When planning your wedding, deciding on the sweet treats can feel like a major decision. Do you stick with the timeless elegance of a tiered wedding cake, or embrace the playful variety of a dessert bar? This is a common debate among our couples, and the right choice depends on your budget, style, and preferences. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide.
Tiered Cake: The Classic Statement Piece
Photographer: Maya Papaya Pictures | Baker: Inspired Sugar | Planner + Designer: Gardenia Weddings
If you adore cake or have your heart set on a breathtaking design, a tiered wedding cake might be perfect for you. These cakes are iconic showpieces, making them a stunning centerpiece and an essential part of your cake-cutting photos. A tiered cake also provides an opportunity to showcase your personal style, with options for intricate designs, bold colors, or modern patterns.
However, tiered cakes can be expensive, often costing $10–$15 per serving. For weddings with over 100 guests, this can quickly add up. To manage costs, some couples choose to have a smaller tiered cake that serves about 50–60 guests and supplement it with sheet cake or mini desserts for the rest of their guests. This strategy allows you to enjoy the beauty of a tiered cake while staying within your budget.
Dessert Bar: Variety for Every Sweet Tooth
If you’re not a big fan of cake or want to provide a wider range of dessert options for your guests, a dessert bar is a fantastic alternative. Dessert bars offer a fun and interactive experience, allowing your guests to choose from an assortment of mini treats such as macarons, tartlets, cookies, and cupcakes. This variety ensures there’s something for everyone, whether they prefer chocolate, fruit, or something sweet and tangy.
Photographer: Haley Stall Photography | Baker: A Bakeshop | Planner + Designer: Gardenia Weddings
Another advantage of dessert bars is their inclusivity. It’s much easier to accommodate dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or dairy-free options, with a dessert bar than with a tiered cake. From a cost perspective, mini desserts are often priced at $4–$6 each, which can be a more affordable choice depending on your guest count. Additionally, dessert bars can double as part of your decor, creating a visually stunning display that enhances your wedding theme. While planning a dessert bar, it’s essential to ensure you have enough variety and portions for all your guests.
Cutting Cake: A Sweet Compromise
For couples who want to experience the tradition of their first cake cutting but are hesitant about the cost of a multi-tiered cake, a small cutting cake is a great option. These cakes are smaller, typically 6–8 inches in diameter, and are significantly more affordable than tiered cakes. Cutting cakes typically range between $150-$250, depending on if you opt for a 1 or 2 tier and how much of a design you want incorporated.
While they don’t offer the elaborate designs or extensive flavor options of a tiered cake, they are perfect for capturing that picturesque cake-cutting moment.
Keep in mind that, because of their size, cutting cakes are not meant to serve your entire guest list. Therefore, they are often paired with a dessert bar, giving you the best of both worlds!
Photographer: Maya Papaya Pictures | Baker: Avec Amoore | Planner + Designer: Gardenia Weddings
When deciding between a tiered cake, dessert bar, or both, consider your budget, guest count, wedding style, and priorities. A tiered cake offers a timeless, elegant touch and can serve as a centerpiece for your reception. A dessert bar provides variety and flexibility, making it ideal for accommodating different tastes and dietary needs. A cutting cake offers a happy medium, allowing you to honor tradition without a large expense.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong choice—only what feels authentic to you as a couple. Whether you choose a tiered cake, a dessert bar, or a combination of both, your guests will appreciate the care and thoughtfulness you’ve put into making your day uniquely sweet.
WRITTEN BY: Krystal Gardenia, Gardenia Weddings
