Charles, Iowa 50240

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Facebook

©2024 by The Vineyard at St. Charles. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page