Have you ever heard of a dessert-only wedding reception? If so, are you thinking of having one?
If you’re not really sure what I’m talking about, a dessert-only wedding reception is where the couple getting married only serves dessert at their reception. They don’t provide appetizers. They don’t provide a solid meal at all. Dessert, of any sort, is what’s on the menu. In some cases, this sort of reception can work out very well. And, in others, it can flop.
When a dessert-only wedding reception is done right, everyone should be satisfied and happy when they leave the wedding. When it’s done wrong, guests are hungry, sugar-rushed, and leave looking for the quickest “real” food they can get in their systems. The great news is, though, that getting a dessert-only wedding reception right isn’t that difficult. You just have to plan properly for it.
Dessert-Only Wedding Reception Do’s & Don’ts
This post is going to lay out all the do’s and don’ts of a dessert-only wedding reception. It will go over why you may want to just serve dessert at your wedding. It will also let you know how to inform guests ahead of time, choose the right time of day for your reception, and ensure that everyone has a great experience at your wedding, despite no real meal being served. This post has you covered.
Let’s get into it!
DO’S OF A DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION
I always like to start with the positives. What should you do, when you’re having a dessert-only wedding reception?
These are recommendations that you should take into consideration, so it goes smoothly, makes sense, and your guests are all satisfied with their experience at your wedding. Of course, as always, do what works best for you. If something doesn’t fit your vision, move on from it.
DO START YOUR DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION AT THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY
Look, for some people, dessert is okay at any point in the day. I mean, muffins are basically breakfast-cake, right?
However, for most of us, we can only handle sugar at certain points. I love sweets, but I do not want to eat chocolate first thing in the morning. And, when I’m very hungry, I want more filling food with protein over sugary stuff. Consider the time the day where others are most likely to want to eat sugar when you plan your reception start times.
What do I suggest? In my opinion, a dessert-only reception will work best if it takes time at a point where your guests have already eaten a meal. For example, 2:00pm, which would be after lunch. Or, 7:00pm, aka after dinner. These times give your guests the chance to fill up on “healthy” food before indulging.
DO HAVE LOTS OF DESSERT OPTIONS
Just like with regular wedding food, options are key to making your guests happy.
Why is this, you might ask?
Well, guests have different tastes and dietary restrictions. In fact, if you need tips on accommodating different diets, this is a great post for you. Dessert itself is already limiting, as not everyone can eat sugar. Factor in those who don’t eat gluten, or dairy, or are vegan, and you can expect a lot of leftovers.
I suggest you put some thought into what’s going out there. If you want to have cake, have cake. However, maybe have a smaller gluten free cake handy as well. If you’re excited about having a sundae bar, make it happen, but maybe also have a little dairy free option, too. And, if possible, have something that is sugar-free, just for fun and to include those who can’t take the sweet stuff.
Here are some options that may be popular at a dessert-only wedding reception:
- A large cake, with a small gluten free option
- Sundae bar with all the toppings available (sauces, cherries, nuts), and also something dairy-free for those who are lactose intolerant
- A dessert bar with lots of small options – you can really mix up the bites people can enjoy
- Donuts, cupcakes, cookies, or other goodies that are easy to make, procure, or modify
- A dessert truck that is able to provide a large menu
DO PROVIDE TO-GO BOXES
Most people like to have a little dessert. However, they may not feel like it all the time.
While some guests will still come to your wedding to see your ceremony (if you’re pairing it with your reception), and to socialize, not everyone will want to eat. This is why providing to-go boxes is key for your dessert-only wedding reception.
Now, if the dessert will melt in a to-go box, you can totally skip it. However, if it’s portable, make it happen! This is a great way to double your dessert as a favor and show some creativity.
DO INFORM GUESTS AHEAD OF TIME THAT YOU’RE HAVING A DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION
When invited to a wedding, most people will assume there will be food provided. They will not, however, assume that the food is only dessert.
Be sure to give your guests the heads up that they can’t expect a full meal. That there will be sweets, only sweets, and nothing but the sweets. You can let them know right on your wedding invitation if you want. Simply put “dessert-only reception” on it. And, you can reiterate the message on your wedding website and RSVP cards. Easy peasy.
DO CUT YOUR CAKE, IF YOU WANT
You may have a vision that you and your partner will cut a cake at your wedding. And, you may be worried that with a dessert-only wedding reception, it won’t work. I’m here to tell you, it will.
If you want to cut your cake, spoon your ice cream, slice your tart, and feed it to your partner in front of your wedding guests, make it happen. It doesn’t matter if dessert is all you’re serving. Feeding each other will still be a moment, and it can be a fun one.
