Dessert Dilema

aimeemerr

I am trying to figure out what to offer guests for dessert as we do not plan to have a wedding cake.... (FI dislikes all cake and I am not a fan of wedding cake either) The meal that we are leaning towards with the caterer comes with a watermelon display for dessert. My question is - is this enough? My other thought (unsure if it is tacky- looking for opinions) is setting up a "station" with plates and metal apple cutters as the favors are going to be caramel apples. This way if the guests wanted to eat them at the reception they would have this option. Thanks for any input in advance!

Milsey32

I know I know I know it's YOUR wedding and YOUR decision.. but let's pretend you're inviting 200 people. If 2 people (B&G) don't like cake... does that justify not getting cake for the rest of the guests? If you don't have cake, I demand something sweet! 

What about a dessert (mini cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, etc) buffet or candy (from fruity to chocolatey) buffet? 

caseyandlizzie

As a guest, I expect there to be some kind of dessert. If you are dead-set against cake than it would be nice to offer something.....cheesecake, pie, cookies, brownies, etc.

brianabrad

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-dilema?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:60afcde9-a39d-4023-9c25-817a463eaea9Post:f62fd42b-47e6-4772-b08a-ff094846b5d1">Re: Dessert Dilema</a>:
[QUOTE]As a guest, I expect there to be some kind of dessert. If you are dead-set against cake than it would be nice to offer something.....cheesecake, pie, cookies, brownies, etc.
Posted by caseyandlizzie[/QUOTE]

I agree with this and I think a lot of guest expect to have cake or something sweet at a wedding. Another option for you might be a dessert bar like Casey mentioned.

We are actually doing an ice cream cake because FI and his mom aren't big cake fans. We are using Coldstone. Just an idea. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

aegrish

I can't imagine very many wedding guests would want to dive into their carmel apples at the reception, and since you're giving them the apples as a favor I wouldn't consider that dessert.  That's fine if you don't like cake, but that's one of my favorites parts of a wedding!  Most guests will be looking for SOME type of cakeish dessert.

AbbeyS2011

Definitely have at least a sheet cake for your guests.  Or some kind of sweets/dessert bar to go with the watermelon display. 

Some people opt for "wedding pies" or cheesecakes, or a Rice Krispies Treat cake is an idea.  Krisy Creme doughnut cakes are another thought.  There are many alternatives to traditional wedding cake.  The only limit is your imagination. 

aimeemerr

Thanks for the input.... Any opinions on if it would be cost savings to do the dessert bar ourselves- the caterer will provide an additional dessert for 1.25 per person....

aimeemerr

Yes, technically I can bring anything- as I am renting the venue and hiring a caterer

caseyandlizzie

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-dilema?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:60afcde9-a39d-4023-9c25-817a463eaea9Post:16d91788-5f47-4b36-aa81-0e8e743c90c4">Re: Dessert Dilema</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes, technically I can bring anything- as I am renting the venue and hiring a caterer
Posted by aimeemerr[/QUOTE]

Definitely check with the caterer though. Ours had a clause that said that they would be the only ones providing food. I asked about this to see if we could bring in homemade foods (like cookies) and they said that we could not.

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-dilema?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:60afcde9-a39d-4023-9c25-817a463eaea9Post:16d91788-5f47-4b36-aa81-0e8e743c90c4">Re: Dessert Dilema</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes, technically I can bring anything- as I am renting the venue and hiring a caterer
Posted by aimeemerr[/QUOTE]

You shouldn't just assume that.  Your catering contract may say that the hired caterer will provide all the food, even though you're renting the venue and hiring a caterer separately. 

In terms of DIY...$1.25 sounds fairly reasonable for dessert.  Do you know what the dessert is that your caterer would provide for that price?  If you made the desserts yourself, you could have more variety for your money, which would just be a different feel, I think (everyone gets a brownie versus dessert buffett, that is). 

aimeemerr

Yes, you are correct I would have to check with my caterer. However, he has been pretty easy going.... 1.25 gives me a choice of a dessert which could range from pies (I was thinking of going this route- just not sure if I had to pick one flavor), apple crisp, tiramasu, strawberry shortcake, indian pudding, brownie sundae, etc. My thought was I probably couldn't do anything better for 1.25 per person and it would be more labor intensive.

acwm

I think 1.25 per person for a catered dessert (including set up and clean up) is very reasonable. That sounds like a great option.

alithebride

there is SO much more than cake that you can do. cupcakes (different kinds), small desserts like napoleans, eclaires etc... you can have a dessert bar instead of cake. you can also have small creme brulee and panna cotta etc..

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dessert-dilema?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:5Discussion:60afcde9-a39d-4023-9c25-817a463eaea9Post:a3216f8f-3560-422f-8b81-9591df6e85b4">Re: Dessert Dilema</a>:
[QUOTE]Yes, you are correct I would have to check with my caterer. However, he has been pretty easy going.... 1.25 gives me a choice of a dessert which could range from pies (I was thinking of going this route- just not sure if I had to pick one flavor), apple crisp, tiramasu, strawberry shortcake, indian pudding, brownie sundae, etc. My thought was I probably couldn't do anything better for 1.25 per person and it would be more labor intensive.
Posted by aimeemerr[/QUOTE]

Those options sound good.  I don't know if it goes with what you're serving for the meal, but I can't imagine brownie sundaes not being a crowd pleaser.  I think if you're not experienced in making food for a larger group, it's hard to keep your costs down, so while you might be able to theoretically do it for cheaper, having it catered will save you the worry and stress and probably won't be too much different, price-wise.  It sounded like from your original post that you'd also have the watermelon display, so people could still choose a lighter option. 

Sarahkayfa

I'd be puzzled by the plates and the apple slicer honestly. You'll have few takers I'd imagine. Honestly, having some kind of dessert provided by your caterer is a better option, and cheaper than candy apples and apple slicers and plates. Talk with your service providers- Your experienced caterer may have great suggestions you haven't considered. and for $1.25 per! You cannot beat that deal.