Wedding Cake vs Dessert Table: How to Choose the Perfect Sweet Treat for Your Big Day

Planning your wedding? First off—congrats! You’ve just entered one of the most exciting (and Pinterest-filled) chapters of your life. From choosing the perfect dress to finding your dream venue, it’s all happening fast. But when it comes to desserts, there’s one big question you’ll eventually need to answer:

Do we want a wedding cake, a dessert table... or both?

Let’s be real—who doesn’t love dessert? Whether you’re leaning into tradition or looking to shake things up with a modern twist, we’ve got the pros, tips, and ideas to help you make the tastiest decision for your wedding day.

Elegant multi-tiered wedding cake adorned with flowers.

Why Wedding Cakes Are Still a Classic

It’s More Than Just Cake—It’s a Moment

If you’ve dreamed of that “cutting the cake” moment with your partner while everyone’s watching (and phones are out), a wedding cake is totally for you. It’s a classic for a reason—and it’s got some pretty sweet symbolism too. Cutting the cake together represents unity, partnership, and your very first task as a married couple.

Picture-Perfect Centrepiece

Let’s face it—wedding cakes are gorgeous. Whether you’re after something elegant and simple or a bold, floral masterpiece, it’s going to look amazing in your photos. And it doubles as decor too!

Flavours for Days

These days, cake options go way beyond fruitcake. Think:

• Champagne sponge with vanilla bean buttercream

• Chocolate mud cake with salted caramel

• Lemon & elderflower (hello, royal wedding vibes)

• Raspberry and white chocolate (a crowd fave)

Lots of couples choose different flavours for each tier to keep things interesting. And yes—you get to taste them all during the cake testing.

A vibrant dessert table showcasing an array of colorful pastries and decorative elements.

Why Dessert Tables Are the New Crowd Favourite

So. Much. Variety.

Dessert tables have been gaining major popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Instead of one big cake, you get an entire table filled with:

• Mini tarts

• Doughnuts

• Macarons

• Cupcakes

• Cheesecake bites

• Brownies

• Seasonal fruit

Perfect for guests who like options (and for those who don’t eat cake—yep, they exist).

It’s an Experience, Not Just a Treat

Dessert tables aren’t just about food—they’re fun! You can go interactive with a:

• DIY cupcake bar

• Doughnut wall

• Cookie decorating station

It gets your guests involved and creates a relaxed, chatty vibe.

Styling That Matches Your Vibe

Going rustic? Use wooden boards, wildflowers and vintage platters. Want glam? Bring in gold stands, candles and crystal jars. Dessert tables can be styled to match any theme, and they’ll totally wow your guests.

Charming wedding cake elegantly displayed on a table with surrounding dessert options.

Let’s Talk Budget: Cake vs Dessert Table

Wondering what’s more cost-effective? It depends on a few things.

Feature	Wedding Cake	Dessert Table
Price Range (AUD)	$400–$1,200	$600–$1,500+
Customisation	High	Very High
Serves	Usually per slice	Per person or per piece
Dietary Options	Limited unless custom	Easier to offer variety
Set Up	Easier	More time + styling effort

Tip: Can’t decide? Go for a combo! A small cake for the “cutting moment” plus a dessert table for your guests = best of both worlds.

Consider Your Season and Style

Your wedding season can totally influence your dessert decisions:

Spring/Summer

Think light and fruity—like lemon curd tarts, berry pavlovas, or coconut sponge cakes.

Autumn/Winter

Go for rich flavours—spiced carrot cake, chocolate ganache, or apple pie bars.

And don’t forget to offer a few gluten-free or vegan options if you’ve got dietary needs in your crowd!

Cake or Table? What Matches You Best?

Still not sure which one suits you? Ask yourselves:

• Do we love the tradition of cutting a cake?

• Do we want variety for our guests?

• Do we have a sweet tooth or just want a cute photo moment?

• Do we want to DIY some desserts to save money?

If you’re all about the classic feel and that Insta-worthy cake pic, go for the cake. If you love hosting a fun, relaxed party where everyone gets a sweet they love, dessert tables are a win.

Can’t Pick? Do Both!

One of the biggest trends right now (especially in Sydney weddings) is the combo:

• A small, beautifully decorated cake for the cutting ceremony

• A styled dessert table with all your favourite sweets for guests

You’ll get that traditional moment and give your guests a fun experience with variety. Plus, you can even send leftovers home in cute takeaway boxes—bonus!

Fun Ways to Personalise Your Desserts

Make your sweet treats a reflection of your story:

• Use a cake topper of your dog or a shared hobby

• Include family recipes on your dessert table with cute little signs

• Match your desserts to your wedding colours

• Add personal notes, like “Mum’s favourite chocolate slice”

Little touches like these make your celebration feel extra “you.”

A two-tier wedding cake with white flowers and greenery on an elegant glass stand.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a wedding cake and a dessert table doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of it as just another fun way to make your big day uniquely yours.

Whether you go classic, modern, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is that you and your guests enjoy every bite—and every moment.

Now go forth, taste test everything, and enjoy the sweetest part of wedding planning.