MORE DO’S FOR YOUR DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION
These tips don’t necessarily need their own section, but are still noteworthy. In some situations, they may be applicable to your wedding. In others, they won’t be. As always, pick and choose what works for you.
- Do have a transportation plan for your desserts. If you are planning on bringing your own desserts to your reception, make sure you can properly transport them. This can go from ensuring the cake doesn’t fall over, to keeping ice cream cold. Think ahead on what you’ll need to bring, and the logistics to make it happen.
- Do still have entertainment and activities. Just because you’re not serving a big meal doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at your wedding. Feel free to still hire a DJ, a band, or provide some unique wedding entertainment. Guests don’t need chicken or fish to have a good time.
- Do make dessert your theme. Not sure what your wedding theme is? Why not make it “sweet”? You can tie dessert into different décor, and get creative with it.
DON’TS OF A DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION
Alright, now that we’ve gone over what to do at your dessert-only wedding reception, let’s talk about what not to do.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT BEVERAGES
If you’re only serving dessert, it might be tricky to decide what drinks to serve as well. I mean, you already have a lot of sugar in the room. Do you add more? Or do you keep it simple? Is alcohol okay? What are the best drinks to have around?
Well, let’s clear some things up.
You can do whatever works best for your wedding.
Be sure to have water, first and foremost. It may also be nice to have drinks that go well with dessert, like coffee, tea, and milk. Maybe have some soft drink options, but don’t have to go overboard with the carbonated beverages.
And, as for alcohol, serve what feels right. Some champagne, wine, or beer can go nicely with dessert. Hard alcohol may not be absorbed as much if people don’t eat a lot, so I wouldn’t go overboard with the bar options.
DON’T FORGET TO EAT A NORMAL MEAL AHEAD OF YOUR DESSERT-ONLY RECEPTION
Eating on your wedding day is important. And, yes, people will tell you that you won’t have time to eat at your wedding. This may be true, for some, but you should make time to eat before your wedding. If all you’re serving at your reception is sugar, this is even more true.
Be sure to plan a meal for yourself, before your reception. It doesn’t matter if you’re having pizza delivered, and you’re eating it on the way there. I don’t care if you drive through a Taco Bell to get some solid food. You can choose to eat whatever you’d like, but make it happen. If you don’t, and all you have available later is sugar, you’re bound to feel sick eventually. And, nobody wants that on their wedding day.
DON’T RULE OUT GROCERY STORE CAKES AND DESSERTS
Are you thinking about making your own dessert ahead of the wedding? Or just trying to find some affordable options? Check out your local grocery stores!
Fancy bakeries have their time and place, but there is nothing wrong with grocery store cake. They taste great, they aren’t that expensive, and you can put on your own decorations if you’d like. Most grocery stories can even provide a small tiered cake for you, and you can have sheet cakes for additional slices. Plus, you can usually buy other dessert goodies at the same store, for a great price.
DON’T FORGET SEATING AT YOUR DESSERT-ONLY WEDDING RECEPTION
You may assume that if guests aren’t eating a full meal, they don’t need to sit. However, I would assume otherwise.
Unless all of your dessert goodies are true finger foods, requiring no utensils, no plates, and little to no effort, guests will want to sit to enjoy them. The more plates, bowls, or forks needed, the more seating you’ll have to provide. Don’t worry about getting too fancy with it. Simple tables and chairs can suffice. Just think ahead so you can make your reception the most comfortable for guests that it can be.
DON’T PLAN ON HAVING A LONG RECEPTION
Okay, last don’t for your dessert-only wedding reception. Don’t make it too long.
Look, people are going to get hungry for “real food” eventually. This means that after a few hours, especially if there is any dancing going on, you’ve got to provide some non-sugar carbs and protein, or people will go search for it themselves.
Ideally, a dessert-only wedding reception would be about two hours or so. If you’re having a ceremony, go ahead, and then keep the reception part short. There should be enough time for some speeches (if you want), some eating, some socialization, and perhaps some entertainment. After that, people can go on their merry ways.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A dessert-only wedding reception is a great way to have a “sweet” time with guests without making your wedding too complicated. It can be affordable, too. The keys to making sure guests have a great time is to let them know what to expect, be strategic about when your reception is, and making sure it doesn’t last too long. From there, you can design the reception that feels right to you and your partner. Happy wedding planning!
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
Fun Non-Traditional Wedding Food Options
7 Tips For An Affordable DIY Wedding Bar
Halloween Weddings: Appetizer, Drinks, and Dessert Options
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